OUR STORY
We are Kenyans making coffee for the bold.
Fire Lily Coffee is inspired by the fire lily flower - a symbol of strength, beauty, and resilience across Africa. We created this brand to celebrate coffee as a bridge between culture, community, and possibility.
Our mission is simple: to roast exceptional Kenyan coffee that reflects quality and authenticity, while building direct connections with the farmers who grow it and the people who enjoy it. Every cup is crafted with care, from farm to roast, so you can experience the richness of our heritage and the boldness of our vision.
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OUR VISION
To bridge communities and improve lives through our work with Kenyan coffee.
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OUR MISSION
To enhance the coffee-drinking experience and enrich communities across the globe.
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OUR POSITION
We offer single-origin Kenyan coffee for those who want to slow down, savor, and change the world around them.
HOW WE STARTED
Fire Lily Coffee is more than just single-origin Kenyan coffee - it’s a movement, a journey, and a passion to spark change. Our story began humbly as Exilior Coffee, delivering freshly roasted coffee to porches and farmers markets during the COVID-19 shutdown. It was in those quiet mornings, meeting neighbors and sharing stories over a cup, that Kenyan coffee visionary Francis realized the true power of coffee: to connect, uplift, and transform communities - from Kenya to Portland.
Together with his co-founder and wife, Maya, they set out to create a premium, cause-driven coffee company built on an unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact. As a proud Certified B Corp, Fire Lily coffee stands firmly in its mission to support communities, champion sustainability, and bring purpose to every cup.
With every sip, Fire Lily coffee invites you to experience the bold, vibrant flavors of Kenya - a taste that lingers, inspires, and leaves you craving more than just coffee: it leaves you craving connection, change, and possibility.
What Happened To Exilior?
Noticed the fresh new look? Rest assured, Fire Lily is still family-owned, and Exilior is at the heart of what it represents. We haven't changed what we stand for!
FAQ
What Makes Kenyan Coffee Premium?
Kenya's unique environmental factors elevate its coffee to premium status. Grown at altitudes over 5,500 ft, in mineral-rich volcanic soil, and within agroforestry systems, Kenyan coffee benefits from ideal growing conditions.
The high elevation slows maturation, allowing cherries to develop rich, full flavors, while the soil and sustainable farming practices reduce the need for harmful fertilizers and pesticides.
How Do You Ensure Quality?
The human touch is key to Kenyan coffee's quality. Farmers handpick only the ripest cherries, a meticulous process that ensures the best beans are selected.
The SL28 and SL34 varietals, typicas of Arabica Bourbon, are known for their sweet, complex profiles. Whether naturally processed like our Zawadi or wet-processed like Savannah, Champion, and Binti, each coffee is a labor of love, resulting in a truly exceptional cup.
What Else About The Kenyan Coffee Industry?
Kenyan coffee is more than just a drink; it's a badge of pride for over 6 million Kenyans, including 800,000 smallholder farmers.
This industry connects them to the world, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. Each cup you enjoy is a testament to their dedication and the vibrant culture that coffee cultivates in Kenya.