Our History

In the Fall of 1997, four families were joined by a goal to improve the lives of marginalized producers in developing countries, through trading partnerships that were: more direct, more humane, and more personalized.

Under the name of Level Ground Trading, these four families established their first direct trading partnership with a cooperative of small-scale farmers in Colombia. As a small home based business, Level Ground roasted coffee into all hours of the morning, and made sales calls out of living room offices. While sales grew, Level Ground made sure to keep the company secured to a triple bottom line of people, planet, and profits. New employees were welcomed on board with fair wages, and ample-benefits.

In 2001 Level Ground donated funds to purchase a commercial dehydrator, and helped establish an independent Colombian fruit drying company in Bogotá, Colombia. Soon followed Panela Cane sugar, Café La Paz Bolivian coffee, and Café Pangoa Peruvian coffee.

In 2003 the company was awarded the Ethics in Action award for Business Ethics and Leadership.

In 2005 Level Ground’s waste policy won recognition by the Victoria Capital Regional District: Ecostar Award.

In 2006 two high quality East African coffees, Café Mbeya from Tanzania and Café Awasa from Ethiopia, were sourced directly from farming communities and direct trade relationships were started in Africa.

Today Level Ground is proud to be recognized by WorkLife BC for excellence in a small workplace.

In 2008 Level Ground looks forward to moving into a new facility on the Saanich peninsula.