Emily McIntyre On Building The Future Of Coffee

Emily McIntyre is the CEO of Swift Coffee Sourcing, a boutique importer specializing in ethically sourced, high-quality coffee from Peru and Ethiopia. Under her leadership, Swift has nearly quadrupled growth expectations in its first year and boasts a newsletter open rate of over 50%, exemplifying her impact as a storyteller and connector in the specialty coffee industry. A former journalist, world traveler, and consultant to over 100 companies, Emily is known for her unconventional career path, operational expertise, and ability to blend narrative with business strategy.

In this episode…

Coffee, often a staple of daily routines, is far more than a morning pick-me-up. Behind every cup lies a story of resilience, relationships, and complex global systems that are increasingly under pressure. What does it really take to build a sustainable, people-centered future for coffee beyond just brewing a great cup?

For Emily McIntyre, the answer starts with human connection, adaptability, and a deep understanding of the coffee supply chain. Drawing from years of experience — and hard-earned lessons from failure and reinvention — she emphasizes that trust-based relationships with producers in Ethiopia and Peru are the backbone of meaningful impact. Emily emphasizes that long-term success in coffee requires people-first leadership, honest communication, and business models that are resilient enough to serve both producers and buyers in a volatile industry.

On this episode of the Firebelly Social Show, Duncan Alney talks with Emily McIntyre, CEO of Swift Coffee Sourcing, about her remarkable journey in the world of coffee. Emily shares her experience rebuilding after major setbacks, the importance of authentic storytelling, and how to build resilient relationships with coffee producers in places like Ethiopia and Peru. She also talks about how small importers can survive and thrive in today's volatile coffee market.