Who Makes McDonald's Coffee?

It might not be as whimsical as a Shamrock Shake, or as fun as a toy in a McDonald's famous Happy Meal — but that doesn't mean that the humble cup of coffee isn't as iconic to McDonald's as any other menu item, seasonal or otherwise. McDonald's coffee is signature to the Golden Arches, and arguably stands as one of the best McDonald's menu items of all time, fueling road trips and morning commutes alike. And the coffee's popularity isn't just a matter of convenience, either. McDonald's coffee has been praised for its smooth and rich taste, making it a delightful drink even without the addition of cream or sugar. (Though, of course, cream and sugar is a matter of personal preference.) 

Yes, McDonald's coffee is both delicious and inexpensive. But what company is behind that iconic cup of McDonald's coffee? Well, according to McDonald's website, a company called Gaviña Gourmet Coffee is responsible for providing coffee for the worldwide fast food chain. Gaviña Gourmet Coffee has provided coffee products to McDonald's for over 40 years — since 1983, when the company began stocking coffee for just 10 McDonald's locations. After eventually supplying most of the McDonald's locations on the West Coast, Gaviña has since become the chain's primary supplier, and an integral part of the McDonald's brand.

Gaviña Gourmet Coffee is a family-owned brand. It was founded in 1870 in Southern Cuba by the Gaviña family, who still owns the company to this day. The family moved to Los Angeles in 1963 and founded Gaviña & Sons, Inc. in 1967. However, the company has shifted its business model in the years since its founding. Originally, the company focused on coffee bean cultivation. But now, Gaviña focuses more on wholesale distribution of its coffee products. 

The company still roasts coffee beans at its plant in Vernon, California, and you don't have to make a pit stop at McDonald's just to enjoy the coffee. Gaviña Gourmet Coffee is available to purchase at many major retailers; and so are the other brands under its label, including Don Francisco's Coffee and Café La Llave Espresso.

Gaviña uses arabica coffee beans from Brazil, Colombia, Guatemala, and Costa Rica. The quality of this coffee is clearly apparent when you try a cup from McDonald's. The medium-roasted beans are typically brewed every 30 minutes at many McDonald's locations, which ensures that your cup of coffee will be perfectly fresh, not burnt or bitter. Next time you order coffee from McDonald's, make sure to remember the family-owned brand behind the cup.