Farmer Brothers
Corporate brand
UnclaimedAmerican coffee and foodservice supplier serving restaurants, offices, and other commercial customers.
Last updated August 22, 2026
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Overview
Farmer Brothers is an American coffee and foodservice supplier whose roots date to a door-to-door coffee-roasting business founded by Roy E. Farmer in Los Angeles in 1912. The company developed from a regional roaster into a broad commercial supplier serving restaurants, hotels, offices, convenience-oriented foodservice operators, and other institutions. Its assortment has included roasted coffee, specialty coffee, tea, herbs, spices, seasonings, sweeteners, syrups, condiments, equipment, and other supplies used in beverage and food preparation. The business was incorporated in 1923 and expanded beyond roasting through the acquisition of Western Urn Manufacturing, which gave it a presence in coffee equipment. During the 1930s, Farmer Brothers broadened its foodservice range and was roasting more than three million pounds of coffee annually by 1939. Its Torrance, California, facility, opened in 1949, supported substantial growth in production and distribution. The company also adapted part of its manufacturing capacity to wartime production in 1942, when its plant produced technical parts and equipment for military use. Farmer Brothers became publicly traded after the death of founder Roy E. Farmer in 1951, when estate-tax obligations led his son Roy F. Farmer to sell part of the company to public investors. The shares later traded on Nasdaq under the symbol FARM. Under successive generations of Farmer family leadership, the company emphasized route-based distribution, branch operations, and close service relationships with commercial customers. Major portfolio and channel developments included the addition of herbs and seasonings in 1963, the creation of an Office Coffee Division in 1972, and nationwide expansion in 1988. In the 2000s and 2010s, Farmer Brothers pursued geographic and category expansion through acquisitions and specialty-coffee initiatives. It acquired Coffee Bean International and the Panache brand in 2007, purchased Sara Lee's direct-store-delivery coffee business in 2009, and established a direct-trade partnership and the Public Domain Coffee House in Portland in 2010. Later acquisitions included China Mist Tea in 2016 and Boyd's Coffee and West Coast Coffee in 2017. Project D.I.R.E.C.T., a sourcing and producer-support initiative, expanded from Nicaragua to Brazil. The company moved its headquarters from Torrance to Northlake, Texas, in 2015. It subsequently introduced equipment-service capabilities, including Revive Equipment Service & Restoration, partnered with High Brew Coffee, and opened a large West Coast distribution center in Rialto, California. In 2023, Farmer Brothers sold its direct-ship business and its Northlake coffee facility, together with its non-direct-store-delivery coffee business, to TreeHouse Foods. These transactions narrowed the company's operating footprint and reshaped its distribution model. John Moore became president and chief executive officer in February 2024. In 2025, Farmer Brothers added a direct-to-consumer e-commerce channel and launched Sum>One Coffee Roasters, described as its first specialty coffee brand. The company was subsequently acquired by Royal Cup Coffee and Tea in an all-cash transaction reported at $1.29 per share. Following completion of the transaction in May 2026, Farmer Brothers became privately held and its common stock ceased trading on Nasdaq.
History
Farmer Brothers began in 1912, when Roy E. Farmer roasted coffee beans and sold them door to door in Los Angeles. The enterprise was incorporated in 1923 and soon expanded beyond coffee roasting through the purchase of Western Urn Manufacturing, entering the coffee-equipment business. During the 1930s, the company added broader foodservice products and reached annual coffee sales of more than three million pounds by 1939. In 1942, the company adapted its plant to support wartime manufacturing. Female machinists produced technical components and equipment for military use. Farmer Brothers opened a large headquarters and production facility in Torrance, California, in 1949. The site helped increase annual coffee sales to more than 14 million pounds and became an important base for the company's distribution network. Roy E. Farmer died unexpectedly in 1951. His son, Roy F. Farmer, assumed control, and estate-tax obligations led to the sale of part of the company's stock to public investors. Farmer Brothers subsequently traded on Nasdaq under the symbol FARM. Roy F. Farmer maintained a cost-conscious operating model based on branch locations, route distribution, and service to commercial accounts. The company added herbs, spices, and seasonings in 1963, established an Office Coffee Division in 1972, and expanded nationally in 1988. The business reached reported peak sales of $240 million in 1998 and operated nearly 100 branches across 29 western states. That period also brought shareholder criticism concerning operational transparency, strategic communication, engagement with Wall Street analysts, and the composition of the board. The company retained a relatively private management culture despite being publicly traded. Roy F. Farmer died in 2004 after more than five decades associated with the company's leadership. His son, Roy E. Farmer, had recently become president and CEO and also assumed the chairmanship. Roy E. Farmer died in January 2005, leading to the appointment of Guenter Berger as interim CEO. Roger M. Laverty III later became president and CEO. During Laverty's tenure, Farmer Brothers acquired Coffee Bean International and its Panache brand in Portland in 2007 and bought Sara Lee's direct-store-delivery coffee business in 2009. The company entered specialty coffee more deliberately after acquiring Coffee Bean International. It established a direct-trade partnership in 2010 and opened Public Domain Coffee House in Portland as a coffeehouse, barista-training site, and product-development laboratory. Public Domain became a visible showcase for the company's higher-end coffees. Farmer Brothers marked its centennial in 2012 and appointed Michael Keown as president and CEO. Mark Nelson became CFO in 2013. In 2015, the company announced the relocation of its headquarters to Northlake, Texas, while expanding Project D.I.R.E.C.T. in Nicaragua. It acquired China Mist Tea in 2016 and Boyd's Coffee and West Coast Coffee in 2017. Project D.I.R.E.C.T. later expanded to Brazil in 2018. Deverl Maserang became president and CEO in 2019, followed by Scott Drake as CFO in 2020. Farmer Brothers continued to develop equipment and distribution services in 2021, when it launched Revive Equipment Service & Restoration, partnered with High Brew Coffee, and opened a more than 150,000-square-foot West Coast distribution center in Rialto, California. In 2023, the company sold its direct-ship business and its Northlake facility, together with its non-direct-store-delivery coffee business, to TreeHouse Foods. The transaction was completed in July and materially changed the company's operating structure. John Moore became president and CEO in February 2024. In 2025, Farmer Brothers launched a direct-to-consumer online store and introduced Sum>One Coffee Roasters, its first specialty coffee brand. In 2026, Royal Cup Coffee and Tea agreed to acquire the company in an all-cash transaction. After completion of the transaction in May 2026, Farmer Brothers became privately held and its Nasdaq listing ended.
- 2026
Acquired by Royal Cup Coffee and Tea
[1]The acquisition was completed and Farmer Brothers became privately held.
- 2025
Direct-to-consumer platform and Sum>One launched
[1]Farmer Brothers entered online home delivery and launched Sum>One Coffee Roasters.
- 2024
John Moore becomes CEO
[1]John Moore was appointed president and chief executive officer.
- 2023
Businesses and Northlake facility sold to TreeHouse Foods
[1]Farmer Brothers sold its direct-ship business and selected coffee operations and assets to TreeHouse Foods.
- 2017
Boyd's Coffee and West Coast Coffee acquired
[1]The company added two coffee businesses to its portfolio.
- 2016
China Mist Tea acquired
[1]The acquisition expanded the company's tea business.
- 2015
Headquarters moved to Texas
[1]The company announced a move from Torrance to Northlake, Texas.
- 2012
Centennial year
[1]Farmer Brothers marked its 100th anniversary and appointed Michael Keown as CEO and president.
- 2010
Direct-trade program and Public Domain introduced
[1]Farmer Brothers began a direct-trade partnership and opened Public Domain Coffee House in Portland.
- 2009
Sara Lee direct-store-delivery business acquired
[1]The company acquired Sara Lee's direct-store-delivery coffee business.
Products and positioning
B2B foodservice supplier combining coffee roasting, beverage products, route distribution, equipment support, and related restaurant supplies.
Coffee · 1912
Commercial coffee
Farmer Brothers' core product line consists of roasted coffee supplied to restaurants, offices, and other foodservice accounts. The portfolio has included standard commercial blends, premium products, and coffees associated with acquired brands and specialty operations. Coffee is typically sold through business-to-business distribution and supported by equipment, replenishment, and service capabilities.
Tea
Tea
Tea became an important part of the company's foodservice assortment as Farmer Brothers diversified beyond coffee. The portfolio was strengthened by the acquisition of China Mist Tea in 2016 and serves commercial beverage programs requiring packaged tea and related preparation supplies.
Specialty coffee · 2010
Public Domain Coffee
Public Domain was established in Portland as a Farmer Brothers subsidiary and flagship coffeehouse. It functioned not only as a retail-facing café but also as a laboratory and training location for baristas. The concept showcased higher-end coffees and represented the company's effort to build a specialty-coffee presence after acquiring Coffee Bean International.
Specialty coffee · 2025
Sum>One Coffee Roasters
Sum>One Coffee Roasters was introduced in 2025 as Farmer Brothers' first specialty coffee brand. Its launch extended the company's brand architecture beyond traditional and premium commercial coffee and complemented the company's move into direct-to-consumer online sales.
Foodservice supplies · 1930
Foodservice ingredients and condiments
The company has supplied a broad range of products used by foodservice operators, including herbs, spices, seasonings, sweeteners, syrups, condiments, and other beverage or preparation items. These products support Farmer Brothers' positioning as a consolidated supplier rather than a coffee-only roaster.
Foodservice equipment · 1923
Coffee equipment and service
Farmer Brothers entered coffee equipment through Western Urn Manufacturing and has historically paired beverage products with equipment and field support. Its later Revive Equipment Service & Restoration initiative extended this capability by focusing on the maintenance and restoration of equipment used in commercial beverage programs.
Marketing campaigns
- 2015Project D.I.R.E.C.T.
Nicaragua · Brazil
Farmer Brothers expanded Project D.I.R.E.C.T., a coffee-sourcing initiative, in Nicaragua and later extended it to Brazil in 2018.
Outcome. The program broadened the company's direct sourcing and producer-engagement activities.
- 2010Direct Trade partnership
United States
Farmer Brothers established its first direct-trade partnership as part of a broader effort to develop specialty coffee and strengthen relationships within the coffee supply chain.
Outcome. The initiative supported the company's specialty-coffee positioning and preceded further sourcing and retail-development efforts.
- 2010Public Domain Coffee House
United States · Portland, Oregon
Public Domain Coffee House was opened in downtown Portland as a branded coffeehouse, barista-training facility, and testing environment for Farmer Brothers' specialty coffees.
Outcome. The venue gave the company a public-facing specialty-coffee showcase and supported training and product development.
Brand decisions
2026
Acquisition by Royal Cup Coffee and TeaM&ABackground
Royal Cup Coffee and Tea agreed to acquire Farmer Brothers in an all-cash transaction.
Action taken
The acquisition was completed after shareholder approval, taking Farmer Brothers private and ending its Nasdaq listing.
Aftermath
Farmer Brothers became part of Royal Cup Coffee and Tea and its common stock ceased trading.
Offer price per share. $1.29 per share (March-May 2026)
2025
Direct-to-consumer e-commerce launchProduct launchBackground
Farmer Brothers expanded beyond its traditional business-to-business distribution model.
Action taken
The company launched an online platform for home delivery of coffee, tea, and spice products.
Aftermath
The platform created a direct consumer sales channel for the brand portfolio.
2025
Launch of Sum>One Coffee RoastersProduct launchBackground
The company sought to strengthen its specialty-coffee presence and diversify its brand portfolio.
Action taken
Farmer Brothers launched Sum>One Coffee Roasters as its first specialty coffee brand.
Aftermath
The launch broadened the company's consumer and specialty-coffee positioning.
2023
Sale of selected businesses and Northlake facility to TreeHouse FoodsM&ABackground
Farmer Brothers pursued a narrower operating model by divesting its direct-ship business and selected coffee assets.
Action taken
The company sold its direct-ship business, Northlake coffee facility, and non-direct-store-delivery coffee business to TreeHouse Foods.
Aftermath
The transaction was completed in July 2023 and reduced Farmer Brothers' operating footprint.
Reported transaction value. $100 million (June-July 2023)
2009
Acquisition of Sara Lee direct-store-delivery coffee businessM&ABackground
Farmer Brothers aimed to increase its route-based commercial coffee distribution.
Action taken
The company acquired Sara Lee's direct-store-delivery coffee business.
Aftermath
The transaction expanded Farmer Brothers' customer and distribution footprint.
Reported transaction value. $45 million (2009)
2007
Acquisition of Coffee Bean InternationalM&ABackground
Farmer Brothers sought to expand beyond traditional commercial coffee and build a specialty-coffee platform.
Action taken
The company acquired Coffee Bean International and its Panache brand in Portland, Oregon.
Aftermath
The acquisition provided a foundation for later initiatives including Public Domain Coffee House.
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