OUR STORY

“Our mission is to share Vietnamese coffee and culture with curious people everywhere.”

Timen and Scott examining coffee beans at a processing site, surrounded by blue barrels and machinery, showcasing an interactive coffee production experience.

Who we are

We are a passionate team of coffee enthusiasts, primarily from Việt Nam, with members from the USA and Europe, united to bring the rich flavors and traditions of Vietnamese coffee to the world. Our journey began with a simple idea: to source exceptional beans from every corner of Việt Nam and share our love for Vietnamese coffee through your senses and authentic storytelling. Today, we’re proud to produce award-winning blends in our top-in-class production facility, trusted by leading hotels and premium retailers, and enjoyed by thousands of curious consumers every day.

Timen presenting about Lacàph mission and vision

Brand story

Timen spent over a decade immersing himself in the vibrant culture of Việt Nam, a time during which he envisioned creating a coffee brand to share the country’s rich coffee heritage with the world. Despite having no prior experience in the coffee industry, Timen sought a partner who could complement his vision with expertise. He found this in Scott Sehoon Bahng, a seasoned Korean coffee professional with a profound interest in Vietnamese coffee.

Together, they embarked on a journey to bring Việt Nam’s distinctive coffee culture to the global stage. Their collaboration led to the founding of Lacàph, driven by a shared goal: to offer the very best of Việt Nam to coffee lovers everywhere. Scott’s extensive knowledge and dedication were instrumental in crafting Lacàph’s signature blends, setting a new specialty coffee standard that celebrates both quality and cultural authenticity.

Scott linkedin avatar

If you’d like to connect with Scott 
reach out to him on LinkedIn

or explore his latest venture,
Underdog Coffee, on Instagram

What Makes Us Unique

Whether through the rich flavors of our meticulously sourced beans or the cultural stories we share, Lacàph represents a fusion of quality, tradition, and innovation that stands out in the market.

What sets us apart is our unwavering dedication to coffee quality and storytelling. At Lacàph, we craft award-winning coffee products that authentically narrate the story of Việt Nam—free from artificial flavorings, preservatives, or fillers.

Luỹ Blend, an award-winning coffee products of Lacàph, a symphony of Vietnamese spirit.

Our coffee-themed experiences offer everyone a daily opportunity to connect with Vietnamese coffee culture, transforming each cup into a journey of discovery. We believe in the power of stories and cultural connections, making every sip an invitation to explore the heart of Việt Nam.

A cozy coffee workshop hosted by Lacàph with people gathered around a coffee roasting machine, observing as a person presents freshly roasted coffee beans on a plate.
A post stamp with Lacàph's signature flower in the center, surrounded by the text reads "Coffees for the curious".
Timen and his wife.

A message from
the founder…

I first arrived in Việt Nam during the summer of 2006. I was 20, with five weeks to explore and little idea what to expect. Fast forward 13 years: I’d built a life here—living, working, and even cofounding a few businesses. But something gnawed at me: none of those ventures had a meaningful connection with the very country I love and call home.

Then, not long after meeting my wife, I knew it was time to do something new. I wanted to create a brand that truly celebrated her country—its culture, its flavors, its people. That’s how Lacàph came to life in January of 2020. We’re here to share Việt Nam’s amazing coffees with the world and bring the stories, the culture, of this vibrant country to curious people everywhere.

Lacàph is much like a love letter, written one cup and one story at a time.

I hope you enjoy the journey with us.

Timen's signature.
Timen R. ter Meulen Swijtink
Founder & Managing Director, Lacàph
Envelope.

from the team

At Lacàph, we thrive on the power of diverse perspectives. Our senior leadership team is a collective of individuals from varied backgrounds and experiences, each contributing a unique lens to our shared mission.

What unites us is a singular commitment to our vision: building a brand that not only delivers exceptional coffee and cultural experiences but also resonates deeply with those we serve. Inspired by Việt Nam’s rich heritage, we are guided by core values that shape every decision we make—curiosity, open-mindedness, ambition, prioritization, teamwork, and storytelling.

Each of us brings the richness of our journeys—shaped by different industries, cultures, and experiences—toward a common purpose: creating something greater than ourselves. We believe in the synergy that comes from collaboration and the strength that diversity brings to our vision.

As we grow and evolve, we remain steadfast in our promise to foster a culture of excellence and connection. We listen. We learn. And we lead with integrity, ensuring that every step reflects our aspirations and honors the trust you place in us.

We are excited about the journey ahead and grateful for the privilege of sharing it with you.

— The Senior Team —