Dr. Joseph John, a former nuclear physicist who became a pivotal figure in introducing and promoting high-quality Indian coffee in the United States, passed away on September 15 at the age of 88. With his wife, Urmila, he founded the San Francisco-based Josuma Coffee Company in 1992, establishing a crucial link between Indian coffee estates and the American specialty coffee market.
Originally from Tamil Nadu, India, Dr. John transitioned from a career in nuclear physics to the coffee industry by chance in the early 1990s. He established Josuma Coffee to focus on sourcing high-grade coffees directly from Indian producers at a time when the origin was largely overlooked by US specialty roasters. He worked closely with both growers and the Coffee Board of India to elevate quality standards and expand India's presence in the American market.
Beyond sourcing, Dr. John made significant contributions as an educator and innovator. He developed the company's signature Malabar Gold Espresso, a blend composed entirely of Indian coffees, to demonstrate their potential. He also became a respected voice advocating for the inclusion of high-quality robusta in espresso, challenging industry norms through lectures at trade events and articles in industry publications. His educational work was later compiled in his 2023 book, "Creating a Perfect Espresso".