Royal Cup Coffee

The story of Royal Cup Coffee and Tea begins in a modest fashion, characteristic of many great narratives. In the year 1896, Henry T. Batterton traversed the streets of Birmingham, Alabama, with his horse-drawn wagon, selling coffee. His enterprise, named Batterton Coffee Company, offered coffee of such freshness and flavor that it was considered worthy of royalty. The exceptional taste of the coffee led the local community to refer to it as a “royal” brew. As the years passed, Batterton Coffee Company experienced significant growth and success, firmly establishing itself as a prosperous business in a small southern city. The company underwent a transformation in 1950 when William E. Smith acquired it, leading to its rebranding as Royal Cup Coffee. To this day, the Smith family retains ownership and management of the business. Over the course of a century, Royal Cup Coffee and Tea has expanded from its humble local beginnings to become a major player in the importation, roasting, and distribution of the world’s finest specialty and premium coffees and teas. The company now extends its services throughout the U.S., Mexico, and the Caribbean, catering to a diverse clientele in the food service, hospitality, office, and specialty coffee markets.