The story of Manatee Coffee began on the beautiful and historic island of Sanibel, Florida.

Brothers, Brad and Cary Gutwein, frequently boated along the coastal waters and often encountered waterway signs reminding boaters to go slow in the manatee zones. As they learned more about the area's ecosystem, they discovered the manatee and its endangered status, inspiring them to explore ways to support and protect its habitats.

Paired with their passion for coffee, they came across Manatee Coffee, which at the time was tied to Marco Island and Miami. Intrigued by this coffee with a cause, Brad and Cary reached out to the owners to explore ways they could contribute to their mission. This conversation ultimately led them to acquire ownership of Manatee Coffee in 2010.

When Manatee Coffee was acquired, the brothers had an office on Periwinkle Way in Sanibel, Florida. Currently, Manatee coffee is roasted and packaged in Indiana; however, Florida is where the brand began and where the brand maintains its roots and identity.

Today, Manatee Coffee raises awareness for Manatee Conservation through the support of trusted partners including Save the Manatee Club, Mote Marine Laboratory, Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Friends of Manatee Lagoon, and Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Thanks to its customers, more than $89,000 has been donated to trusted organizations who help support manatees and their environments for future generations.