The National Coffee Association (NCA) of the United States has announced the recipients of its prestigious annual awards, which will be honored at the upcoming NCA conference scheduled for March 7 in Houston, Texas. Among the awardees are Allan Colley, who will receive the 2025 NCA Distinguished Leadership Award, and Kyle Bawot, who has been recognized as the 2025 NCA Volunteer of the Year. Additionally, the nonprofit organization Root Capital will be awarded the NCA’s “Origin Charity of the Year” award.
### Honoring Root Capital
Root Capital, a leader in farmer-focused lending, has made significant strides in the agricultural sector, particularly within the coffee industry. To date, the organization has provided over $2 billion in loans to more than 800 agricultural enterprises, emphasizing its commitment to creating positive social impacts through lending and advisory services rather than traditional charitable contributions.
NCA President and CEO Bill Murray highlighted the importance of Root Capital’s work, stating, “Root Capital provides farming families with access to financing and services that focus on gender equity, climate action, and next-generation jobs. With this award, we recognize the deep impact of the organization’s holistic approach to improving the lives of coffee farmers around the world.”
### Allan Colley: A Legacy of Leadership
Allan Colley has been a pivotal figure in the coffee industry, having started his career in 1973 at Dupuy Group, a company founded by his father. Colley ascended to become the president of the company, a position he held until its sale in 2023. His contributions to the industry extend beyond his leadership role at Dupuy; he has also served as the president of the Southern Coffee Association and the Green Coffee Association. As a long-time member of the NCA, Colley has been a consistent advocate for the warehousing sector and has sponsored numerous events.
Under Colley’s guidance, Dupuy Group made significant advancements, including the installation of the first green coffee silo in the United States in 1992, among other technological innovations in coffee warehousing and storage. Bill Murray remarked, “Allan has served the coffee industry for over 50 years with humility, integrity, and generosity. This award honors his visionary leadership, service to the NCA, and contributions to the industry.”
### Kyle Bawot: Championing the Next Generation
Kyle Bawot, recognized as the NCA Volunteer of the Year, serves as a senior director at Ofi, a raw ingredients company. Bawot has been an active member of the NCA’s Next Gen Council since 2019, focusing on fostering the next generation of corporate leadership within the coffee sector. Over the past two years, he has held the position of chair, where he has played a crucial role in formalizing and enhancing numerous council activities. His efforts also led to the launch of the NCA Mentorship Program, which aims to nurture emerging leaders in the coffee industry.
### Looking Forward
The upcoming NCA conference promises to be a significant event in the coffee industry calendar, bringing together key stakeholders to celebrate achievements and discuss the future of coffee. The recognition of individuals and organizations that have made substantial contributions to the industry underscores the NCA’s commitment to fostering leadership and innovation within the sector.
These awards highlight the diverse ways in which individuals and organizations can positively impact the coffee industry, whether through leadership, volunteerism, or innovative lending practices aimed at supporting farmers. The NCA continues to be at the forefront of these efforts, providing a platform for collaboration and growth in the coffee community.
As the coffee industry evolves, the contributions of leaders like Allan Colley and Kyle Bawot, along with organizations such as Root Capital, will play a crucial role in shaping its future. Their commitment to excellence and social responsibility serves as an inspiration to others in the field.
In conclusion, the NCA’s annual awards serve not only to recognize outstanding achievements but also to encourage ongoing commitment to the values of leadership, community, and sustainability that are vital to the coffee industry. As we anticipate the celebrations in Houston, we look forward to seeing how these honorees will continue to influence and support the growth of coffee in the years to come.
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