Getting to know Ala Al-Muraish – CEO & Co-Founder of Die Synthese.
What's the story behind Die Synthese and how did it all start?
Die Synthese began with a deep commitment to preserving and sharing Yemen’s coffee heritage, intertwined with a vision of innovation. For us, and especially for Ala, Die Synthese’s Co- Founder and a Yemeni living abroad, the absence of Yemeni specialty coffee in cafés and the lack of awareness about Yemen’s role in popularizing coffee inspired a mission. Through conversations with baristas and roasters, we discovered that many were unfamiliar with Yemen’s foundational role in coffee’s history, or had never tasted the unique tradition of Yemeni coffee.
This quest led us to build a bridge to the land of mokha, embracing both our personal and the world’s coffee heritage. Today, as Yemeni specialty coffee co-producers, importers, and distributors, we play a vital role in representing the centuries-old Yemeni coffee tradition and sharing it with new audiences worldwide.
Can you share more about your approach to sourcing and roasting coffee?
Die Synthese reflects this journey with a mission to explore traditional know-how while fostering innovation. Our approach blends history, practice, and a forward-looking philosophy. By establishing this dialogue, Die Synthese aims to redefine the way Yemeni coffee is appreciated and produced, shaping a future that stays connected to its roots while embracing contemporary expressions. Together, these stories underline a commitment to sharing the world’s oldest coffee legacy with a modern audience.
Yemen’s coffee is like a time machine that transports you through the centuries, offering a glimpse into the ancient origins of coffee. Every sip reveals the intricate layers of history and the distinctive Yemeni terroir, embodying centuries of tradition. Should coffee farming in Yemen ever cease, something profoundly unique and irreplaceable would be lost.
At Die Synthese, we are committed to preserving this rich heritage and sharing it with the world in a fresh, innovative way. Our mission goes beyond simply offering coffee; we are telling the story of Yemen’s deep-rooted connection to coffee and its future potential. What the world has seen of Yemeni coffee is only the beginning, and we are dedicated to continuing this journey—ensuring that Yemen’s coffee legacy endures and evolves for generations to come.
What motivated Die Synthese to explore the capsule coffee format?
Die Synthese’s exploration of the coffee capsule format began after discovering the Drink Morning Machine. Given that Yemeni coffee is expensive and achieving the perfect extraction through a capsule machine was initially a challenge, this inspired us to take on that very task. We are proud to introduce Yemeni coffee in capsule form, offering a different and accessible way to enjoy its rich flavors, even though the cost of producing these capsules remains high. This innovation allows more people to experience Yemeni coffee in a new and convenient way.
We all have our morning routines, and coffee is often a crucial part of it. What is your morning ritual like?
Our morning routine starts with Yehan and me waking up and heading to the kitchen without thinking to prepare only Yemeni coffee. We either use a pour-over or the Morning capsule machine, selecting our saved recipe in the Drink Morning app. After that, we take our dog, Bello, for a walk, enjoy a light breakfast, and then head off to work.
