If you've ever stepped into our retail shop, placed an order for coffee online, or reached out with a question about your favourite roast — there's a good chance we've already crossed paths.
My name is Aimée Granito, and I've had the privilege of growing up inside the aromatic, bustling, and profoundly human world of Terra Coffee & Tea. It's more than a workplace — it's part of who I am. And I'd love to take a moment to share how that journey began, what it means to me, and where we're headed next.
A Legacy of Values
My father, Carlo Granito, founded Terra in 1978 with a simple but powerful idea: that you can build a business rooted in honesty, compassion, and respect — for growers, employees, customers, and the environment. These values weren't just part of his mission — they became part of our family.
From a young age, I was surrounded by the sights and smells of the roastery: burlap bags of green coffee stacked high, handwritten invoices taped to clipboards, the comforting hum of the roasting machines, and the stories that came in from around the world. I remember climbing coffee stacks in our warehouse, helping to seal bags by hand, and tasting my very first espresso with my dad — a moment that I'll never forget.
Over the years, those childhood moments shaped the way I see business, community, and responsibility. I saw firsthand that success isn't only about growth — it's about doing the right thing, even if its harder or takes longer. That's what my father believes, and what I continue to carry forward today.
From the Source to the Shop
My journey with coffee didn't stop in Montréal. I've had the opportunity to travel through South America and Asia, learning directly from the people who grow and harvest the beans we roast and the teas we import. I've walked through plantations at sunrise, listened to farmers talk about climate challenges and innovation, and shared meals with families who pour their hearts into their crops.
Later, I spent time in Germany to deepen my understanding of espresso and latte art — not just the techniques, but the culture and the ritual that surrounds them. These global experiences changed the way I understand quality, consistency, and care. Every producer we work with has their own story, and it's an honour to be a part of sharing those stories through the products we offer.
What I've learned from these travels is that coffee and tea are about so much more than taste. They are about trust, fairness, and tradition. Every step — from planting and picking to roasting and packaging — represents people and relationships that deserve respect.
What I Do Today
Today, I lead product development, customer service, and sales at Terra. I also manage our retail shop in Montréal and oversee our growing digital presence, including our online store — making it easier than ever for customers across Canada to discover and shop our incredibly wild assortment of specialty handcrafted coffees, teas, and hot chocolates online.
That means I wear a lot of hats — from tasting new teas and planning seasonal blends to responding to customer questions and working with our team on marketing and content. Every email we send, every product we design, and every customer service experience is an opportunity to show care and consistency.
What drives me most is creating an experience where people feel seen and appreciated. Whether someone is discovering Terra for the first time or has been with us for decades, I want them to feel that same authenticity that my father built this company on.
Why I Love What We Do
At Terra, we don't believe in shortcuts. We believe in craft roasting, fair relationships, and doing what's right for our employees, our customers and the planet — even when it's the more challenging path.
Our Torrefazione Artigianale Granito (TAG) roasting method is about more than flavour. It's about patience and precision, allowing the natural sugars in the coffee beans to caramelize just enough to bring out the full character of each origin. That kind of care takes time, and it's something we're proud of.
I also love working with our producers, many of whom we've known for years, and supporting our humanitarian initiatives through the Humaniterra Foundation. Giving back has always been at the core of Terra's mission, and it's something I feel personally connected to.
Looking Ahead
As we continue to grow and evolve, my role is shifting too. I'm excited to share more of what happens behind the scenes — from sourcing to roasting, from new product launches to customer spotlights. We'll also be focusing on creating helpful content for our community, like brewing tips, sustainability practices, and ways to get the most from your Terra experience — whether in store or when you buy your coffee online.
So whether you're a loyal customer, a curious newcomer, or someone just starting to explore specialty coffee and tea — welcome, we're so glad you're here.
Thank you for being part of the Terra family. We don't just serve coffee — we serve community. And I'm honoured to continue the work my family started with heart, purpose, and a little bit of steam.
Warmly,
Aimée
