As House of Beans Shines at Trade Exhibit… President Bio Hails Local Coffee Makers
By Mackie M. Jalloh
In a powerful endorsement of homegrown talent and innovation, President Julius Maada Bio has called for renewed national pride in locally produced goods, particularly highlighting Sierra Leone’s emerging coffee and beverage industry as a symbol of resilience, creativity, and sustainable growth.
Speaking at the Manufacturers’ Round Table Conference and Made in Sierra Leone Exhibition organized by the Ministry of Trade and Industry, President Bio praised the country’s growing network of small and medium-scale manufacturers for their commitment to quality and sustainability.
“Our local products are good — our juices, our ideas, and our hopes are better,” the President said passionately. “We must continue to support our local producers, encouraging them to maintain and improve quality, enhance packaging, and strengthen advertising and merchandising.”
He further emphasized his personal appreciation for Sierra Leonean coffee, stating,
“I have seen a lot of people producing very good coffee — and I am passionate about that because I drink Sierra Leone coffee.”
The President’s remarks resonated deeply with local entrepreneurs, including John Shallop, CEO and Founder of House of Beans, one of the rising stars in Sierra Leone’s food and beverage industry.
Founded less than a year ago, House of Beans has already made a significant mark in Sierra Leone’s local manufacturing scene. The company specializes in transforming locally grown coffee beans, cacao, cassava, and cashew nuts into a variety of high-quality, proudly Sierra Leonean products.
From Espresso coffee and flavored coffee beans to rich chocolate bars, cooking chocolate, cookies, and signature ice creams, the brand is redefining what “Made in Sierra Leone” truly means.
Shallop explained that their mission goes beyond profit—it’s about creating value from local produce and positioning Sierra Leone as a competitive player in the global coffee and confectionery market.
“We use what our farmers grow — from coffee beans to cacao and cassava flour — and turn them into products that can compete anywhere in the world,” Shallop said. “Our dream is to take Sierra Leone’s natural goodness beyond our borders.”
Among their standout creations are:
• Espresso Capsules
• Swit Scoops Ice Cream & Stick Ice Cream
• House of Beans Coffee (Ground & Beans)
• Assorted Chocolate Bars and Gift Packs
• Cassava Flour Cookies
The brand’s innovative use of local ingredients like cashew nuts and cassava flour in ice cream and bakery products has made it a household name in Freetown and other regional cities including Bo, Kenema, Makeni, and Kono.
The Made in Sierra Leone Exhibition, themed “Diversifying Sierra Leone’s Economy through Manufacturing — A Renewed Commitment for Inclusivity, Sustainability, and Green Growth,” served as a platform to celebrate local manufacturing excellence and encourage investment in sustainable industries.
President Bio commended businesses like House of Beans for demonstrating how innovation and sustainability can go hand in hand in transforming local economies.
“We must inspire others who wish to import to do so responsibly — in ways that complement, not compete with, our local industries,” he stated.
Where to Find House of Beans
Consumers can experience the full range of House of Beans products at their factory located at 146B Wilkinson Road, Freetown. The company is also active on social media:
• Instagram: @houseofbeans_sl
• TikTok: @houseofbeans_sl
• Website: www.houseofbeans.co
• Phone: +232 77 622 622
As President Bio continues to champion Sierra Leone’s economic diversification, brands like House of Beans stand as shining examples of how local innovation, sustainability, and pride in domestic production can drive national transformation—one cup of Sierra Leonean coffee at a time.
