KAHAWA
DIARIES
HOW I TAKE MY COFFEE WITH RUPEN SAMANI
A
bout 14 Years ago when
Viva Global’s CEO, Rupen
Samani, started the
company upon his return
from years of study in
the UK, his first product shipment
was an energy drink! Today,
Viva Global is one of the biggest
distributors of premium wines, beers
and spirits in Kenya. The way he
takes his coffee tells us that Rupen
doesn’t waste time when it comes to
getting things done. He is also a man
who values good flavors and doesn’t
skimp on quality.
What’s your morning routine?
I wake the babies up at 07.00 then
I change them while their mom
prepares the milk. I get dressed, play
with kids again, leave home around
08.30, reach office at 09.00 and have
coffee whilst catching up on emails.
How do you take your morning
coffee?
Straight black with no sugar and no
milk.
What are some of the things that
inspire you to keep going every
day?
My twin boys. You really see life
in a different way when you have
24.
What’s your favourite pastry?
I’m not really a pastry guy. But if I
had to choose, then a plain croissant.
What’s your ideal way to take a
coffee after a meal?
Double espresso.
children. My whole perception of life
has changed and I look at everything
more positively.
supported me from the start. He
was one of the first people that
encouraged me to start Viva.
How many languages do you speak?
Five and a half: English, Swahili,
Hindi, Gujarati, Spanish and French.
French is the half. I feel that knowing
Spanish is actually what got us into
partnership with Concho Y Toro
wines. At the time that I called them,
they were a very big and aggressive
company. I think I managed to
speak to their export director that
day simply because they probably
found it interesting that a Spanish
speaking Kenyan distributor was
reaching out to them.
What do you think it takes to start
your own business?
You need to be creative and brave.
Who do you look up to?
My dad, he’s taught me a lot and
Business-wise what has been your
biggest lesson?
Making money is not the most
important thing, relationships and
partnerships matter a lot more.
Where do see yourself in 10 – 15
years?
On my own vineyard—either in
Spain, Italy or the United States—
sipping a glass of red wine and
reading a book.