Sissiboo Coffee

Sissiboo Coffee

Sissiboo Coffee Roaster Ltd., a beloved Nova Scotia roastery, is brewing up its next chapter with a growth initiative supported by ACOA. Focused on streamlining operations and embracing digital tools, the project is helping Sissiboo boost production, improve customer engagement, and build a strong foundation for future expansion across Atlantic Canada and beyond.
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Objective

Sissiboo Coffee Roaster Ltd., a respected Nova Scotia-based roastery, launched a $75,000 growth initiative with the support of $50,000 in funding from ACOA’s Support for Growth and Innovation (SGI) program. The goal: streamline operations, adopt early-stage digital tools, and position the company for scalable growth across Atlantic Canada and beyond.

Key objectives included:

  • Enhancing internal workflows to boost production and reduce manual labor.
  • Integrating AI-enhanced sales tools and a CRM system to improve customer engagement.
  • Training staff and creating SOPs to support sustainable scaling and digital readiness.
  • Exploring strategic growth options, including future market expansion and infrastructure planning.

 

Challenge

As demand for its wholesale and retail products grew, Sissiboo faced several operational constraints:

  • Manual workflows and inconsistent SOPs limited production efficiency.
  • Existing CRM tools lacked the integration and automation needed for modern sales cycles.
  • Staff adaptation to new digital tools required structured onboarding and training.
  • Infrastructure limitations at the current facility posed challenges for scaling roasting capacity and optimizing layout.

The company needed a cohesive growth plan that aligned with its values while introducing scalable, efficient systems.

 

Solution

Sissiboo implemented a three-part initiative to modernize operations and enhance readiness for expansion:

1. CRM and AI Integration:

  • Adopted Pipedrive CRM, integrated with early-stage AI tools (including ChatGPT) to manage sales tracking, client engagement, and segmentation.
  • Redesigned customer workflows with the Breton Group, with future phases focused on sales forecasting and deeper AI integration.

2. Workflow Optimization:

  • Conducted a full review of operational processes across 10 departments.
  • Developed detailed logic models and mapped all workflows, identifying which tasks could be automated vs. those requiring human oversight.
  • Improved order fulfillment processes and linked the new roaster system with digital tools to track output more accurately.

3. Workforce Development:

  • Delivered structured staff training on digital systems and AI tools.
  • Created a digital onboarding platform and SOP library.
  • Identified internal “innovation champions” to guide future adoption and tech implementation.

A strategic review also explored long-term options including relocation or expansion to off-site roasting facilities.

 

Results

Sissiboo Coffee emerged from the initiative with stronger systems, a more tech-savvy workforce, and increased production capacity:

  • Production Output: Roasting volume increased from 150 kg to 250+ kg per week—keeping pace with demand growth and new wholesale accounts.
  • Sales Growth: 2025 revenue targets were set at $800,000 (a 49% increase over 2024 actuals), with CRM-supported processes formalized for client retention and B2B targeting (cafés, hotels, grocers).
  • Digital Capacity: All staff trained on new systems; early AI tools are already improving sales support and internal task management.
  • Operational Readiness: SOPs and standardized processes are in place, enabling better use of existing space and laying the groundwork for national market entry.
  • Strategic Planning: An exploratory exit or relocation strategy is in progress, focusing on maximizing long-term ROI and production efficiency.

While some AI and CRM tools are still being finalized, the phased rollout ensured minimal disruption and positioned the company for continued growth.

 

Conclusion

Sissiboo Coffee Roaster Ltd. has built a future-ready foundation through smart investments in digital systems, workflow design, and workforce capacity. The project aligns directly with ACOA’s strategic priorities, delivering measurable gains in productivity, digital adoption, and market competitiveness. With continued development of its AI systems and operational strategies, Sissiboo is well-positioned to scale sustainably and contribute meaningfully to Atlantic Canada’s economy.