Our Beginning
Our story began in 1976, when Ricky Kang set out with one simple but powerful idea: to roast traditional Nanyang kopi for a community that lived and breathed coffee. Back then, kopi was more than a drink — it was a daily ritual that brought people together in kopitiams and homes alike. It was this belief in coffee as a connector of people that sparked the beginning of Santino.
Evolving with Singapore
As Singapore transformed into a cosmopolitan hub in the 1990s, so did Santino. We introduced Western-style espresso-based coffee, bridging tradition with modern café culture. From kopitiams to luxury hotels, Santino grew with the nation, becoming one of Singapore’s largest coffee roasteries and equipment suppliers.
A New Generation
Today, Santino is led by the next generation — Kang Yiyang — a roaster shaped by both heritage and innovation. Blending deep respect for traditional kopi with expertise in specialty coffee, Yiyang represents our commitment to quality, forward thinking, and the art of roasting. Under this vision, our team consistently crafts beans that help baristas win recognition on both national and global stages.
Our Future
Santino’s journey is one of bridging East and West, heritage and innovation, tradition and progress. From Rainforest Alliance certification to FSSC22000 quality standards, from kopi cups to world championships, we continue to lead Singapore’s coffee story into the future — empowering businesses, professionals, and communities to thrive.
Why Santino Exists
We exist to elevate coffee culture. From the comforting familiar flavours of Nanyang kopi to the refined complexity of specialty coffee, we’re more than a roastery — we’re a partner to cafés, businesses, and coffee lovers alike. With quality beans, world-class equipment, trusted service and shared passion, we help our community thrive, cup by cup.
Innovation, grounded in heritage — that’s the heart of Santino Coffee.