World Communion Cups (WCC), founded in 1983, has grown tenfold in the past two years, following the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the story doesn’t end there. WCC is looking to the future and has announced an ambitious expansion strategy into Latin America, as well as Africa, to replicate its success story.
The company was created by an Indiana inventor, Kenneth Hagen. He made disposable communion cups and distributed them on World Communion Day, October 2, 1983, for the first time. The product became so popular that after the day ended, many churches requested that they continue to receive these communion cups.
After his death, the company was taken over by his daughter and son-in-law. Stephan Kovey took over in 2011, leading to a 10-fold growth in 2020 and 2021, the pandemic period, due to demand for biodegradable products. Kovey invested in equipment, personnel, and space, and implemented an automation process to streamline production.
Throughout this journey, WCC maintained its commitment to social enterprise. The company took deliberate steps to hire individuals facing difficulties in employment, including ex-offenders, addiction survivors, and battered housewives. This commitment not only created jobs but also contributed to building a stronger community.
WCC's focus on social enterprise extends to local, national, and international initiatives. The company sponsors local women's shelters and supports various non-profit organizations locally. They've worked with Christian groups within the country to help fund programs to help people get back on their feet. They've also helped out with children's programs in Costa Rica, currently supporting the building of a 15,000-square-foot children's center.
As WCC sets its sights on expansion into Latin America and Africa, it marks a new chapter in its story. The company's product line includes a variety of items such as disposable communion cups, disposable communion ware, and sealing machines, all designed to facilitate the process of communion in churches.
Stephan Kovey, the owner of WCC, expressed his vision for the expansion, stating, "We believe that our unique model, with a commitment to social enterprise, can have a positive impact in new markets. Latin America and Africa are regions with diverse needs, and we aim to support local communities while growing our brand."
Stephan envisions WCC as not just a company selling church products but as a force for positive change in communities worldwide. The expansion represents an opportunity to introduce the social enterprise model to new audiences, benefiting both customers and employees.
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Contact: Ray Bergman
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