Conversations with: Sarah Walker of Origin Coffee

In October 2023, Yeo Valley Associates made headlines by investing in Origin Coffee, a Cornwall-based speciality coffee roaster renowned for its sustainable approach. Fleur Lewis and Ally Allington at Bishop Fleming, sat down with Sarah Walker, Sustainability Manager at Origin Coffee, to discuss the impact of this investment, the company's growth plans, and their unwavering commitment to sustainability.
 

Can you tell us about the recent investment Origin Coffee received and how it will be used?

We're thrilled to have secured a £3.1 million investment from Yeo Valley Associates. This funding will support the growth of our business, particularly in enhancing our digital presence and expanding our retail and wholesale channels. It also reinforces our commitment to sustainability within the industry, allowing us to make significant strides in ethical sourcing and environmental responsibility.

What are your growth plans with this new investment?

We plan to accelerate our direct-to-consumer (D2C) and retail rollout strategy while continuing to expand our established wholesale channel. Over the next four years, we aim to increase our direct green coffee purchases from farmers by 77%, ensuring that our growth benefits our partners and communities. We will also create new employment opportunities, particularly at our southwest-based head office.

How does Origin Coffee ensure sustainability and ethical sourcing?

Sustainability and transparency are at the core of our business. We have a rigorous process for sourcing coffee, which includes working directly with farmers and engaging third-party experts like Inveritas to ensure comprehensive reviews of our supply chain. We focus on quality and ethical practices, ensuring that our coffee not only meets high standards but also supports the livelihoods of the producers.

How do you balance growth with maintaining your core values?

Our foundation is built on ethical practices, which will not change as we grow. We believe in paying well above commodity prices for coffee to support our producers and ensure high quality. As we expand, our commitment to sustainability and core values will remain steadfast. The recent investment allows us to grow responsibly and continue our mission to support people, the planet, and profit.
 

What role do you play in Origin Coffee's mission?

I joined Origin in 2021, bringing a wealth of experience in sustainability. I was the first person to conduct a carbon audit for Falmouth Town Council and hold a master's degree in sustainable development. At Origin, I lead our net-zero ambition and B Corp improvement efforts, working closely with our senior leadership team. My hands-on approach, including getting involved in our staff garden, exemplifies my commitment to making a tangible impact.

Can you elaborate on Origin Coffee's journey to Net Zero?

We're committed to achieving Net Zero by 2030, aligning with the broader B Corp movement. This involves reducing our emissions to zero or offsetting the remainder through gold standard offsetting projects. We regularly measure and report our progress, continually expanding our scope to include all areas of our operations. Initiatives like switching to renewable energy and using more energy-efficient roasters are part of our strategy to reduce our carbon footprint.

How does Origin Coffee support small producers and communities in the supply chain?

We focus on creating sustainable and mutually beneficial relationships with our producers. Our approach also involves paying fair prices and investing in the communities we source from, aligning with our commitment to poverty alleviation and social responsibility. We set our first company-wide environmental targets in 2023 and are now looking to source 20% more coffee from small-scale producers in low-income counties. We are also developing an exciting investment program to release funds to improve resilience in our coffee supply chain- more information to come!

What differentiates speciality coffee from commodity coffee?

Speciality coffee is defined by its high quality, with a cup score of over 80. It's about understanding and perfecting the entire process, from growing to roasting. Unlike commodity coffee, speciality coffee is more in tune with nature and driven by a pursuit of excellence. This focus on quality and sustainability drives Origin Coffee and differentiates us in the market.
 

How does Origin Coffee contribute to the local community?

We are deeply committed to our local community. As a Living Wage employer, we ensure fair pay and provide comprehensive benefits such as 26 days of annual leave and supportive policies for maternity, paternity, IVF, and adoption. Additionally, we are involved in local initiatives like planting a forest in Bodmin and partnering with Sustainable Food Cornwall to support food security and sustainability efforts.

What are the plans for Origin Coffee's retail and cafe presence?

We currently have eight cafes, including locations in Cornwall, Bristol, and London. We plan to continue growing our retail presence, opening new cafes, and enhancing our online sales. Each of our cafes is a testament to our commitment to quality, offering a unique experience for coffee enthusiasts.

Can you share more about the new board members?

We're excited to welcome Tracy Doree and David Bernstein to our board as non-executive directors. Tracy brings valuable experience from her roles at Freddie's Flowers, Farewill, and Oddbox, while David offers a wealth of knowledge from his time with Manchester City and the Football Association. Their expertise will be instrumental as we navigate this next phase of growth.

Finally, what message would you like to share with Origin Coffee's supporters and partners?

We are incredibly grateful for the support from our long-time friends and new partners. This investment marks a significant step forward for Origin Coffee, and we're excited to continue our journey focusing on sustainability, quality, and ethical practices. Together, we can positively impact the coffee industry and the communities we touch.