Independent Yorkshire Coffee Roaster Expands National Reach Following Major Investment
An independent North Yorkshire coffee company is significantly expanding its national distribution network after securing substantial investments to upgrade its production facilities. Rounton Coffee, founded by David Beattie 13 years ago, has transformed from a small farmers' market operation into an award-winning specialty coffee supplier with growing demand across the United Kingdom.
From Chemical Engineering to Coffee Passion
David Beattie established Rounton Coffee after developing a deep appreciation for coffee during a visit to Sumatra, prompting him to leave his career in chemical engineering. What began as a passion project has evolved into a thriving business that now roasts approximately one ton of coffee beans daily to meet increasing national orders.
"We are now shipping coffee to the Outer Hebrides, where we have a wholesale partner, and when I started the business in 2013, this would have been unfathomable," said Middlesbrough-born Mr Beattie. "Our growth still feels a bit surreal, as we started life at farmers' markets simply as a way of sharing our love for really good quality, ethical coffee with people like us."
Significant Investment in Sustainable Production
The company's recent six-figure investment includes a £150,000 commercial roaster that uses 80% less energy than traditional equipment while improving both consistency and output. Operating from a converted granary building outside East Rounton village near Northallerton, the small team currently packages approximately 2,150 bags of coffee beans each week.
"We just wanted to share what we were passionate about, and we've been lucky that over the years, more and more people have also found a passion for quality coffee," Mr Beattie explained.
Community Impact and Ethical Business Practices
The company's expansion has enabled increased community support initiatives, including donations to the North Yorks Moors Trust and sponsorship programs connecting schoolchildren from Teesside's most deprived areas with nature experiences.
"A big part of why we do what we do is it gives us a platform to give back, be it in our community or our suppliers, and the more the business grows the more we can do that," Mr Beattie emphasized.
Pandemic-Driven Growth and Future Outlook
The founder identified the COVID-19 lockdown period as a pivotal moment for independent coffee companies, with consumers at home increasingly willing to invest in higher-quality products beyond supermarket offerings.
"Since then, we've been fortunate that the coffee boom has only kept going. But what really matters is that, as a business, we can use coffee as a force for good," Mr Beattie stated. "Our suppliers are paid fairly, and that really matters to us. Some international coffee brands have faced justified criticism for how they treat farmers and how suppliers are treated, and we want to play our small part in doing things differently."
The company remains committed to maintaining its local roots while expanding its national presence, with all team members born and residing in the Yorkshire area. "We are a small team who were all born and live in the area, so it matters to us that the business leaves a really positive footprint – and that it is something we can truly be proud of," concluded Mr Beattie.
