In October 2023, Yeo Valley Associates invested in Origin Coffee, a Cornwall-based independently owned specialty coffee roaster sourcing premium coffee through a sustainable, triple bottom line approach (People, Planet, Profit).

The deal saw Origin receive £3.1 million investment to support the growth of the business whilst continuing its commitment to improving sustainability within the industry. With a significant focus on digital activity, retail and wholesale areas of the business will also benefit.

Whilst already being recognised as one of the top 100 fastest growing privately owned businesses in the UK, Origin plans to use this considerable investment to accelerate its D2C and retail rollout strategy, alongside continued expansion of the established wholesale channel. As part of the four-year growth plan, the Company intends to remain committed to ethical sourcing by increasing direct green coffee purchases from farmers by 77%. Closer to home, employment is set to increase with new opportunities across the team including as the Company’s southwest-based head office.

“We take our commitment to sustainability and transparency seriously. The foundation of our business will remain ethical as we grow, and our efforts from the last couple of decades won’t dwindle. Securing investment like this offers us the flexibility and opportunity to take the company forward. We know this is a big step for Origin Coffee and understand that with this growth comes considerable responsibility to our partners, employees, and the wider industry. We’re so excited to grow together with our new partners, as well as our long-time friends and supporters”.
Tom Sobey, CEO and Founder of Origin Coffee.

With the founder maintaining as the majority owner, the investment round saw Yeo Valley Associates invest alongside Create Impact Ventures, and The Cornwall & Isle of Scilly Investment Fund (CIOSIF). Tracy Doree, Independent Chair of Freddie’s Flowers, Farewill, and Oddbox, and David Bernstein, Former Chairman of Manchester City and the Football Association, also joined the Origin board as non-Executive Directors.

Winner of Europe’s Best Speciality Coffee Roaster

In November 2023, Origin Coffee was invited to join some of the most influential figures in coffee at the European Coffee Symposium Awards for an evening of celebration and recognition, coming away as the winner of the Best Speciality Coffee Roaster in Europe Award. The award ceremony and gala dinner recognises and promotes company and individual excellence, an event renowned for being the most prestigious in the European coffee and hospitality sector.

The nominees came together in Barcelona, with the winners celebrated on the night. Such recognition highlights the Company’s commitment in pursuit of coffee excellence — a journey that’s almost 20 years in the making, and one that we’re thrilled to be part of.