Story
About
Our story begins over 15 years ago. Founded in 2004 by Tom Sobey, Origin Coffee is an independently owned speciality coffee roaster that is bound by one central ethos; to source exceptional coffee through a sustainable, triple bottom line approach.
Tom’s always been involved in the industry, working closely for his father’s coffee business growing up. But it wasn’t until he experienced Australia’s progressive coffee culture first-hand during a trip in the early 2000’s, that the idea for Origin was born. Now, with a team full of coffee professionals, a world-class coffee program, 6 coffee shops and an ever-evolving product range, Origin sits proudly as one of the longest standing speciality coffee roasters on UK shores.
“The last 15 years have been a journey of exploration and collaboration. What we do has changed over the years, but our approach remains the same. Ultimately, it’s about respect – for the people, the process, the coffee, the brewing. We simply focus on making the coffee the best it can be. And we will continue to do this for the next 15 years..”
– Tom Sobey, Owner & Founder of Origin
Discover
Blending science and senses, ritual and experimentation. Obsessing over every detail. Roasting lightly. Respecting the beans – and the individuals who savour speciality coffee.
An ardent collective of farmers, pickers, sorters, drivers, rakers, washers, dry millers, cuppers, roasters, trainers, baristas and drinkers. Evolving over many years, countless miles and infinite beans. Each has a different relationship with coffee, but the same goal: to make yours exceptional.
Travel
Eye contact, handshakes and bumpy jeep rides through the mist. Good coffee depends on good relationships. Which means being on the ground.
Our approach to coffee sourcing is through direct trade, a philosophy and ethical practice true to speciality coffee.
Through our direct trade practice we're able to support our farm and mill partners directly, giving our drinkers full traceability of the coffee in their cup. Wherever possible we visit the farmers or mill representatives each year - in El Salvador, Nicaragua, Colombia, Brazil - we ask questions and we listen. To the farmers, to the workers, and to their families. Our partners are committed to environmentally and socially sustainable practices. Our coffee program is one of the cornerstones of our B Corp certification.
The stories behind each cup stretch across continents and through generations of expertise. It's our responsibility to share those stories with the drinker.
“Travelling to source is much more than just seeing where the coffee is grown. It’s about meeting the farm owners, talking to the workers and understanding how we can really make a difference. By working directly with the farmers, we can create a supply chain that is not only sustainable, but develop a relationship that can enhance the quality of the coffee produced.”
– Freda Yuan, Head of Coffee
Measuring Up
Recognising knowledge and skill. Rewarding consideration and creativity. We're privileged to have worked with and supported some of the world's leading coffee professionals.
Pictured above: Freda Yuan, Origin Head of Coffee. 3 times UK Cup Tasters Champion, licensed Q-grader, SCA certified trainer, SCA Sensory Judge.
Below we celebrate Freda Yuan, Dan Fellows and Josh Tarlo's outstanding achievements with Origin.
TWO TIME WINNER OF
World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship, 2018 & 2019
FIRST PLACE
UK Cup Tasters Championship, 2019
TWO-TIME WINNER OF
UK Barista Championship, 2016 & 2018
THREE-TIME WINNER OF
UK Coffee in Good Spirits Championship, 2012, 2018 & 2019
SECOND PLACE
UK Brewers Cup Championship, 2015
UK Coffee in Good Spirits Championship, 2012
Roasting
Powered by the perfect blend of passion, precision, curiosity and caffeine, the Origin Roastery is where knowledge and instinct unite.
Breathing in the grassy aromas as each carefully-sourced sack of green beans is first opened. Constantly monitoring the controlled atmosphere and consistent roasting capability of our two Loring Smart roasters. Checking colour, form and smell as the coffee beans develop. Diligently tasting each roast, over a number of days, to hit the perfect flavour note. It’s a complex process with infinite variables, but one thing is always the same: the relentless pursuit of quality dominates every stage. Bringing out the best of each coffee bean is as much about harnessing our senses, as it is using the best engineering and equipment. We pour our all into both, to create a cup that will exceed your expectations.