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Lucy
Member
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# Posted: 20 Nov 2006 18:45
Reply
After visiting the Oromia region of Ethiopia recently and seeing the film yesterday, I'd like to investigate opening a coffee shop which is clear about the origins of its produce. On leaving the cinema it was apparent how few cafes offer fair trade coffee (and other products).
I've just left a career in the ad industry and am working out what to do next. This is something I feel passionately about.
Would there be a market for it?
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bagpuss
Member
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# Posted: 27 Nov 2006 22:45
Reply
Although not knowing the area of London so couldn't tell you if there was a market there i can tell you that people are becoming much more aware (althuogh still somewhat ill-informed) about the importance of ethical trading.
Although 100% fair trade certified is an impossible dream for global coffee giants (as there are not enought certified farms for them to buy only fair trade) It is a vital tool for small cafe's to ensure ethical purchasing.
It also has a nice symitry to it, small family run business buying from small family fun coffee farms
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Inzvestor
Member
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# Posted: 19 May 2007 22:24
Reply
Lucy, did you take action as a result?
The known-origin product market is rapidly becoming mainstream.
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Ben Sauer
Member
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# Posted: 2 Jun 2007 09:22
Reply
Hi Lucy,
I think there is a market for what you offer, there are a few places in the UK that are 100% fairtrade that are doing very well. Did you get anywhere with your research?
Ben
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bethstone
Member
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# Posted: 5 Jun 2007 07:08
Reply
HI Lucy,
Myself, and my sister and brother-in-law set up a cafe, Quench Community Cafe, in Mill Hill East 8 months ago. All the coffee beans, filter coffee, tea, Earl Grey tea, chocolate bars (Divine) are Fairtrade and sometimes our bananas and sugar sachets are.
We held a Fairtrade fashion show and market during Fairtrade fortnight and were televised by BBCNews24. Korean Broadcasting System also came and interviewed people!
I contacted our local council (Barnet) to find out who was the Fairtrade lead, to find out that the council made a political decision not to pursue Fairtrade status, but they are now directing emails about Fairtrade to me!!
If you would like to meet up or call and have a chat, I would be very happy to do so.
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KateB
Member
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# Posted: 5 Jun 2007 17:15
Reply
If you're in one of the major railway stations or airports, AMT coffee only sells Fairtrade coffee and they use organic milk. They're also significantly cheaper than all the high street chains and the competition on the platforms. Set up by three brothers in Oxford 15 years ago, AMT now has 48 kiosks in railway stations, airports and a few city centre locations.
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Big_Bill_Robinson
Member
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# Posted: 21 Jun 2007 20:18
Reply
After seeing the movie I paid a visit to Cafe Progreso in Portobello Rd, London W10. This is a coffee shop which sells only Fairtrade coffee, and a wide range of Fairtrade snacks. I presented them with a couple of bags of Fairtrade Ethiopian coffee which I had purchased in Asda, which were gratefully accepted. I was then served an absolutely delicious large latte coffee.
I'm pretty sure this cafe was set up by Oxfam, and seems to be doing pretty well, so I guess what we need is more of them. I am writing to Oxfam to politely enquire as to whether more of these cafes could be opened.
In reply to Lucy, I hope your plans will come to fruition. I think there is a market for it, but of course, you have to get the quality right as well, in order to keep the customer returning. I do note that there is a London School of Coffee, which is in Kingston-upon-Thames, who do a course in how to open a coffee shop. I wish you success.
AMT (mentioned above) are excellent and I often buy their coffee in Reading.
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Inzvestor
Member
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# Posted: 22 Jun 2007 19:05
Reply
Well done Bethstone, I'll be calling in to sample shortly. Hope you're around for a chat one weekend.
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Inzvestor
Member
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# Posted: 23 Jun 2007 14:27
Reply
I called into Quench today to taste the Fairtrade coffee on offer and meet the team. Sadly Beth wasn't there but what a great setup!
The cafe is huge! and deserves a visit. A real community centre feel to the place with no high-street-homogenation.
I can recommend the home baking and the macchiato was superb.
We picked up some Divine chocs and I am about to munch on one now.
NW Londoners should head to Quench for a dose of reality!
We'll be visiting again and hope to meet Beth next time.
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coffeenista
Member
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# Posted: 10 Feb 2010 10:51
Reply
Hi there!
I'd like to share an article for those who are thinking of putting up a coffee shop business. This article gives great info plus tips and tricks on how to potentially save money before the actual business starts.
Check out http://opencoffeeshopbusiness.blogspot.com/.
All the best!
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