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Trumbull, Connecticut · Specialty Coffee Brand Deep Dive

Shearwater Coffee Roasters

Editorial sacred-geometry artwork for Shearwater Coffee Roasters; not a documentary photograph
IndependentRoasts its own coffeeSourcing: Origin / region level
TagsShearwater Coffee RoastersConnecticut coffee roastersCentral AmericaEast AfricaIndependentOrigin / region levelRoasts in-house
Visit Shearwater Coffee Roasters's site

Shearwater Coffee Roasters is a Connecticut-based roastery that established itself as the first small-batch roaster in Fairfield County to focus exclusively on USDA Certified Organic and Kosher-certified specialty coffee. Founded by Ed Freedman, the company operates on core principles of organic integrity, artisanal craftsmanship, and altruism, roasting in small 20-pound batches to preserve natural flavors and antioxidants. They utilize energy-efficient Diedrich infrared roasting technology and prioritize sustainable practices, such as using organic cleaning products and repurposing burlap shipping materials. The brand serves a diverse market, providing fresh, air-cooled coffee to retail customers through their own coffee bars and supplying wholesale partners, including restaurants and gourmet markets, across Connecticut and New York.

Ownership
Shearwater Coffee Roasters is an independent, family-owned business founded by Ed Freedman.
Founded
2013
Roasting
Reported to roast in-house.
What it's known for
Shearwater is known for being the first small-batch roaster in Fairfield County, Connecticut, to focus exclusively on USDA Certified Organic and Kosher-certified specialty coffee.
Sourcing countries
Central America · East Africa
Farm-level sourcing
The brand sources certified organic green coffee beans from various international regions. They emphasize organic and fair trade practices but do not consistently publish specific farm or producer names for their current offerings on their website.
Notable coffees
  • — Colombia Popayan
  • — Ethiopia Sidamo – Natural
  • — Peru El Palto ‘Sr. Fernandez’
Documented coffee offerings

Coffees researched from Shearwater Coffee Roasters

These are examples recorded during editorial research on Nov 8, 2026. They are not a live product feed. The coffee, lot, price, and availability may have changed. We have not necessarily brewed these coffees ourselves.

Running Rapids – Cold Brew Blend

Central America, South America, and East Africa

This organic blend exhibits dark chocolate notes, a creamy mouth-feel, and citrus sweetness.

Original roaster or listing source

External customer, cafe, marketplace, and class ratings are not comparable measures of the quality of an individual coffee. We do not convert them into original tasting scores or brand-wide star ratings. Our independent reviews are published separately after a coffee has actually been brewed and evaluated.

Verify original product sources

Retailer information: Shearwater Coffee Roasters

Documented physical retailers
Whole Foods Market
Historical source note (not live inventory): Carries the brand's coffee at Fairfield, Westport, Darien, and Milford, CT locations.
Physical
The Fresh Market
Historical source note (not live inventory): Carries the brand's coffee at Westport, Avon, and Guilford, CT locations.
Physical
Documented online sources
Shearwater Coffee Roasters's online shop
Historical source note (not live inventory): Sells the brand's full range of organic whole-bean coffee and subscriptions directly to consumers.
Website

I was able to verify the brand's own online shop and major regional grocery partners through public reporting and the brand's historical press mentions, though specific current store-level inventory is subject to change.

These references come from public store locators, retailer listings and brand materials — last checked Oct 10, 2026. They are research links, not proof of current stock or a buying recommendation. Verify availability, price and location directly with the source.
In the news

Recent news and media coverage about Shearwater Coffee Roasters, as documented by outside outlets. We link to the original reporting and do not rewrite or endorse it.

2025-05-11 · CT Post
Shearwater Organic Coffee Roasters to close coffee bar in Fairfield

Shearwater Organic Coffee Roasters announced the closure of its Fairfield coffee bar after eight years of operation. The owner cited a personal health challenge within the family as the reason for the closure, though the company will continue its wholesale operations across Connecticut.

Sources used in this deep dive
Research disclosure — this profile was compiled from public online sources on 2026-10-02. This company overview is not a tasting review. Original tasting reviews are labeled separately when they exist. Ownership, roasting and sourcing details are attributed to documented sources. While the brand mentions 'altruism' as a core principle, specific long-term charitable commitments or percentage-based donation programs beyond the 'Savor & Support' event were not verifiable.

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