Berres Brothers Coffee Roasters
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Berres Brothers Coffee Roasters is a Wisconsin-based, family-owned company known for its extensive selection of flavored coffees and its signature air-roasting process. By utilizing air roasting rather than traditional drum roasting, the company aims to produce a smooth, consistent cup that serves as a base for their diverse range of over 40 flavored varieties.
Berres Brothers Coffee Roasters is a prominent coffee roasting company based in Watertown, Wisconsin, with roots tracing back to a family-owned coffee service and vending business. The transition from a service-oriented model to a dedicated roasting operation was spearheaded by brothers Pete and Jeff Berres, who officially opened the Berres Brothers Coffee Factory Outlet in March 1992. While some company materials cite a history dating back to 1970, the modern iteration of the business as a specialized roaster solidified in the early 1990s, eventually growing into one of the larger coffee roasters in the state.
The company’s production philosophy centers on the use of air roasting, a method that distinguishes them from many traditional roasters. Unlike conventional drum roasters where beans come into contact with hot metal surfaces, air roasting suspends the beans in a stream of hot air. This process is intended to prevent the charring of beans, which the company claims results in a smoother, less bitter cup. This technical approach is particularly suited to their primary product line: flavored coffee.
Flavored coffee constitutes the core of the Berres Brothers business model, accounting for approximately 85% of their annual production, which totals roughly 700,000 pounds of coffee. The company typically sources beans from regions such as Mexico, selecting them for their naturally smooth, low-acid profile and medium body, which are ideal for absorbing liquid flavorings. These flavorings are applied to the beans after the roasting process but prior to grinding and packaging.
In terms of sourcing, Berres Brothers states that they partner with a carbon-neutral, private importer to procure their green coffee. Their stated sourcing philosophy emphasizes environmental progress, ethical treatment of farmers, and fair pricing. By maintaining these partnerships, the company aims to ensure a consistent supply of specialty-grade beans that can withstand the flavoring process while maintaining a recognizable coffee character.
The company operates with a focus on small-batch production, roasting in 150-pound increments to maintain quality control. This scale allows them to manage a vast catalog of over 50 unique coffee varieties, ranging from traditional roasts to indulgent, dessert-inspired flavors. Their distribution strategy has evolved to include direct-to-consumer sales, subscription services, and single-serve coffee pods, alongside their physical presence in Watertown.
Today, Berres Brothers remains a family-owned entity that balances its industrial-scale output with a commitment to regional heritage. While they are widely recognized for their flavored coffee niche, they continue to position themselves as a provider of consistent, accessible specialty coffee. Their operations in Watertown serve as both a production hub and a community space, reflecting their long-standing history in the Wisconsin coffee industry.