Drop Coffee

Drop Coffee was established in 2009 as a coffee bar near Mariatorget in Stockholm, Sweden. Founded with a focus on serving high-quality coffee, the business expanded its operations in 2010 by beginning to roast its own beans on a one-kilogram roaster located in the back of the shop. As demand grew, the company transitioned to a larger 25-kilogram Diedrich roaster in 2012 to support wholesale distribution, eventually relocating its primary roasting facility to Rosersberg, north of Stockholm, in 2018. The roastery achieved organic certification in June of that same year.

The company is currently owned and operated by Joanna Alm Leighton and Stephen Leighton. Joanna Alm Leighton is a notable figure in the competitive coffee circuit, having earned the title of Swedish Coffee Roasting Champion three times and consistently ranking among the top roasters globally. The team operates as a fully independent entity, managing a small staff of roasters, baristas, and management personnel to oversee their sourcing, production, and retail operations.

Drop Coffee’s sourcing philosophy is built on the belief that roast quality is fundamentally dependent on the raw material. The company emphasizes direct relationships with producers, frequently visiting farms to ensure quality and ethical standards. This commitment to transparency is reflected in their business practices, where they provide detailed information regarding their sourcing, such as the FOB prices paid for specific lots. For example, they have maintained a 14-year relationship with the Hunkute washing station in Ethiopia, highlighting their focus on long-term partnerships.

The roastery is known for a specific flavor vision that emphasizes the inherent characteristics of the coffee origin. Their roasting style is characterized as light to medium, designed to highlight acidity and sweetness while avoiding ashy or overly dark roast flavors. This approach is intended to produce a clear, bright cup suitable for various brewing methods, ensuring that the unique profile of each bean remains the focal point for the consumer.

Beyond their roasting operations, Drop Coffee maintains a retail presence in Stockholm, with their original café located at Wollmar Yxkullsgatan 10. The company also supplies coffee to a network of wholesale partners. Their operational model is defined by a focus on small-batch production, which allows for rigorous quality control and consistency across their product range.

Today, Drop Coffee stands as a prominent example of the Nordic specialty coffee movement, characterized by its technical precision and dedication to transparency. By prioritizing direct trade and maintaining a consistent, clarity-focused roast profile, the company continues to influence the specialty coffee sector both within Sweden and through its international wholesale reach.