Market Lane Coffee

Market Lane Coffee was established in 2009 in Melbourne, Australia, by co-founders Fleur Studd and Jason Scheltus. The company was born out of a desire to address a perceived gap in the local market for fresh, traceable, and high-quality specialty coffee. Their inaugural location was a small roastery and café situated within the Prahran Market, a setting chosen to align with a community that valued provenance and seasonal produce. Since its inception, the company has expanded to include multiple retail locations across Melbourne and a dedicated roastery and office space in Brunswick East.

The company’s operational philosophy is built upon the pillars of quality, sustainability, and transparency. Market Lane focuses on sourcing coffee that is in season, aiming to highlight the unique terroir and characteristics of each specific lot. To achieve this, they engage in direct, long-term relationships with coffee producers, cooperatives, and exporters. These partnerships are intended to be equitable and sustainable, ensuring that each participant in the supply chain is recognized for the value they contribute to the final product.

In practice, Market Lane’s roasting process is conducted in small batches to maintain control over the flavor profile of the beans. The company utilizes a 45kg Probat roaster to meticulously process their green coffee, which is selected based on its quality and the ethical standards of the producers. By sharing the stories of the farmers and the journeys of the beans, the company seeks to educate consumers on the complexities of coffee production and the importance of responsible sourcing.

Beyond its retail presence, Market Lane operates as a wholesale supplier, providing coffee, training, and support to hospitality venues and businesses both within Australia and internationally. Their wholesale program is designed to help partners elevate their coffee offerings through tailored advice and a shared commitment to the company’s core values. This collaborative approach is intended to foster a broader appreciation for specialty coffee across the industry.

Market Lane has achieved formal recognition for its commitment to ethical and environmental standards, holding B Corp certification and maintaining carbon-neutral operations. These designations reflect the company's efforts to integrate social and environmental performance into its business model. The leadership team, which includes co-owners Fleur Studd, Jason Scheltus, and Jenni Bryant, continues to emphasize the importance of staff support and community engagement as central components of their business growth.

Today, Market Lane remains a prominent figure in the Melbourne coffee scene, known for its focus on single-origin offerings and seasonal blends. The company’s trajectory from a single market stall to a multi-site roastery and retailer illustrates the evolution of the Australian specialty coffee market over the last decade and a half. Their ongoing work continues to center on the intersection of high-quality product delivery and the maintenance of transparent, long-standing relationships with coffee-growing communities worldwide.