Union Coffee Co.

Union Hand-Roasted Coffee, originally known as Union Coffee Roasters, is a privately owned British coffee business based in East London. It was established in 2001 by co-founders Jeremy Torz and Steven Macatonia. The pair, who previously worked in the fields of optometry and medical research, were inspired to enter the coffee industry after experiencing the burgeoning artisan coffee culture in San Francisco during the 1990s. They initially began their roasting operations in a garden shed before scaling the business into a significant commercial entity within the UK specialty coffee market.

The company’s operational philosophy is built upon the concept of "Union Direct Trade," a sourcing model that emphasizes long-term partnerships with coffee producers. This approach was developed in response to the volatility of global coffee prices and the economic challenges faced by farmers. By bypassing traditional commodity supply chains, Union aims to provide farmers with sustainable pricing that covers the costs of production while encouraging investment in farm infrastructure, worker welfare, and quality improvements. The company reports that its pricing consistently exceeds International Fairtrade minimums.

Union’s sourcing network currently spans 14 countries and involves over 40 producer partners. The company maintains a strict quality standard, sourcing only high-altitude Arabica coffee that meets specialty-grade requirements. This commitment to quality is paired with a code of conduct for ethical sourcing, which producers must adhere to regarding social, environmental, and economic sustainability. The company’s efforts in transparency and supply-chain management have been recognized with multiple Queen’s Awards for Enterprise.

Production takes place at the company’s roastery in Canning Town, London, where the team utilizes Probat and Loring roasting equipment. The roastery serves as the hub for their operations, which include supplying coffee to independent cafés, restaurants, supermarkets, and direct-to-consumer channels via their website. Beyond roasting, the company operates a dedicated training facility that offers SCA-accredited barista training and modular programs for wholesale partners, emphasizing the importance of technical skill in the final preparation of their coffee.

As a business, Union occupies a position that bridges the gap between independent specialty roasters and the mainstream market. While maintaining a focus on small-batch, high-quality microlots and single-origin offerings, the company has scaled its operations to employ over 75 staff members. This growth has been managed while maintaining a focus on its founding mission to improve the coffee experience for everyone involved in the supply chain, from the farmer to the end consumer.

Today, the company continues to operate as a purpose-led business, having achieved B Corp certification. Its ongoing strategy involves balancing the commercial realities of a profitable business with its ethical commitments. By focusing on both the technical aspects of roasting and the socio-economic impact of its sourcing, Union remains a significant reference point for the development of the UK specialty coffee industry.