Union Roasters

Union Hand-Roasted Coffee was established in 2001 by Steven Macatonia and Jeremy Torz, two scientists who were inspired by the burgeoning artisan coffee culture they encountered in San Francisco during the 1990s. Upon returning to the United Kingdom, they began roasting coffee in a garden shed, eventually scaling their operations into a professional roastery based in East London. The company was born out of a desire to introduce a more sophisticated, specialty-focused coffee experience to the British market, which at the time lacked the depth of the West Coast scene.

Central to the company's identity is its 'Union Direct Trade' sourcing model. Developed in response to the volatility of global coffee prices and the economic hardships faced by producers, this approach emphasizes long-term, direct relationships with farmers rather than relying on traditional commodity market intermediaries. By working directly with producers in 14 countries, Union aims to ensure that farmers receive sustainable prices, allowing for investment in their farms, families, and local communities. This philosophy is summarized by the company as 'trade, not aid,' focusing on quality improvement and living wages.

Union operates its primary roasting facility in Canning Town, London, where it utilizes Probat and Loring roasters to process coffee in small batches. The company maintains a diverse product range that includes house blends, single-origin coffees, and seasonal microlots. Beyond roasting, the company provides comprehensive support for wholesale partners, including equipment procurement, technical servicing, and SCA-accredited barista training programs conducted at their dedicated facilities.

Transparency and impact measurement are core components of the company's operational strategy. Union tracks its outcomes through an internal impact dashboard and publishes annual reports detailing its progress on ethical purchasing and environmental sustainability. In 2017, the company was honored with The Queen's Award for Sustainable Enterprise, recognizing its pioneering work in ethical sourcing. More recently, the business achieved B Corporation certification, further formalizing its commitment to social and environmental performance.

Throughout its history, Union has maintained a focus on the entire supply chain, from the farmer to the final consumer. The company reports that its sourcing initiatives have positively impacted over 65,000 individuals in coffee-producing regions. By prioritizing quality and ethical accountability, Union has positioned itself as a bridge between independent specialty coffee culture and the broader, more mainstream coffee market in the United Kingdom.

Today, the company continues to evolve, expanding its product offerings to include innovations such as cold brew concentrates while maintaining its foundational commitment to specialty-grade Arabica coffee. Its longevity in the industry is often attributed to the founders' early decision to prioritize direct relationships, which remains the cornerstone of their business model. The company remains a privately owned entity, continuing to operate from its London headquarters with a focus on sustainable growth and community engagement.