Axil Coffee Roasters is a leading specialty coffee roastery and café operator based in Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia. Established in 2010 by renowned barista and coffee competitor Dave Makin, Axil has grown into one of Melbourne’s most recognized coffee brands, with multiple café locations and a robust wholesale distribution model.
Core Business
Axil’s operations encompass:
- Specialty coffee roasting for retail and wholesale
- Operation of branded cafés across Melbourne
- Sale of brewing equipment, pods, and instant coffee
- Barista training and consultancy services
- Direct trade partnerships with producers
Their integrated business model allows full control over sourcing, roasting, training, and retail, ensuring consistency and high standards across all offerings.
Product and Service Offerings
Coffee Blends
- Seasonal Espresso Blend – Crafted for balance, sweetness, and versatility across milk-based and black espresso drinks
- Seasonal Filter Blend – Designed to highlight bright and clean flavor profiles for manual brewing methods
Single Origin Coffees
- Rotating micro-lots from Colombia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Brazil, and Honduras
- Highlighting experimental and traditional processing methods
Coffee Pods
- Nespresso-Compatible Pods – Specialty-quality, sustainably packaged pods using Axil’s core espresso profiles
Instant Coffee
- Specialty Instant Coffee – Freeze-dried from brewed high-quality coffee for convenience without compromising flavor
Brewing Equipment
- Coffee machines, grinders, pour-over kits, filters, and accessories for home brewers and professional setups
Merchandise
- Branded apparel, drinkware, and tote bags available online and in stores
Specialisation and USP
Axil’s unique positioning is defined by:
- Barista Championship Legacy: Founded by Dave Makin, two-time Australian Barista Champion, ensuring deep technical knowledge and innovation in coffee
- Direct Trade Sourcing: Relationships with coffee producers and cooperatives, focusing on traceability and ethical practices
- Education & Training: Axil offers barista training for individuals and wholesale clients, supporting quality coffee execution at the café level
- Multiple Retail Venues: Strategically located cafés throughout Melbourne reinforce brand presence and accessibility
Their emphasis on sourcing, seasonal rotation, and roasting precision enables them to maintain relevance and excellence in Australia’s competitive coffee sector.
Financial Performance
Though Axil is privately held and does not publish audited financials, industry estimates and growth indicators suggest:
- Multiple retail locations including Hawthorn (flagship), Melbourne CBD, Chadstone, and more
- 100+ wholesale partners across Australia
- Strong e-commerce channel offering beans, pods, and gear nationwide
- Steady revenue growth driven by expanding product lines and retail footprint
They are considered one of Melbourne’s top-performing specialty roasters by volume and visibility.
Shipments and Export Records
Based on import-export records and industry data:
- Domestic Distribution: Primary market focus is within Australia, servicing cafés and home brewers
- Export Reach: Select shipments to Asia-Pacific countries including Singapore and South Korea for café supply and competitions
- Logistics Model: Centralized roasting in Hawthorn with weekly dispatch to wholesale and e-commerce customers
Their export volume remains modest, prioritizing freshness and quality over scale.
Target Market
Axil targets:
- Independent cafés and hospitality venues
- Home brewers seeking high-quality beans and gear
- Corporate offices with specialty coffee programs
- Coffee enthusiasts and barista trainees
Their positioning appeals to both seasoned coffee drinkers and newcomers who value reliability and seasonal innovation.
Capabilities
- State-of-the-art Roasting Facility in Hawthorn with cupping lab and quality control team
- Direct Producer Relationships in Latin America and Africa
- Barista Training Center offering SCA-aligned modules and custom training
- In-house R&D for new blends, products (e.g., instant, pods), and seasonal releases
- Retail Operations spanning multiple suburbs and high-traffic retail zones
Certifications and Compliance
- Sustainable Sourcing Practices through direct trade and partnerships with transparent importers
- Compostable Packaging for pods and environmentally conscious logistics
- Food Safety and Roasting Certifications in accordance with Australian manufacturing standards
Customer Testimonials
“Axil has been our go-to roaster for years. Their seasonal blends are reliable and delicious, and the support they provide is unmatched.” – Wholesale Café Partner, Melbourne
“I started brewing Axil’s filter coffees at home during lockdown and haven’t looked back. The quality is consistently excellent.” – Home Brewer, Sydney
Major Achievements
- Founded by Australian Barista Champion Dave Makin, setting the tone for technical expertise and innovation
- Expansion to multiple retail locations in Melbourne, including flagship venues in high-footfall areas
- Supplier for the Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE) and other industry events
- Featured in media such as Broadsheet, Timeout, and Good Food for coffee leadership and café experience
- Development of high-quality instant coffee and Nespresso-compatible pods, bridging convenience and specialty
