Core Roasters is a boutique specialty coffee roastery based in Brunswick East, Melbourne, Australia. Founded with a mission to create ethically sourced, transparently traded, and meticulously roasted coffees, Core Roasters has quickly established itself as a standout player in the Australian specialty coffee scene. The company is driven by a deep commitment to quality, environmental responsibility, and community engagement.
Core Business
Core Roasters operates as an integrated specialty coffee provider focused on:
- Small-batch coffee roasting for espresso and filter
- Wholesale coffee supply for independent cafés and retail partners
- Direct-to-consumer coffee subscriptions and online retail
- Sustainable merchandise and brewing equipment sales
- Advocacy for carbon neutrality and transparent sourcing
Their model is rooted in ethical procurement, progressive roasting practices, and cultivating strong relationships across the supply chain.
Product and Service Offerings
Espresso Coffees
- Blendo 50 – Core’s flagship espresso blend, combining seasonally fresh coffees with balance and vibrancy
- Uraga (Ethiopia) – Washed process with delicate florals and citrus acidity
- Dusangirijambo (Burundi) – Fruity and layered with spice and tea notes
- Cordillera (Colombia Decaf) – Swiss Water decaffeinated, clean and full-bodied
Filter Coffees
- Finca Santuario (Colombia) – Sweet and syrupy with tropical acidity
- Little Farm (Kenya) – Bright, juicy with red berry notes
- Finca San Pedro (Colombia) – Washed and structured with caramel sweetness
- Dusangirijambo (Burundi) – Filter roast profile emphasizing clarity and elegance
Loose Leaf Teas
- Black Fusion (India)
- Green Diamond (India)
- Gardenia Flower Oolong (Taiwan)
- Cacao Husk (Guatemala)
- Cascara (Nicaragua) – Coffee cherry infusion with fruity complexity
Brewing Equipment
- v60 Two Cup Dripper
- v60 Filter Papers (Two Cup)
- Timemore C2 Hand Grinder
- Timemore Black Mirror Scales
Merchandise
- Sun Tee (Limited Run) – Artist-collaboration apparel drop
- Plant a Tree (Carbon Neutral Partnership) – Tree planting initiative per product sold
- Coffee Sack – Reusable sack for eco-conscious consumers
- Market Tote – Durable cotton tote for everyday use
Specialisation and USP
Core Roasters stands out through:
- Transparency & Ethics – Public disclosure of producer relationships and pricing where possible
- Environmental Initiatives – Offsetting carbon emissions through tree planting and sustainable packaging
- Flavor-Driven Roasting – Each coffee is profiled to highlight origin-specific qualities without overdevelopment
- Community Engagement – Limited-edition merchandise and partnerships supporting local artists and environmental causes
They combine sensory excellence with purpose-driven practice, resonating with customers who care about both flavor and impact.
Financial Performance
As an independent and privately held roaster, Core Roasters does not publicly disclose financials. However, indicators of healthy business growth include:
- Steady expansion of wholesale clients across Melbourne and beyond
- Growing online presence and subscriber base via direct-to-consumer channel
- Regular sellouts of seasonal and limited-release coffees
- Collaborations with designers and social initiatives enhancing brand reach
These factors reflect sustained and values-aligned business development.
Shipments and Distribution
Based on logistical insights and platform sales activity:
- Domestic Distribution: Core Roasters ships Australia-wide through its online store
- Wholesale Accounts: Primarily focused in Victoria, with select partners in other states
- Export Activity: Currently limited; primary focus remains on serving the local market with consistency and freshness
Their fulfillment model prioritizes small-batch integrity and responsible packaging.
Target Market
Core Roasters appeals to:
- Independent specialty cafés and coffee bars
- Ethical and environmentally aware consumers
- Home brewers seeking high-quality, traceable coffee
- Community members invested in sustainable and creative collaboration
Their audience values transparency, quality, and thoughtful branding.
Capabilities
- Roasting Lab and Cupping Facility in Brunswick East
- Online Fulfillment and Subscription Logistics
- Custom Roasting for Cafés and seasonal retail drops
- Sourcing Team that works closely with ethical importers and producer networks
- Creative Merchandise Program supporting social and environmental initiatives
Certifications and Compliance
While not certified organic or Fairtrade, Core Roasters adheres to:
- Direct and ethical sourcing practices
- Swiss Water Process for decaffeination
- Carbon offset programs through the “Plant a Tree” initiative
- Australian food handling and production compliance
They consistently pursue sustainable practices beyond formal certification.
Customer Testimonials
“Blendo 50 is the best everyday espresso we’ve served in our café. It’s consistent, rich, and works beautifully with milk.” – Wholesale Partner, Melbourne
“The Finca Santuario filter roast blew me away—so sweet and juicy. I love what Core stands for too.” – Home Brewer, Adelaide
Major Achievements
- Established a cult following for Blendo 50 and seasonal filter coffees
- Recognized for sustainability leadership via product-linked tree planting programs
- Featured in Melbourne coffee and design blogs for aesthetic and ethical innovation
- Developed a community-oriented merchandise program supporting carbon neutrality and local artists
- Built a loyal wholesale network driven by quality, service, and values alignment
