Founded in 2003 in Sydney, Single O (formerly known as Single Origin Roasters) has become one of Australia's most innovative and influential specialty coffee roasters. With a strong emphasis on ethical sourcing, environmental sustainability, and cutting-edge roasting techniques, Single O has built a loyal customer base and a formidable presence across both wholesale and direct-to-consumer channels.
Core Business and Offerings
Single O operates as a specialty coffee roaster and multi-location café operator, with flagship outlets in Surry Hills and the Sydney CBD, alongside a high-capacity roastery serving cafés across Australia and abroad. Their product ecosystem includes:
-
Espresso Blends:
- Reservoir Blend: A chocolate-forward crowd-pleaser, balanced with a syrupy texture.
- Killerbee: A bold, sweet blend crafted to cut through milk-based drinks.
- Yeehah!: Fruity and vibrant, designed for adventurous espresso palates.
- Collider: A balanced, seasonal espresso with fruit and nut tones.
-
Single Origin Coffees:
Featuring micro-lot coffees from regions such as:
- Colombia Papayo Inmaculada
- Kenya Gichatha
- Ethiopia Uraga
- PNG Lamari River Valley
-
Decaf Coffee:
Specialty decaf options roasted with the same attention to flavor and sourcing integrity.
-
Subscriptions:
- Non-Stop Origins Subscription: A rotating roster of freshly sourced single origins delivered to subscribers.
-
Coffee Equipment & Accessories:
Includes professional brewing tools and home brewing kits curated for quality.
-
Merchandise:
A variety of branded items including apparel, reusable cups, and coffee canisters.
Specialisation and Core USP
Single O has long been recognized for pushing boundaries in the specialty coffee industry. Their core USPs include:
-
Pioneering Batch Brew Culture in Australia:
Early adopters of self-serve batch brew taps in cafés, making specialty filter coffee more accessible.
-
Innovative Roasting Techniques:
Precision roasting guided by data analytics, quality control, and sensory calibration.
-
Sustainability Leadership:
- 100% renewable energy powering their Botany roastery.
- Reusable and recyclable coffee packaging initiatives.
- Composting partnerships and cup recycling programs in cafés.
-
Ethical Sourcing Commitment:
Long-standing direct trade relationships with producers and cooperatives across Latin America, Africa, and Asia. They prioritize transparent pricing and farmer welfare.
Financial Strength and Performance
While private financial data is not publicly disclosed, Single O’s business scale and infrastructure provide insights into their strength:
- Operational Roastery: Large-scale facility in Botany, NSW, capable of roasting hundreds of kilograms daily.
- Wholesale Reach: Supplies over 150 partner cafés across Australia.
- E-Commerce: Offers nationwide subscriptions and retail coffee sales through an advanced digital storefront.
Key business indicators:
- Over 20 years of consistent operation in an increasingly competitive market.
- Rapid Subscription Growth: Especially post-2020, aligned with the growth of the home brewing segment.
- International Sales: Presence in select overseas markets including Japan through Single O Japan, with branded café operations in Tokyo.
International Shipments and Trade Records
According to available public trade intelligence and Single O’s global footprint:
- Export Markets:
- Japan: Single O operates a full-service roastery and café in Tokyo, reflecting significant overseas investment.
- New Zealand & Singapore: Partner café supply and e-commerce distribution.
- Shipment Type:
- Primarily roasted specialty coffee blends and single origins.
- Also includes private-label roasting and consulting services for international café partners.
Target Market
Single O targets a wide spectrum of coffee consumers and businesses:
- Independent Cafés and Coffee Chains seeking unique blends and support services.
- Home Brewers wanting access to high-grade, transparently sourced coffee.
- Sustainability-Conscious Consumers who prioritize ethical sourcing and eco-forward practices.
- Hospitality and Corporate Partners requiring scalable and premium coffee solutions.
Capabilities
- Roasting Infrastructure: High-volume production with small-batch precision, enabled by automated roasting and stringent QC protocols.
- Café Operations: Flagship stores serve as experiential hubs, reflecting the brand’s values and showcasing rotating origin coffees.
- Education & Support: Offers training and support to wholesale partners, including barista training, equipment consultation, and service layout design.
- R&D and Coffee Innovation: Ongoing investment in new processing profiles, brewing methods, and sustainability programs.
Certifications and Compliance
- Certified Carbon Neutral Roastery: Powered by renewable energy.
- Ethical Sourcing Standards: Although not always formal certifications, Single O’s direct sourcing and long-term producer relationships provide real-world traceability and social impact.
- Sustainable Packaging: Biodegradable bags, cup recycling systems, and eco-distribution efforts in logistics.
Customer Testimonials
“Single O never misses. Their single origin program always introduces me to something new and exciting.”
— Verified Subscriber Feedback
“Our café has worked with Single O for years and the support, training, and quality they provide is second to none.”
— Wholesale Partner, Sydney
Achievements and Milestones
- Over 20 Years in Specialty Coffee: Launched in 2003, and recognized as one of the earliest players in Australia’s third-wave coffee movement.
- Global Expansion: Established a full-service roastery and café in Tokyo, Japan.
- Industry Accolades: Featured in Gourmet Traveller, Good Food Guide, and Broadsheet for excellence in coffee roasting and innovation.
- Sustainability Awards: Recognized for their leadership in environmental practices within the coffee industry.
Single O remains at the forefront of Australia’s specialty coffee landscape, continuously setting benchmarks in quality, innovation, and ethical coffee trading.
