The Bean Cartel, based in Notting Hill, Melbourne, has positioned itself as a forward-thinking specialty coffee roaster known for its bold brand personality, diverse blend creations, and serious focus on sourcing transparency. Combining a rebellious brand aesthetic with exceptional roasting precision, The Bean Cartel caters to both retail and wholesale markets across Australia, with a rapidly growing e-commerce presence.
Core Business and Offerings
The Bean Cartel operates as a specialty coffee roaster, retailer, and wholesale supplier, with an extensive product range that includes:
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Signature Coffee Blends:
- El Capitán: A versatile, medium-bodied blend.
- Dr Chan's Elixir: Known for unique flavor layering and intensity.
- El Rudo: Darker roasted profile tailored for strength lovers.
- La Patrona: Smooth, full-bodied, designed for milk-based drinks.
- Black Rose: A rich, full espresso blend with floral undertones.
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Single Origin Coffees:
- Brazil Fazenda Araujo Natural Processed
- India Riverdale Estate Peach Natural Processed
- Colombia Guava Banana Anaerobic Natural Processed
- Ethiopia Sidamo GR2 Natural Processed
Each origin is selected for traceability, unique processing, and flavor specificity, appealing to connoisseurs and specialty coffee lovers.
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Coffee Capsules:
- El Cabo and La Madrina—offering convenience without compromising on specialty quality, compatible with Nespresso® machines.
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Ready-to-Drink Beverages:
- Cold Brew Tonic: Bright and citrusy profile perfect for summer.
- Oat Latte: Dairy-free RTD beverage tailored for café-quality convenience.
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Coffee Equipment:
- Aeropress, Fiorenzato All Ground Grinder, San Remo Cube R, and Melitta Epos Brewer—designed for both prosumers and professional baristas.
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Merchandise & Apparel:
- Dr Chan's Crew Neck, Elixir Hoodies, Cartel Fiesta Crew, and Camper Mugs reflect the brand's edgy identity.
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Coffee Subscriptions:
- Flexible options featuring blends and rotating single origins delivered on a recurring basis.
Specialisation and Core USP
The Bean Cartel is renowned for its personality-driven brand identity and quality-focused roasting. Key USPs include:
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Creative Blending and Roast Profiling:
Each blend is named with character and story, encouraging consumer engagement beyond flavor.
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Direct Trade and Ethical Sourcing:
Emphasis on transparency and traceability, with many coffees sourced directly from farms using unique processing methods like anaerobic fermentation.
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Diversified Product Format:
Offers whole beans, capsules, cold brew, and RTD beverages—making specialty coffee accessible to varied demographics.
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Lifestyle-Oriented Branding:
Apparel and merchandise build community loyalty and embody the brand’s vibrant, disruptive culture.
Financial Strength and Performance
Though private financial data is not disclosed, indicators of strong market performance include:
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E-Commerce Growth:
Rapid expansion of their online store, with nationwide delivery and recurring subscription model uptake.
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Wholesale Channel Expansion:
Supplies cafes and hospitality venues across Victoria and beyond.
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Product Line Diversification:
From gear and apparel to cold beverages, the brand’s expanding SKUs reflect a reinvestment in growth and innovation.
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Brand Recognition:
Cult following in Melbourne and growing national recognition for creativity and consistency.
International Shipments and Trade Records
While primarily domestic, The Bean Cartel has growing potential for international markets:
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Export Readiness:
Products like RTD beverages and capsules are well-suited for distribution in global retail and boutique grocery markets.
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Sourcing Transparency:
Works with producers in Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, and India to source unique, micro-lot coffees, many with experimental processing techniques.
Target Market
The Bean Cartel serves a diverse yet focused consumer base:
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Café Operators and Hospitality Professionals:
Wholesale solutions including equipment consultation and staff training.
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Home Coffee Enthusiasts:
Offering blends and single origins tailored to both espresso and filter brewers.
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Design-Forward, Experience-Oriented Shoppers:
Drawn to the brand's unique packaging, apparel, and storytelling.
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Young Professionals and Creatives:
Especially those seeking edgy, lifestyle-aligned brands with substance.
Capabilities
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In-House Roasting Facility:
Roasting all beans in Melbourne with seasonal profile adjustments based on harvest and feedback.
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Equipment Supply and Technical Support:
Offers top-end equipment solutions for home and commercial use with advisory services.
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Product Innovation:
Regularly introduces limited edition drops, new drink formats, and seasonal releases.
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Training and B2B Consultation:
Supports wholesale partners with barista training and workflow optimization.
Certifications and Compliance
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Direct Trade Practices:
Many coffees are sourced through transparent, farm-level partnerships that exceed commodity market pricing.
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Sustainable Packaging Efforts:
Emphasis on recyclable and minimal-impact packaging across products.
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Consumer Transparency:
Provides full details on variety, origin, process, and tasting notes with every coffee sold.
Customer Testimonials
“I love that The Bean Cartel brings flavor, flair, and story to every coffee. Their El Capitán is my go-to!”
— Online Customer Review
“We’ve been using The Bean Cartel in our café for a year now—the quality, support, and brand vibe have been unmatched.”
— Wholesale Café Partner
Achievements and Milestones
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Established Brand Identity:
Known for blending creativity with specialty coffee excellence in one of the most competitive coffee markets globally.
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Community Engagement:
Strong Instagram and social engagement, with fans regularly featuring apparel and brewing gear.
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Diversified Product Success:
The launch of their ready-to-drink and capsule lines has expanded customer accessibility and brand reach.
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Continual Innovation:
Active experimentation with anaerobic processes, exotic cultivars, and seasonal limited editions.
The Bean Cartel exemplifies the fusion of premium quality and brand attitude, catering to modern coffee consumers who crave not just exceptional brews—but identity, innovation, and storytelling in every cup.
