Zest Specialty Coffee Roasters is a Melbourne-based specialty coffee roastery known for its unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability in the coffee supply chain. Established with a vision to elevate coffee experiences through craftsmanship and community engagement, Zest has built a reputation as a key player in Australia’s specialty coffee landscape.
Core Business
The company operates as a specialty coffee roaster with integrated services including green bean sourcing, roasting, wholesale distribution, barista training, and cafe consultancy. Zest caters to independent cafés, hospitality groups, and home brewers through both retail and wholesale channels.
Product and Service Offerings
Zest’s diverse portfolio includes:
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Coffee Blends
- Corcovado – A bright and syrupy blend, ideal for espresso
- Blackbird – A rich and full-bodied dark roast for milk-based coffees
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Single Origin Coffees
- Colombia Lohas Beans
- Australia Jack Murat
- Colombia Cafe Granja La Esperanza
- Colombia Elias & Shady Bayter Robusta
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Coffee Subscriptions
- Blend Subscription
- Micro-lot Subscription – Featuring limited-edition and traceable origin coffees
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Professional Services
- Barista training and education programs
- Equipment partnerships and technical support
- Cafe consultation and branding assistance
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Brew Gear
- Apax Lab tools and brewing equipment for precision coffee making
Specialisation and USP
Zest’s unique value proposition lies in its dedication to transparency, traceability, and experimentation. Their core USPs include:
- Origin Projects: Long-term relationships with farmers in Colombia, Ethiopia, and Papua New Guinea allow them to co-create processing methods and elevate bean quality.
- Post-Harvest Innovation: Collaboration on fermentation, drying, and anaerobic processing techniques to enhance flavor profiles.
- Education and Community: Investment in barista development and community events that promote knowledge-sharing.
Zest is one of the few Australian roasters to consistently experiment with fermentation techniques alongside origin producers, ensuring unique cup profiles and limited-release microlots.
Financial Performance
While Zest does not publicly disclose financial data, its consistent expansion across Australia and increasing international visibility signal steady growth. Indicators of financial and operational stability include:
- Distribution to 400+ cafés across Australia
- Retail partnerships with major specialty stores and coffee e-commerce platforms
- Strong digital footprint with over 14K Instagram followers and 150K+ views on YouTube coffee tutorials
Shipments and Export Records
According to ImportYeti and other shipment tracking platforms:
- Primary Export Markets: Singapore, New Zealand, Malaysia, and Japan
- Product Focus: Specialty roasted coffee (microlots and blends)
- Average Monthly Shipments: 3–5 commercial consignments
- Peak Export Periods: Q4 due to holiday and café demand surges
Their international reach underscores Zest’s capability to meet global quality and supply expectations.
Target Market
Zest targets:
- Specialty cafés and roasteries
- Hospitality venues
- Coffee enthusiasts and home brewers
- Subscription-based consumers
Their emphasis on ethically sourced, premium-quality beans appeals to conscious consumers and high-volume businesses alike.
Capabilities
- Roasting Infrastructure: Equipped with state-of-the-art roasters and quality control labs
- Training Facilities: In-house training center offering certified barista courses
- Direct Trade Partnerships: Engaged directly with producers for enhanced supply chain control
- Cold Brew & RTD Development: Experimentation with ready-to-drink formats and nitrogen-infused brews
Certifications and Compliance
- Fairtrade and Organic certifications on select coffee lines
- HACCP-compliant facilities ensuring food safety and hygiene standards
- Active members of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA)
Customer Testimonials
“Zest has been our roasting partner for over three years. Their attention to detail and dedication to quality is unmatched.” – Café Owner, Sydney
“Their training sessions helped us improve consistency across all our baristas. Couldn’t recommend more.” – Coffee Program Manager, Melbourne
Major Achievements
- Winner of multiple Golden Bean Awards for best espresso and milk-based blends
- Pioneers of Origin Projects with active impact on producer communities
- Featured at Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE) multiple years
- Published in BeanScene Magazine and Sprudge for innovation in processing techniques
- YouTube educational videos have reached over 150,000 views, helping to build coffee literacy globally
