As part of its commitment to Net Zero 2025 and the TOWT (TransOceanic Wind Transport) Fresh Coffee Clean Oceans initiative, Cornish B Corp speciality coffee roaster Origin Coffee has launched its first-ever Sail Ship Coffee.
Following a 22-day journey from Brazil to La Havre in late 2024, 19 tonnes of coffee was delivered across the Atlantic Ocean on sailboat ‘Artemis’ and is now available online and across all of Origin’s coffee shops across the UK.
The coffee hails from the high-altitude region of Morgiana, where brothers Fernando and Felipe Menzes Riberi have meticulously produced, harvested, and dried each bean. The region’s rich terroir results in tasting notes of milk chocolate, Brazil nut, and raisin, resulting in a naturally sweet and smooth cup.
“This has been such an exciting time at Origin Coffee,” says Freda Yuan, Director of Coffee. “From working with the Menzes Riberi brothers to partnering with BELCO and TOWT for sail-powered shipping, this journey has been incredible. We’re not the first, and we certainly won’t be the last specialty coffee roaster to embrace this change — but this is just the beginning of something much bigger for us and for the industry.”
Following a long-term partnership with Belco and TOWT, the alternative method of delivery is set to reduce transport emissions by up to 95% in comparison to an average cargo ship, saving Origin Coffee up to 3.9tco2e per container*, as well as reducing noise pollution that affects marine life.
Sustainability Manager Sarah Walker, comments “This is a monumental step for Origin and our environmental commitments. As part of our wider Net Zero plan, we plan to increase our sail quantities by a % year on year and for this alternative, kinder, method of transportation to represent 10% of our overall coffee by 2030. Doing this will allow us to offer our customers high-quality, consciously-sourced coffee with a lower environmental impact.“
Origin Coffee proudly celebrated its 20th anniversary in 2024, marking its status as one of the longest-standing coffee roasters in the UK. With five consecutive years as a certified B Corp, Origin remains a leader in the industry, setting the standard for strengthening direct farmer relationships, delivering best-in-class B2B practices, and educating consumers in the craft of specialty coffee.
Sail Ship coffee is now available in pod, espresso, and filter form on Origin’s website, its coffee shops around the UK, and through selected wholesale customers including a special partnership with The Pig Hotel Group.
