Community is more than just a coffee, it's a collaboration and a testament to the power of partnerships. Born out of a shared vision between Union Hand-Roasted Coffee, Company of Cooks and Well Grounded, this deliciously sweet coffee supports communities both at origin in Peru and here in the UK. In a time when businesses are being called to step up and support local communities and economies, Community is a shining example of how thoughtful collaboration can drive meaningful impact.
Community was brought to life by Rob Fredrickson, Managing Director of Company of Cooks. As Rob shares, “Having worked with Well Grounded for a number of years, I was keen to explore new ways to support the critical work they do with London’s young and hard to reach, and what better way to do this than through the very coffee they train these incredible people to serve? The opportunity to do this, at the same time as supporting those at origin in Jaen, Peru means the impact is felt at home and abroad, aligning with our commitment to support the people and communities we work with, wherever they may be. I couldn’t be more pleased with Year One of the project, and look forward to growing Community’s impact in the future."
This shared vision between Union Hand-Roasted Coffee, Company of Cooks, and Well Grounded laid the foundation for a partnership that is transforming lives—one cup at a time.
Union Hand-Roasted Coffee: Crafting Excellence and Fairness at Every Step
Union Hand-Roasted Coffee has always set the bar high in the specialty coffee industry. As the UK's first specialty coffee roaster, Union is a pioneer for ethical sourcing and artisan-roasting high quality arabica beans. Community is sourced through Union Direct Trade, ensuring that farmers and cooperatives in Peru are paid a fair price— above the minimum Fairtrade price. In 2023 alone, Union paid 55% above the Fairtrade minimum and social premium, enabling farmers to reinvest in their farms, protect the environment by implementing sustainable farming practices, support their families, and strengthen their communities.
The coffee selected from Jaen, Peru, is carefully hand-crafted at Union’s roastery, East London. Each roast batch is meticulously created to develop sweetness, delicious aromatics, and dark chocolate notes. This is flavour profile of Community. Each batch is tasted after roasting to ensure consistent excellence.
Company of Cooks: Elevating Hospitality and Driving Social Impact
Company of Cooks a leading UK contract caterer, recognised for delivering exceptional culinary experiences in the country’s most iconic venues, including The Royal Opera House, RHS Wisley, and Kew Gardens. But beyond the commitment to quality, Company of Cooks is dedicated to making a positive impact. Community, which is exclusively served across all sites, is a key part of this mission. Since its launch, this initiative has delivered over £100k directly to Well Grounded, supporting their vital work in the community. Moreover, the impact of Community extends beyond financial contributions. Many graduates of Well Grounded's programmes are employed by Company of Cooks, creating a direct link between the coffee and the opportunities it creates. For every 1kg bag of Community sold, £2 is donated to Well Grounded by Company of Cooks, ensuring that every cup served contributes to a brighter future.
Waitrose: Bringing Coffee With Impact to Homes Across the UK
As the exclusive retail partner for Community, Waitrose plays a crucial role in bringing this coffee with social impact to homes across the UK. Known for their commitment to quality, ethical sourcing, and sustainability, Waitrose is the perfect partner to offer Community to consumers. Available in a convenient 200g format, this coffee allows customers to enjoy the sweet flavours of Community at home while contributing to a worthy cause. For every 200g bag sold, 25p is donated to Well Grounded by Waitrose, further extending the coffee's positive impact.
Well Grounded: Transforming Lives Through Coffee
Well Grounded is an award-winning social enterprise, supporting the UK’s unemployed with the skills to access sustainable careers in coffee. Founded on the belief that coffee can be a catalyst for positive change, Well Grounded empowers people with coffee training, industry qualifications, mentorship and job coaching, connecting them to rewarding jobs that help them thrive in life. Their after-care programme supports individuals with ongoing professional development through further qualifications, networking and mentorship.
Well Grounded’s vision is of a society where people are thriving socially and economically in a diverse, dynamic and nurturing coffee community. Since 2016, Well Grounded has supported over 550 individuals through its flagship employability programmes, with 66% from a minority ethnic background and 59% identifying as female/non-binary or transgender. 85% of their Graduates sustain work for 6 months or more with many in roles as baristas, roasters, green coffee buyers and more. Today, Well Grounded Graduates are practicing their craft and serving coffee at prestigious Company of Cooks venues including Royal Opera House, Tower of London and the Royal Society of Arts.
The partnership with Union Hand-Roasted Coffee and Company of Cooks has further amplified Well Grounded’s impact since 2023, with contributions from the Community allowing more individuals to access their training and support to help them into new and life-changing opportunities.
Coffee with Purpose
Community is more than just coffee, it’s a movement that brings together ethical sourcing, skilful roasting, and a commitment to social impact. Each partner in this collaboration plays a vital role in ensuring that every cup of Community not only tastes exceptional but also drives positive change—from the farmers in Peru to local communities in the UK. When you choose Community Blend, you’re not just enjoying a deliciously sweet coffee, you’re supporting a brighter future for communities near and far.