More cafés across the UK are exploring the benefits of roasting their own coffee, and while the initial investment may seem daunting, the long-term savings and other advantages often make it worth considering. Let’s take a closer look at how much a café in the UK can save by roasting its own coffee, along with the added perks of in-house roasting.
Initial Investment in Roasting Equipment
The first cost to consider is the investment in a commercial coffee roaster. Prices for commercially viable roasters vary depending on size and capacity, with smaller models for independent cafés starting around £5,000, while larger, more advanced systems can cost upwards of £30,000. Besides the roaster itself, you’ll need to invest in proper ventilation, and possibly training or consultancy, to master the art of roasting.
There’s also an initial period of experimentation to factor in, as you’ll need to test different roast profiles, try out various green beans, and fine-tune the process until you create a roast that fits your café’s offering. This trial phase may take time, but the long-term benefits usually outweigh the early investment.
Per Kilo Cost Savings
One of the major financial benefits of roasting in-house is the reduced cost per kilo of coffee. Buying roasted specialty coffee beans from a supplier can range from £14 to £20 per kilo, depending on the quality and origin. In contrast, green (unroasted) coffee beans generally cost between £7 and £10 per kilo.
Once you factor in the energy costs, labour, and any other operational expenses involved in roasting, you can still expect the overall cost per kilo to be much lower than buying pre-roasted beans. For cafés that go through a large volume of coffee, these savings quickly add up, translating to a healthier bottom line.
Other Benefits of Roasting Your Own Coffee
Apart from the obvious financial savings, roasting your own coffee offers several key advantages that go beyond the cost per kilo.
- Fresher Coffee: Freshness is key to delivering high-quality coffee, and when you roast in-house, you have full control over when the beans are roasted. This ensures that your coffee is served at its freshest, providing a superior taste experience for your customers.
- Less Waste: By roasting only what you need, you avoid the waste associated with ordering pre-roasted beans in bulk. Pre-roasted beans can go stale if not used quickly, but with in-house roasting, you can adjust your roast quantities to match demand, minimising excess and reducing waste.
- Customisation: Roasting your own coffee gives you the flexibility to experiment with different roast levels and create a signature flavour profile for your café. Whether you prefer a lighter roast for filter coffee or a dark roast for espresso, in-house roasting allows you to tailor the coffee to suit your menu and customer preferences.
- Sustainability and Storytelling: Customers in the UK are increasingly interested in sustainability and knowing the story behind their coffee. Roasting your own beans allows you to be more transparent about your sourcing and roasting processes, enhancing your brand’s authenticity. This can help build customer loyalty and attract coffee enthusiasts who value traceability and sustainability.
Although the upfront cost of buying a coffee roaster and learning the roasting process can seem like a significant investment, the long-term savings on the per kilo price of coffee can make it a worthwhile venture for many UK cafés. By roasting your own beans, you not only save money but also gain the advantage of fresher coffee, less waste, and the opportunity to create a unique product that’s tailored to your brand.
For UK cafés looking to stand out in a competitive market, roasting your own coffee can be a smart investment that leads to long-term savings and improved customer satisfaction. Find out more about Why are Cafes starting to roast their own coffee?
