Does anyone have experience or views to share around the coffee industry?

April 27, 2021

by a searcher from INSEAD in London, UK

Would greatly appreciate any discussion or input from investors, operators or searchers who can provide any wisdom or contacts in the coffee space both in terms of machines, equipment and coffee itself. From manufacturing and producing the stuff, through to distributing and selling it, there are some interesting areas in both the B2b and B2C markets. Also keen to connect with any interested investors.

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Reply by a searcher
in Atlanta, GA, USA

I was doing due diligence on a local cafe with 3 locations (1 more of a cart in a museum lobby, but the other 2 full-on coffee shops). They roasted their own beans at the main location and had a loyal clientele there, with the other 2 locations being more foot-traffic. All 3 were in what I considered good to great locations. The business was founded by a couple professors at a local university, one of whom took on the business as his full time occupation. They were barely making any money. Still, I was very interested. I wasn't sure I could pull it off but I was starting to go down the rabbit-hole. This was November-December###-###-#### Then...COVID! I love coffee shops and will continue to learn (casually) about the space, but this experience will make me much more focused on downside risk in the numbers. Jittery Joes out of Athens, GA is a good case study. I'm interested in the bean's behavior as a commodity and dabble occasionally in the etf JO. My recommendation is to make friends with a local roaster and learn how to "cup." Even if you never find the right shop for sale it wont be a waste of time. You can also roast on a micro-scale at home and could use that as a platform to launch your searchfund.

Reply by a searcher
in Portland, OR, USA

Hi ^redacted‌ - I acquired a coffee ecommerce business last year, BaristaWarrior.com we sell specialty brewing equipment and unique coffee beans. Happy to chat if you'd like, shoot me a note at redacted

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