Atkinson’s target the Specialty Sector of the industry, meaning it is a much smaller, less mainstream business than some of the household brands of today, which is the way they like it; focused on the highest quality of product.

To identify the highest quality coffee, Ian has a ‘hands on’ approach to sourcing. Travelling to coffee producing regions and building relationships with small, independent, and family run businesses across the globe.

So what is Relationship coffee? Ian compares the similarities between people in the UK and the suppliers that he works with, explaining there aren’t too many differences when it comes to the quality that we look for and the foundations that we all seek in life more generally. He explains that Relationship coffee goes back to the origins of the bean, and its creation comes from something very special indeed; the power of relationships.

He believes the hands on approach to sourcing sustainable coffee, really getting to know, see, feel what he is sourcing and importantly, who he is sourcing it from is key in innovating new tastes and keeping the quality to the highest standards. Ian chooses his suppliers carefully, ensuring that they get a good deal, can build their community and provide for themselves. The result speaking for itself.

A great example of Ian’s approach is ‘Kinini Washed’ coffee, currently being served in Lancaster University outlets. Sourced from Rwanda, the coffee is produced at the Kinini Washing Station, which was established by the charity ‘A New Beginning’ to help individuals, mainly widows and orphans of the 1994 genocide establish themselves as farmers in a new area. Coffee growing started in 2012 and partners 622 local farmers, each growing about 0.5Ha. With the support of the Kinini Washing Station the farmers have been able to produce extremely high quality coffee in just a few years, with the added value of this high quality product meaning that the farmers get a good return and the community has been able to invest in a school and health centre.

Atkinson’s alone makes a very tiny difference when looking at the bigger picture, but with the recent rise in specialty coffees and the demand for quality more prominent than ever, it is still important when combined with all the other roasters in the sector pulling together in the same direction to try and influence trends within the industry.

Companies such as Atkinson’s are adding value to the places and people that they meet along their journey. Making a more sustainable supply chain and ensuring that everybody gets a fair deal.

Catch up with Ian in person, share some coffee and hear more about his quest on Friday 6^th March in Bowland Hall between 1pm and 1:45pm.