As Lincoln & York approaches its 30th anniversary, it’s worth noting the remarkable journey of this UK-based family business. What began as two farmers roasting and selling coffee beans from their garden shed has evolved into a 50-million-pound private-label coffee roasting business with two purpose-built factories to serve the UK and 15 global markets.
Currently roasting 9,000 tons of coffee annually, Lincoln & York has become an industry leader within the private-label coffee market. The company prides itself on its flexibility and creating bespoke coffee solutions for its customers, sourcing beans from over 40 different regions and crafting an impressive repertoire of 600 unique coffee blends and over 2,500 distinct SKUs.
Lincoln & York have worked in partnership with Brambati, an Italian engineering company that shares the same family-owned ethos, and who manufactured their impressive array of 6 coffee roasters, ranging from 30-kilo to 600-kilo. This is complemented by 15 packing lines to facilitate the packing of coffee in formats ranging from one-kilo bags to filter sachets and easy-serve espresso pods; serving the needs of every customer across retail and out-of-home.
Sustainability is ingrained in Lincoln & York’s core values, with a recognition that if nothing changes, the land suitable for growing coffee is predicted to decline by 50 percent between now and 2050 due to the changing climate, whilst demand for coffee in the same period is expected to double. They are focused on making a difference and reducing their impact on the environment, and on supporting organisations, such as World Coffee Research, which are working to protect the future of the industry.
“We proudly maintain a zero-to-landfill policy and have incorporated an air-source heat pump in our warehouse and solar panels on the roof. Energy-efficient measures also extend to our factories, where LED lighting is installed,” says Ian Bryson, managing director, underscoring some of Lincoln & York’s commitments.
Its sustainability focus was recognised this year when it was awarded ‘Carbon-Neutral Coffee Roastery’ status by One Carbon World, with whom it collaborates.
It was also one of the first coffee companies to introduce recyclable packaging back in 2019. By the end of 2024, the company aims to ensure all its packaging is fully recyclable, and are focussed on continuous improvement, now working to reduce the use of virgin plastics in its packaging.
The company prides itself on its flexibility and creating bespoke coffee solutions for its customers, sourcing beans from over 40 different regions and crafting an impressive repertoire of 600 unique coffee blends and over 2,500 distinct SKUs
As Bryson describes it, “It all comes down to the people. We need to invest in our people to ensure we have the right heads with the right skills in the right roles to deliver our product.”
Lincoln & York is actively attracting new talent and focussed on futureproofing coffee expertise within the business. With two Q graders, a trainee coffee buyer, and an apprentice coffee buyer on board, the company is always looking ahead as it continues to expand and evolve.
The same level of commitment is seen in the firm’s coffee innovation mindset. As Lincoln & York looks to the future, it stands ready to navigate the evolving landscape of the coffee sector. Among the noteworthy trends are cold brews, flavoured coffees, and ready-to-drink variants, all displaying robust growth. To meet the rising demand, strategic partnerships have been forged with prominent coffee companies in the U.S., gaining access to readyto- drink coffees and coffee extracts. This strategic move is aimed at satisfying the preferences of its UK and European customers.
Lincoln & York also recognises the immense potential within the tea extract market, particularly in ready-to-drink teas. This avenue is considered for substantial expansion, demonstrating the company’s adaptability and forward-thinking.
Inspired by the success of functional teas and similar products, Lincoln & York is also exploring the incorporation of vitamins and minerals into coffee capsules, capitalising on its partnership with the world’s largest coffee capsule manufacturer in Holland.
With a resolute focus on these strategies, Lincoln & York is committed to being a strategic coffee partner, supplying the best quality coffee to every customer, and introducing innovation focussed on helping our customers to capitalise on key growth channels and opportunities.
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