"Good Beans: Sustainability, Inclusivity, and Community in the Roasting Business" A Panel Discussion

 

Good Beans: Sustainability, Inclusivity, and Community in the Roasting Business
Panel Reflection from Caffè Culture

The world of coffee roasting has expanded beyond simply serving a good brew. More businesses are seeking to embed sustainability, inclusivity, and a sense of community into their operations. During our recent panel at Caffè Culture, we delved into what it means to balance these values while running a successful business. Below are some of the key takeaways from our discussion.


Challenges in Running a Business with a Sustainability, Inclusivity, and Community Focus

One of the first points we explored was the balance between maintaining a successful business and committing to higher ideals like sustainability, inclusivity, and community-building. From my perspective, launching any business is already a massive feat, but when you add the moral imperative of sustainability, it requires a whole other level of determination. You have to resist the temptation to cut corners and stay committed to doing something meaningful.

The biggest challenge I’ve found is in keeping that determination intact. Perseverance is key, but it wavers when you’re constantly feeling like there’s always more to do. A lot of times, the hardest part is not just starting with good intentions, but maintaining them day after day, in the face of industry pressures, competition, and the endless list of operational demands.


Defining Sustainability: More Than Environmental Concerns

Sustainability is often associated solely with environmental initiatives, but during the discussion, we spoke about how the term encompasses so much more. It includes social sustainability, like inclusivity, fair wages, and community engagement.

For me, starting Noni’s meant not only considering the physical environment around us, but also the broader implications of the industry. When I started, I had a "niggle"—a persistent need to better understand the problems facing the coffee industry. That curiosity drove me to create a business where I could become more informed, and in turn, communicate those lessons to my customers.

Sustainability has become a bit of a trigger word for people, but I view it as a layered concept. It’s not just about eco-friendly packaging or sourcing. It’s about building a business that can stand the test of time and give back—to its workers, to its community, and to the planet.


Community Engagement: Keeping It Relevant

Community is at the heart of what we do. During the panel, we discussed how businesses can stay relevant to the communities they serve. For us at Noni’s, it’s about real, authentic engagement. One of our most meaningful collaborations has been with Boss Morris, an all-women’s Morris dancing troupe. Last Christmas, we also had the opportunity to work on a fundraising initiative for Ukraine. These projects connected us with the local and global community, fostering a sense of purpose beyond just business.

Community for me means recognizing the unique contributions each individual makes to the fabric of society and finding ways to support and uplift them. It's also about using our platform to raise awareness for causes that matter, not just to us, but to our customers.


Why Some Businesses Struggle to Implement These Values

Let’s be honest—running a business with a focus on inclusivity, sustainability, and community is not easy. It takes effort, and often people are overwhelmed at the idea of adding these layers on top of the day-to-day challenges of keeping the business afloat.

For me personally, I tend to dive headfirst into things without always considering the risks until it’s too late. And that can actually be an advantage—sometimes you just have to get started and figure things out as you go. I think a lot of businesses get stuck in the "what ifs," fearing potential setbacks before they even begin.


Inclusivity and Community: Advice for Business Owners

Finally, we touched on the role of inclusivity in business. There's a common misconception that only those who belong to a minority or specific community can create an inclusive or community-focused business. But being an ally is just as crucial. For anyone looking to run such a business, my advice is to start by understanding your own position in the broader context.

Being a woman in this industry, I’ve had my own experiences, but I also carry a bit of historical weight. My grandfather worked in the tea trade, and it was during my anthropology degree that I started to process the generational guilt of being loosely connected to an industry rooted in colonialism and exploitation, as my grandfather was no big cheese, it still has encouraged me to further understand this and process the impact that has arrived as a result. That realization has shaped the way I approach my work today—I’m constantly thinking about how we can treat producers fairly and make ethical choices throughout the supply chain.

It's essential to listen, learn, and acknowledge both your own privileges and the needs of others. Inclusivity means creating spaces where everyone can contribute and be heard, not just those who traditionally hold power.

In conclusion, building a business that is sustainable, inclusive, and community-driven is a long and often challenging journey. But it's one that is worth the effort. As business owners, we have the unique opportunity to make an impact—not just on our customers, but on the wider world.