How Bean There Coffee Company Built an Ethical Coffee Legacy
In 2005, Bean There Coffee Company opened its doors with a quietly radical idea: that coffee could taste exceptional, connect people across continents, and still be traded fairly. That it was possible to build a business where flavour, ethics, and transparency weren’t opposing forces but the very foundation.
Two decades later, Bean There is still proving that idea true. Based in Johannesburg, with a roastery and flagship cafe at 44 Stanley, the company has grown into one of the continent’s most respected ethical coffee brands — known for championing small-scale African farmers and sourcing only the best single origin Arabica coffee.
The Business of Doing Things Differently
From the beginning, Bean There set out to do things differently. Where most roasters leaned into blending and price-driven supply chains, Bean There committed to single origin coffee, direct sourcing, and Fairtrade certification. It was the first roaster in South Africa to do so.
Today, while many know the brand through its friendly cafe and barista school at 44 Stanley, Bean There’s core business is wholesale: supplying ethically sourced coffee to restaurants, hotels, lodges, and offices across South Africa and beyond. Its beans are also available to individuals through select retailers and a growing direct-to-consumer online store.
What hasn’t changed is the belief that great coffee can do great things.
A Continental Commitment
Over the last 20 years, Bean There has built long-term relationships with more than 12,000 smallholder farmers across seven African countries: Ethiopia, Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi, D.R. Congo, and most recently, Uganda.
Through these partnerships, they have purchased over 1.57 million kilograms of Fairtrade-certified Arabica. Grown at altitudes between 1,500 and 2,200 metres on farms typically no larger than two hectares, this coffee is unblended, traceable, and deeply tied to place.
Each origin tells its own story. Ethiopian Sidamo, their first and longest-standing origin, brings notes of citrus and clarity. Rwandan Musasa offers rich, earthy undertones. Kenyan Nyeri is famed for its brightness and depth. Each cup offers a direct line to the land, the climate, and the farmer who cultivated it.
But it’s not just about flavour. It’s about fairness. Bean There pays above-market prices to every cooperative it works with, ensuring not just a living wage for farmers but long-term community development. The impact of Fairtrade can be seen in the infrastructure, education, and empowerment taking root across these growing regions.
“The coffee may leave our hands, but it carries our hopes.”
Marking a Milestone
It’s a season of celebration for Bean There and they are in the midst of a number of activations at 44 Stanley:
In July they hosted two screenings of Wild Life in partnership with The Bioscope and Gone Outdoor, sharing the powerful Patagonia documentary on conservationist Kris Tompkins.
Earlier this month they launched the new Olga’s Reserve, introducing the latest edition of this limited micro-lot, named in honour of Olga “Polly” Robinson, who first introduced Jonathan and his sister Sarah to coffee. It’s a roast meant to be savoured slowly, ideally with a piece of chocolate, in peace and quiet.
A special cocktail party to thank stakeholders, customers and staff was hosted in the 44 Stanley roastery. The evening reflected on the people, places, and purpose that have shaped the company and included moving messages from farmers and supporters from across the continent.
This Saturday, the 20th September a 5km Community Coffee Run a morning run starting and ending at Bean There, inviting customers and community members to move together and celebrate the journey. Free coffee and prizes are on offer.
On 8th November, they’ll be hosting a Public tasting experience throughout 44 Stanley, an immersive cupping session and flavour exploration, open to all.
WIN & MAKE A DIFFERENCE
An exciting competition where you can win a work of art. In partnership with artist (and 44 Stanley alumn) Fhatuwani Mukheli, La Marzocco have created a one-of-a-kind, hand-illustrated Linea Micra - a tribute to African coffee, culture, and craft. To win this amazing machine (which can be viewed in the 44 Stanley space) you need to buy a ticket, R100 = 1 entry and tickets are unlimited. All proceeds go towards new drying tables for the Ruthagati Cooperative in Kenya, who produce exceptional coffee and have been proud partners of Bean There's since 2007.
Why It Still Matters
In an age of greenwashing and performative ethics, Bean There’s longevity and impact offers something rare: proof that business can be principled and successful. That a commitment to fairness, quality, and human connection isn’t a marketing strategy, but a way of being.
They don’t blend their beans. They don’t compromise on sourcing. They don’t trade anonymously. Instead, they continue to ask: What does it mean to seek the best?
For them, it means showing up. Listening to farmers. Paying fairly. Roasting with care. Brewing with intention. And inviting others to taste the difference.
After 20 years, Bean There is still grounded in the same belief that started it all: good coffee should be good for everyone.
