UPDATE: Dear Green Coffee Roasters, a celebrated name in Glasgow’s coffee scene, has just announced a significant expansion that will boost its production capacity by an astonishing fivefold. The new facility, located in a 13,500 sq ft warehouse on Brook Street, Bridgeton, is a game-changer for the B Corp-certified company, which aims to achieve Net Zero by 2030.
This move represents a pivotal moment for the independent roastery, founded by Lisa Lawson in 2011. Lawson expressed her excitement, stating, “This move proves that a small, values-driven business can grow and still hold onto its high standards in coffee roasting, customer focus, and purpose.” The expansion aligns with Dear Green’s commitment to sustainability, allowing for increased investment in renewable energy and waste reduction initiatives.
The new Bridgeton location is not just larger; it is strategically placed among artists’ studios and creative businesses, embodying the area’s revitalization. It features a state-of-the-art roasting and packaging facility, along with dedicated training and event spaces, set to resume in early 2024.
Dear Green has gained international acclaim, recently becoming the first European roastery to win Roast Magazine’s prestigious Micro Roaster of the Year award. The company has also reaffirmed its status as a leading ethical business by recently recertifying as a B Corp with one of the highest scores in the country.
Sales have surged, with a 30% growth forecast for the current financial year, fueled by the increasing demand for responsibly sourced coffee. The roastery currently roasts over 63,000 kg from 40 different producers globally and trains over 300 baristas across the UK.
The company’s commitment to social and environmental responsibility is evident, as it donates 2% of its turnover annually—1% to social justice initiatives and 1% to environmental projects, partnering with organizations such as Bute Forest and Glasgow’s food banks.
With the relocation complete, Dear Green is set to further expand its impact, including plans to hire additional senior roles by 2026 to support ongoing growth. The team is actively exploring options for air-source heat pumps and enhanced waste-reduction initiatives, with updated carbon-footprint data expected at the end of the financial year.
As the coffee community buzzes with excitement over this major development, Dear Green Coffee Roasters is gearing up to create an even greater impact both locally and globally.
