Roast magazine is thrilled to announce the six finalists for the 21st Annual Roaster of the Year awards!
Roast recognizes winners from two categories: Micro Roaster (companies roasting less than 100,000 pounds of coffee each year) and Macro Roaster (companies roasting more than 100,000 pounds annually). The winner in each category will be announced on Monday, Oct. 21.
The Roaster of the Year awards recognize companies that roast coffees of excellent quality, exemplify a dedication to sustainability, promote employee and community education, demonstrate strong involvement in the coffee industry, and a commitment to diversity, inclusion and equity, among other criteria. To view the award criteria and application for the 2026 Roaster of the Year competition, click here.
Micro Roaster of the Year Finalists
The three finalists in the Micro Roaster category are listed below in no particular order, with information obtained from the company’s award application.
Three Keys Coffee
Established in 2019 in Houston, Texas, Three Keys Coffee is a family-owned roastery and cafe that blends music, art, and coffee into a unique multi-sensory experience. Led by Kenzel Fallen (CEO) and Tio Fallen (Executive Director of Coffee), the company roasted 34,819 pounds of coffee in the past year and employs 11 staff members. The company’s name, inspired by the three keys of a trumpet, symbolizes the simplicity and complexity of both music and coffee.
Three Keys Coffee is committed to sustainability as Houston’s first solar-powered roastery. They donate coffee to local nonprofits and offer Fairtrade, Rainforest Alliance, and Bird Friendly certified coffees. Their marketing innovations, such as coffee-themed playlists and artistic packaging, have helped make specialty coffee more accessible. The company has a diverse team and offers generous employee benefits, including paid healthcare, flexible schedules, and a no-manager model at their cafe.
Three Keys Coffee’s roasting techniques, guided by Tio’s engineering background, earned accolades in competitions like the US Roaster Championship. The company’s dedication to accessibility and innovation, combined with its commitment to the community, has made it a standout in the coffee industry.
Thread Coffee Roasters
Founded in 2012, Baltimore-based Thread Coffee Roasters is a worker-owned cooperative with a strong commitment to equitable and sustainable trade practices. The roaster-wholesaler and online retailer, which produced 44,720 pounds of roasted coffee over the past year, employs five staff members. Dedicated to transparency, Thread Coffee sources 100% of its beans from cooperatives, paying well above Fair Trade minimums, and publicly shares its purchasing contracts.
The company champions climate justice over traditional net zero goals, acknowledging the unique environmental contributions and challenges of smallholder organic farmers. Thread is also deeply involved in its community, distributing roasting byproducts to local farms and supporting initiatives like Common Ground Cafe Cooperative, a worker-owned cafe.
Thread Coffee is B Corp certified, reflecting its high standards across worker benefits, governance, and environmental stewardship. Employees are compensated with competitive wages, unlimited paid time off, and opportunities for ownership in the cooperative. Their roasting innovations prioritize consistency and long-term relationships with producers, emphasizing a holistic approach to sustainability, both environmentally and socially.
Dear Green
Based in Glasgow, Scotland, Dear Green Coffee Roasters was founded in 2011 by Lisa Lawson and has established itself as a leader in sustainability and specialty coffee. With a roasting output of 98,326 pounds in the past year and a team of 10, the roaster-wholesaler is dedicated to fair work practices and environmental responsibility. As a B-Corp, Dear Green is committed to reaching net zero by 2030, actively reducing its carbon footprint, and supporting local community projects like urban gardening and cycling initiatives. The company supplies reusable coffee tubs and upcycles coffee sacks, saving thousands of bags from landfills annually.
Dear Green is deeply involved in the coffee industry, hosting the annual Glasgow Coffee Festival and advocating for climate justice and social equity. They prioritize ethical sourcing from smallholder farmers and emphasize product quality, ensuring every coffee is roasted to perfection under the expertise of their Q Grader and AST-certified team. With a focus on transparency, sustainability, and community, Dear Green continues to push boundaries, pioneering specialty coffee in Scotland.
Macro Roaster of the Year Finalists
The three finalists in the Macro Roaster category are listed below in no particular order, with information obtained from the company’s award application.
Driftaway Coffee
Founded in 2013 in Brooklyn, New York, Driftaway Coffee is an immigrant-owned, woman-led coffee roastery dedicated to building an equitable value chain. With a roasting output of 112,353 pounds in the past year and 15 employees, Driftaway prioritizes sourcing from women- and minority-owned farms. Their mission is to make coffee accessible and enjoyable for all, creating “Driftaway moments” that encourage reflection and connection.
As a direct-to-consumer business, Driftaway offers personalized coffee subscriptions and virtual tastings, allowing customers to explore different coffee profiles. Their commitment to sustainability is reflected in their use of compostable packaging, and the company has pledged full transparency in its sourcing. Driftaway’s focus on farmer prosperity includes their Bean for Bean project, donating to World Coffee Research for every pound roasted. By fostering community through education and advocacy, Driftaway Coffee continues to innovate while maintaining a strong focus on equity and sustainability.
Wonderstate Coffee
Founded in 2005 and based in Viroqua, Wisconsin, Wonderstate Coffee is a mission-driven roastery committed to sustainable practices, equity in the coffee supply chain, and community engagement. With an annual roasting output of 450,000 pounds and 80 employees across three cafes, the company champions the values of “Excellence, Gratitude, and Service to the Collective Good.” Their coffee is sourced primarily from smallholder farms, with 97% of their beans being certified organic.
Wonderstate’s innovations include operating a 100% solar-powered roastery and maintaining transparency through public pay contracts with producers. Their commitment to sustainability extends to reforestation projects and the use of compostable packaging. With a focus on farmer equity, Wonderstate invests in long-term relationships and pays a minimum of $3.10 per pound for green coffee—well above Fair Trade standards. Their cafes serve as community hubs, and their impact-driven marketing, including programs like “$1 for Gender Equity,” further illustrates their dedication to social and environmental responsibility.
Utopian Coffee
Founded in 2006 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Utopian Coffee produces exceptional coffee with a commitment to sustainability and social impact. With an annual roasting output of 425,585 pounds, Utopian emphasizes regenerative agriculture, earning certifications like Regenerative Organic Certification (ROC), and works closely with producers to promote sustainable practices.
Utopian supports employee growth through education, national coffee competitions, and direct relationships with producers via origin trips. The company fosters diversity and inclusivity, offering competitive wages, health insurance, and long-term benefits. Utopian also integrates sustainability into its operations, utilizing eco-friendly roasting techniques, composting, and recycling. By focusing on quality, sustainability, and meaningful connections, Utopian Coffee continues to innovate and impact the specialty coffee industry.
Comment