Why London’s Workplaces Are Switching to Specialty Coffee
In case anyone is in any doubt, at iKhofi we love our coffee. But one unique and important difference is that we only supply specialty coffee roasted locally in London. We do not supply mass market, own branded commercial coffee. We believe your office coffee should be an experience and your team deserves something extraordinary. We bring the best of London’s speciality coffee scene straight to your workplace, ensuring every cup is a moment of quality. From premium beans (from fellow B Corps) to state-of-the-art machines, we’ve got everything you need to raise your office coffee game.
What is Specialty Coffee, and Why Does it Matter?
Speciality coffee isn’t just a buzzword - it's a commitment to the finest quality at every step. From sustainably sourced beans, to expert roasting and precise brewing, speciality coffee offers richer, more vibrant flavours than traditional, mass-produced coffee. At iKhofi, we exclusively partner with Grind and Caravan. Bringing you coffee that’s fresh, flavourful, and ethically sourced.
Unlike commercial coffee, which often sacrifices quality for cost-cutting, speciality coffee is all about craftsmanship. Every cup tells the story of its beans, from the farm to your office. Whether it’s the vibrant notes of Caravan’s ‘The Works’ blend or the smooth complexity of Grind’s Single Origin, speciality coffee is an experience you’ll look forward to every day.
There are several factors that separate specialty coffee from commercial coffee, lets dive into the key differences below:
Bean Quality
Speciality coffee is made from high-quality beans, often of the Arabica variety, grown under ideal conditions. These beans are cultivated in specific regions where factors like altitude, soil quality, and climate create the perfect environment for exceptional flavour. In contrast, commercial coffee typically relies on cheaper blends of beans grown in bulk, often without guarantees of ethical sourcing or quality. Grind and Caravan set a higher standard by sourcing their beans from dedicated farms that prioritize both flavour and fairness. Farmers are paid fairly, and these roasters invest directly in the local communities where the coffee is grown, maintaining a sustainable and ethical supply chain.
Roasting technology
Speciality coffee is roasted in small batches to bring out the beans’ unique characteristics, avoiding the uneven or burnt flavours often found in mass-roasted commercial coffee. Grind and Caravan roast their beans locally in London using the latest roasting technology, delivering a fresh, consistent coffee experience every time
Flavour Profiling
The flavour of speciality coffee is deeply influenced by the region where the beans are grown, offering distinct and complex profiles that reflect their origin. In contrast, commercial coffee tends to prioritise consistency and price, often blending beans from multiple sources to achieve a standard taste that lacks depth or individuality. Grind coffee combines chocolatey and nutty notes with sweet fruit undertones, thanks to their beans which are sourced from farms in Rancho Grande, Brazil, and Vends Valley, India. Meanwhile, Caravan’s ‘The Works’ blend is a flavour-packed experience featuring toasted nuts, dark chocolate, and allspice, making every cup a memorable moment of indulgence.
Perfect production
The production practices for speciality coffee are focused on optimal growing conditions, such as high altitudes, nutrient-rich soils, and climates that nurture the beans to perfection. This careful attention to detail contrasts sharply with commercial coffee, which is often grown in mass quantities under less ideal conditions. Grind and Caravan ensure their coffee is sourced from farms with exceptional yields and quality, delivering beans that meet rigorous standards for taste and consistency.
Transparency
One of the hallmarks of speciality coffee is the transparency maintained throughout its production journey. Producers take pride in sharing the story behind each cup, offering detailed insights into sourcing, farming practices, and roasting methods. Commercial coffee often lacks this level of openness, with beans coming from multiple, undisclosed sources and cooperatives. Grind and Caravan lead the way in transparency, maintaining direct relationships with farmers to help ensure traceability.
The Shift Towards Speciality Coffee in London Offices
Coffee culture within offices across London is evolving. Statistics show that >25% of coffee consumed out of home happens in the workplace, underscoring the importance of quality coffee in the office environment. While many offices still rely on commercial coffee setups, more and more are switching to speciality coffee, driven by employee demand for better quality, akin to what they experience at their favourite independent coffee shop.
Whilst commercialised coffee is the go-to for many traditional companies, this is gradually shifting as companies see the benefits of upgrading. Investing in speciality coffee can boost employee satisfaction and overall workplace morale. Many co-working spaces, thriving in the remote work era, use premium coffee as a key draw for clients returning to offices.
Why Choose iKhofi for Your Office?
We proudly offer coffee from two of London’s top speciality roasteries: Grind and Caravan, ensuring both quality and sustainability are at the heart of our offering. When you choose iKhofi, you're not just getting exceptional speciality coffee - you're supporting ethical sourcing and sustainability with every cup. Combined with our premium coffee machines, we create an office coffee experience that’s as exceptional as your team. So, why settle for commercial coffee when you can enjoy the rich, vibrant flavours of speciality coffee? Join the coffee revolution today - your team deserves it.