Fairwave adds another Minneapolis coffee company to its fresh-brewed collective alongside Messenger, Roasterie
August 3, 2022 | Startland News Staff
FairWave Coffee Collective has pulled another shot of growth, serving up news Tuesday of its acquisition of a second Minneapolis-based purveyor in as many years.
“We are thrilled to welcome Up Coffee Roasters to the FairWave collective,” Suzanne Gunning, vice president of marketing, said in a release.
The acquisition keeps Kansas City-based FairWave on track with its 2020-poured goal to brew a unified network of coffee brands — beginning with Messenger Coffee and The Roasterie — that operate together and provide communities with quality coffee.
“As the Collective grows in Minneapolis and into new markets, we are driven by the same purpose: to preserve and elevate local specialty coffee brands through best practices, innovation, and authentic coffee experiences,” added Dan Trott, CEO of FairWave.
Click here to learn more about FairWave Coffee Collective and its beginnings.
Fellow Minneapolis-made brand, Spyhouse Coffee Roasters, joined the collective in 2021.
“Up will bring a new element to the collective with most of its business focused on wholesale products, equipment, and supplies. We’re excited to be able to support and help grow another local Minneapolis business that is so heavily ingrained in the local community,” Gunning continued.
A regional leader in Minneapolis, Up is known for its work to provide its peers with fair trade, organic coffee, wholesale specialty food ingredients, equipment, supplies, and cafe training. Its work has to date impacted more than 1,000 coffee shops, restaurants, hotels, and universities.
In addition to its work to educate within the coffee space, the company operates at Northeast Minneapolis storefront, Up Café.
“It’s an exciting day for Up Coffee as we join the FairWave Coffee Collective,” said David Chall, owner.
“For almost three decades, we’ve been providing the Minneapolis area with wholesale artisan fair trade organic coffee, and we know this new partnership will only help us grow and improve our operations.”
Chall will continue to run the company despite its acquisition by FairWave — of which he is now an investor. All Up employees will retain their positions and the company will continue to operate as a local entity.
Featured Business
2022 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
10 ways to wear (or gift) KC’s maker scene
Editor’s note: Below you’ll find a list of 10 wearable gift ideas for your holiday shopping list. Click here to check out the rest of Startland News’ 2019 Gift Guide. Mackbecks shuttlecock earrings Handcrafted in Kansas City, Mackbecks’ tassel earrings capture the spirit of the iconic Nelson Atkins Museum’s shuttlecocks. Price: $25 Where to buy: Midcoast…
Opening pitch: Sandlot Goods’ new workshop puts fresh spin on its best-selling wallet
As Sandlot Goods moves deeper into a new workspace off Southwest Boulevard, the six-year-old premier maker is stitching an aesthetic that holds true to its classic appeal but ventures away from hometown branding. “In the last year, we have been dialing back the overly Kansas City feel,” said Chad Hickman, owner of Sandlot Goods. “We…
Hemp startup founders cultivate Year Round partnership in light of growing interest
A casual supply run produced more than equipment for United American Hemp; the team behind the Olathe startup walked away co-owners of another new venture. “We hit it off and invested both time and money in [the] business. … Since then [its] exploded in revenue,” Michael Wilson, director of research and development at United American…
Photos: Culture pops as Kritiq puts KC’s fashion family on the runway
The evolution of the Kritiq fashion show — from a one-night event to a full weekend showcasing up-and-coming artists and fashion designers in streetwear and high fashion — was an intentional effort to reflect Kansas City’s booming creative landscape, said Mark Launiu. “The culture [of Kansas City] is changing and we have to be a…