Rookley-based The Island Tea and Coffee Co. has recently invested more than £100,000 in a state-of-the-art coffee roasting and training centre, a move that opens up 2 new local job opportunities.
The new facility provides 2 state-of-the-art roasting rooms, 1 of which houses the latest all-electric coffee roaster, which was supported by a LoCASE Grant to focus on growing a low-carbon economy.
Adding to this is the fact that the new roaster is powered by the 77 solar panels already installed on the roof of the companies’ offices, production and warehouse complex. These same panels also charge their all-electric vans that deliver freshly roasted coffee to hundreds of customers across the Island and south coast.
Alongside the twin roast rooms is a dedicated training and demonstration area, allowing the company to provide roast experience sessions through to full barista training using the latest automatic and barista machines. It also enables the company to demonstrate the full range of machines available for purchase and rental and provide the important training needed for cafés, hotels and restaurants across the Island.
The £100,000 investment now means that the company has the capability to produce 200,000 1Kg bags of roasted coffee each year, enough to provide 28,571,428 shots of espresso – that’s over 200 individual cups of espresso for everyone living on the Island!
Jon Carter, Managing Director, comments:
“Our customers are increasingly looking for a high quality, reliable, local source for freshly roasted coffee but one that truly cares for the environment. This investment reflects our commitment to providing exactly that.”
Good to see a niche company succeeding. especially as solar power is its energy source. Wish them continuing success.