However after cafes came knocking to supply wholesale, the roasting side of the business grew quickly and became the core focus. Currently our two stores in Sydney CBD and Brisbane CBD still remain and we use these as our ‘sand pits’ to test coffees, equipment and ideas in the pursuit of the best cafe experience.

“Our journey has taken us all over the world and we now firmly focus on sustainability and stewardship to ensure our industry has a long and bright future. We are highly focused on technology and innovation, are deeply scientific in our approach and passionate about creating a positive impact on our planet and be an example to other businesses”.

Their philosophy around sourcing coffee is clear – look for coffee that offers a distinct and delicious flavour, is sustainably & ethically produced and compliments P&R (Pablo and Rustys) coffee program to best serve their customers. “We hope to display the best characteristics from all the main regions and look for diversity in varietals and processing methods”.

“As a rule, we only purchase coffees that score a minimum 83 points on the international Q grading system, however they also need to meet our broader objectives and our internal quality guidelines. We ensure all the coffee we purchase is considered for ecological care and community development and that workers are treated and paid fairly. As we partner with farms our relationships are a constant source of inspiration for us and fundamental to our story and the coffee we serve”.

P&R have a heavy focus on the coffee industry’s sustainability. To understand what they have exactly done they have published an Impact report to examine their legacy and actions so far, and of course how they can improve in future. Some highlights of the achievements are acquiring their Fairtrade certification, moving their roastery’s power supply to 100% solar sources, shifting from single use cups and lids to biodegradable options, working with local communities to donate coffee husks to public gardens, sending grounds to compost and baling and compacting plastic and cardboard waste. They have also recently moved to recyclable packaging and delivery materials. P&R have the goal of eventually becoming totally carbon neutral.