RISE is the only B Corp multi brand coffee subscription in the UK

The UK specialty coffee scene has evolved rapidly over the past decade. What was once niche has become mainstream, with more consumers searching for ethical coffee, independent roasters and flexible coffee subscription services that deliver cafe quality coffee to their door.

But as demand grows, so does confusion. With hundreds of UK roasters and countless “ethical” claims, how do you know which coffee subscription genuinely delivers on responsibly sourcing, transparency and impact?

Below you can hear more from Alice on the importance of B Corp and how rigorous it was to achieve (it took us almost 18 months!). 

This month, we’re spotlighting two standout UK B Corp coffee roasters: Dear Green Coffee and NewGround Coffee. Find out more about these lovely roasters below!

Dear Green Coffee: A Women-Led B Corp Roastery in Glasgow

This month we've partnered up with Dear Green Coffee, a Glasgow-based, women-led specialty coffee roastery and certified B Corp.

Dear Green has been shaping Scotland’s specialty coffee scene since its early days, championing traceable sourcing and climate responsibility. As highlighted in our March coffee guide inside the box. Dear Green focuses on uncompromising quality alongside meaningful community impact.

The Coffee: ASMUCAFE Women’s Cooperative, Colombia

This month’s Colombian coffee comes from 140 women smallholders in El Tambo (1,400–2,000m above sea level). These producers work collectively to improve quality standards, share knowledge and reinvest premiums into empowerment projects including a sensory lab and meeting space. We are so glad to be supporting this female cooperative during the month of March which is B Corp month and International Women's Day. 

What does it taste like?

Think:

• Caramel sweetness that builds through the cup

• Soft almond nuttiness giving body and structure

• A gentle forest fruit lift on the finish, but not too fruity or overpowering. 

This coffee is a beautifully balanced medium roast. Not sharp. Not heavy. A really tasty Colombian coffee. 

Brewing tips

As espresso, it’s smooth and rounded with caramel depth.
As filter, you’ll notice more of that fruit clarity shining through. In our opinion, it works really well as both. 

It’s the kind of coffee that feels comforting but still interesting enough to keep you paying attention. For UK coffee drinkers seeking both flavour and provenance, this is a perfect example of how specialty coffee can deliver both.

NewGround Coffee: Carbon Neutral and Creating Second Chances

Our second featured roaster, NewGround Coffee, is also a certified B Corp and a carbon-neutral business based in Oxford.

But what sets NewGround apart is its social mission. Through The NewGround Foundation, the company creates work and training opportunities for ex-offenders across the UK addressing one of the most significant social challenges in the country.

As detailed in our monthly coffee guide, NewGround believes coffee can be a catalyst for change and helps ex offenders get back in to work and provides training opportunities. 

The Coffee: Washed Peru, Cajamarca

Now we move to high-altitude Peru (around 1,900m above sea level), where smallholder producers are delivering bold, clean Arabica with real sweetness.

This is a washed coffee, meaning clarity is the focus. Everything is intentional. Nothing muddy.

In the cup, expect:

• Soft red apple brightness

• Brown sugar richness

• Milk chocolate depth

Brew tips

Roasted on a Loring S15 for precision and efficiency, this is a coffee designed to perform well at home whether you’re dialling in your Sage or brewing a simple V60.

As espresso, it’s syrupy and comforting... perfect for flat whites and milk-based drinks.
As filter, it lightens up slightly, letting more of that toffee sweetness and subtle fruit come forward.

It’s a crowd-pleaser, but not basic. Sweet and dependable, with just enough acidity to keep it lively.

Decaf Coffee in the UK: Quality Without Compromise

Decaf coffee is often overlooked in specialty circles, but demand in the UK is rising fast. More consumers want flavour without caffeine particularly in the evening.

Dear Green’s sugarcane decaf, featured in our March box uses the natural Ethyl Acetate (EA) method. This process removes approximately 99% of caffeine while preserving sweetness and structure.

Tasting notes include:

• Chocolate orange

• Malt

• Prune

It’s proof that modern decaf coffee in the UK no longer means sacrificing flavour.

What is B Corp and Why does it matter in coffee?

With more brands talking about sustainability, B Corp certification has become an important differentiator.

B Corp certification is awarded to businesses that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.

To become certified, companies must:

• Complete a detailed B Impact Assessment

• Undergo independent verification

• Meet a minimum verified score

• Legally commit to balancing profit with stakeholder impact

• Re-certify every three years

Within the UK coffee industry, B Corp certification remains relatively rare. According to our research, there are approximately 10 B Corp coffee companies in the UK out of more than 350 roasters. 

That makes certified B Corp coffee roasters a small but growing segment of the specialty coffee market.

Why B Corp Coffee Is Increasingly Important to UK Consumers

Today’s UK coffee drinkers care about more than tasting notes. They want to understand:

• How farmers are paid

• How supply chains are structured

• Whether packaging is recyclable

• Whether brands are reducing environmental impact

B Corp certification helps provide independent verification of these claims.

At RISE, our B Corp journey took nearly 12 months, involved over 200 detailed questions and required legal amendments to our company structure . It is not a marketing label it is an operational commitment.

Coffee, Community and Long-Term Impact: The Friendly Coffee Fund

Every cup of RISE coffee does more than taste good, it contributes directly to long-term change through our 1% Friendly Coffee Fund.

We donate 1% of all revenue to projects in coffee-growing communities, focusing on practical, measurable support where it’s needed most. Right now, that means funding over 60 children in full-time education in Uganda: covering school fees, uniforms and essential materials.

This isn’t a vague “give back” statement. It’s structured, ongoing support designed to create stability and opportunity for families connected to the coffee supply chain. The project is run by us, Alice and Ben, and every penny goes directly to the coffee community. 

The aim of the Friendly Coffee Fund is simple:

• Support education in coffee-growing regions

• Strengthen communities linked to the global coffee trade

• Create long-term impact, not one-off gestures

Coffee is grown thousands of miles away from the UK. The Friendly Coffee Fund ensures that as our subscription grows, the communities behind the beans benefit too.

We are looking to launch a second project in 2026. 

Choosing the Right Coffee Subscription in the UK

If you’re considering a coffee subscription, ask:

• Is the coffee freshly roasted?

• Are the roasters independent?

• Is sourcing transparent?

• Does the business hold independent certifications?

• Is impact measurable?

Final Thoughts: The Future of Specialty Coffee in the UK

The UK specialty coffee market is maturing. Consumers are more educated. Roasters are more transparent. Certifications like B Corp are becoming more recognised and with the proposed government legislation called the Better Business Act, more businesses will be required to put their impact before profit. 

Roasters such as Dear Green Coffee and NewGround Coffee demonstrate that quality and impact are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they increasingly go hand in hand.

A well-curated coffee subscription brings that ethos into your home, connecting you to the best independent UK roasters while supporting verified ethical standards!

Because great coffee should taste good and do good.