Our Story
Zala Coffee Roasters produced its first batch of coffee in December 2022, utilising a small traditional drum roaster. Intentionally acquired second-hand for ethical and human-connection purposes, this little beauty made for the perfect tool to design our signature blend, "Ooh La La".
Since those exciting and highly caffeinated early days, we have refined our roasting processes, introduced a bigger roaster, added new blends and single origins, and opened up an onsite espresso bar to showcase the fruits of our labour. Throughout this process we've maintained our passion for what we do, staying true to our batch roasting and post blending process.
Each origin is roasted individually and with intention, to yield the results that best compliment the overall flavour profile of the blend. This process takes a little more time and requires more attention to detail to maintain consistency, but in our humble opinion, the results are absolutely worth the effort. Enamoured with the traditional espresso experience, our roasting evokes a nostalgia for the way coffee 'used to taste' albeit with a modern twist. For the most part, we've stayed true to traditional drum roasting techniques, but thanks to developments in growing and processing methods, and better relationships with farmers, we are able to source our green coffee more ethically and sustainably than ever before. All of this consideration and attention to detail helps us be more mindful of our environmental impact, and develop more authentic relationships with the people we interact with.
People and coffee are at the heart of Ukuzala and Zala Coffee Roasters was established to help support it. We always find a reason to enjoy a delicious cuppa together, from morning tea breaks in the garden, to quality control and blend development in the Zala Roastery. Coffee is integral to the many wonderful human connections we value and seek to build.
In all of our projects, we emphasise the importance of community and the beneficial human connections made possible over a cup of coffee. This is most evident at Arnie's, where coffee is the catalyst for connection. We have the distinct privilege of showcasing our coffee there, while also holding space for a diverse and thriving community.
While Arnie's serves up delicious brews and a healthy dose of human connection, Zala Coffee Roasters works away in the background to produce the various blends, single origins, decaf and filter coffee that is used onsite.