Raleigh, North Carolina – based Black & White Coffee Roasters has joined FairWave, marking the continuation of FairWave’s five – year trend of acquisitions in the high – end specialty coffee sector.
Established in 2017 by former US Barista Champions Kyle Ramage and Lem Butler, Black & White becomes the 11th brand, and the first from North Carolina, to fall under the FairWave “collective” banner.
The financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed. An announcement from FairWave, based in Kansas City, Missouri, revealed that Ramage will continue to helm Black & White, while Butler is departing from the company. However, Butler will still be dedicated to making significant and ethical contributions to the specialty coffee industry.
FairWave was launched in 2020 through the combined acquisition of Kansas City’s The Roasterie and Messenger Coffee, along with individual Messenger – owned retail brands. Since then, it has broadened its brand portfolio to include Ceremony Coffee Roasters from Maryland, Anodyne Coffee Roasting in Milwaukee, Up Coffee Roasters and Spyhouse Coffee Roasters in Minneapolis, among others.
FairWave claims to provide economies of scale and shared resources to its acquired businesses, all the while preserving the unique strengths of each brand within their local markets. The FairWave portfolio currently consists of seven roasters or roaster/retailers, along with four other bakery, tea, or coffee shop brands.
Beyond its production roastery in Raleigh, Black & White currently runs two cafes in the Triangle area and also engages in wholesale and direct – to – consumer sales.
Isaac Hodges, FairWave’s President of Growth, stated in the company’s announcement, “We’re elated to welcome Black & White Coffee Roasters into the FairWave Collective. Their innovative methods and commitment to expanding the horizons of specialty coffee are in perfect harmony with our vision. We’re eager to learn from their passion and grow in tandem.”
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