The Australian coffee industry is celebrated globally for its supportive, inclusive, and collaborative nature, where sharing knowledge and community support are paramount. The Common Good Coffee Company in Sydney embodies these values, taking them further by fundraising for local causes and nationwide mental health projects throughout the year.
Since its inception in 2018, The Common Good Coffee Company has generated over $65,000 for various causes across Australia. The roastery donates $1 to Beyond Blue, a mental health charity offering 24/7 telephone support, for every kilogram of coffee sold.
Committed to promoting mental health awareness, their compostable takeaway cups are decorated with positive messages such as “think happy thoughts” and “wake up and smile.”
In addition to these efforts, the company conducts ad-hoc fundraising initiatives, like donating 50 cents from every coffee sold at partner venues to support local communities during natural disasters such as wildfires, droughts, and floods. They also back ongoing community projects, including women’s refuges.
“We offer comprehensive coffee solutions, but fundamentally, we’re a community-focused business,” said Kate Greaney, General Manager of The Common Good Coffee Company. “We support our partner venues, many located in rural areas, to help them bolster their local communities.”
The company supplies coffee solutions to over 200 businesses nationwide, spanning from far north Queensland to Western Australia. Their clients range from petrol stations and convenience stores to office spaces and mining sites. The Common Good Coffee not only provides beans but also eco-friendly cups and automatic machines for a seamless bean-to-cup experience.
“Our goal is to be a one-stop shop for our customers. We recommend machines and blends based on their location, foot traffic, and clientele,” Kate explained.
The Common Good collaborates exclusively with Franke Coffee Systems to equip their partner venues with automatic coffee machines. Kate emphasized that Franke was the ideal choice due to their diverse range and machine reliability.
“Franke leads in technology and innovation. Their extensive range of modular units suits any setup or footprint,” she said.
“Customers now seek an end-to-end experience: they want a quality cup of coffee at petrol stations or convenience stores. Franke’s machines meet this demand by offering a variety of options.”
The Franke A600 is the most popular model among The Common Good Coffee Company’s clients for its ability to consistently deliver high-quality drinks.
“Automatic machines used to rely on powdered milk and low-quality coffee, but now customers expect barista-level beverages. The A600 grinds whole beans and offers two types of fresh dairy milk or plant-based alternatives with its dual milk system and modular powder-dosing units for chocolate and chai,” Kate noted.
“The user-friendly interface allows for order customization, from a long black to a double-shot cappuccino. The A600’s versatility and consistent quality ensure every cup is a satisfying experience.”
The Franke SB1200 Speciality Beverage Station is also gaining traction, praised for its wide range of beverages and ability to cater to various milk preferences, avoiding cross-contamination with separate lines for different milks.
“The SB1200 can replicate anything a barista creates from a café counter with a button press. With more consumers avoiding dairy, offering four different milks – full cream, skimmed, and two dairy alternatives – is highly appreciated,” Kate said.
The machine’s Flavor Station feature allows users to customize drinks with various syrups and create both hot and cold beverages.
“Feedback from our partners has been fantastic. Many report that the machine’s consistency builds customer loyalty, with regulars returning daily for their coffee,” Kate added.
Franke machines’ self-cleaning capabilities are a boon for busy venues like offices and petrol stations, where staff have limited time.
“Cleaning the Franke machines is easy. Shop owners just add the Franke cleaning solutions and press a button, and the machine handles the rest, cleaning all internal components efficiently,” Kate said.
The Common Good Coffee Company works closely with Franke to ensure their machines operate smoothly.
“Selling machines is one thing, but supporting them is crucial. Customers can lose faith quickly, so resolving technical issues promptly is essential,” she emphasized.
“David Downing [Business Development Director Oceania] and the Franke team are amazing; they feel like an extension of our team. Problems are resolved swiftly, and our customers appreciate that. They’ve been fantastic to work with and supportive of our broader mission.”