It starts at the source
The sheer number of intricacies that affect the outcome of coffee before the beans are even harvested is astonishing.
The soil composition, environment, rainfall and even the coffee's altitude all play a part in determining the flavour and quality of the bean. Not to mention, there are thousands of varieties, all with their own nuances and benefits. Some varieties are cultivated specifically for their environment or to resist pests, which creates healthier and more productive crops for us to harvest, roast and brew.
We have established trading partnerships with the best coffee growers around the globe and developed long-standing relationships with the people and wider communities that grow our coffee. This means the coffee that we purchase directly helps these communities improve social conditions and supports the conservation of local wildlife.
Did you know?
Zarraffa’s has been supporting the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy for over a decade. Based in Northern Kenya, Lewa serves as a refuge for native and endangered wildlife, including the critically endangered black rhino.
"Arabica"—It’s not all the same
Only perfect beans can give you the perfect cup of coffee. And for this reason, we settle for nothing less than the world’s freshest, finest and most flavourful beans. We aren’t just saying that, either. To be classed as Specialty Grade Coffee, our beans must meet stringent criteria.
Carefully hand-picked, the beans are sorted and graded, then selectively roasted and cupped to ensure the perfect profile.
All of our blends and origins, characteristics and roasting profiles were developed by the founders of Zarraffa’s and took years to perfect. The signature Zarraffa’s flavour that you know and love is a unique blend of Arabica beans sourced from growers throughout Kenya, Ethiopia and Tanzania. Or if you are looking to experience the flavour of somewhere new, our Single Origin range will take you around the globe to places like Brazil, Peru, Indonesia and Columbia.
Did you know?
Coffee beans aren’t actually beans, but the seeds of the cherry that grow on the Coffea plant.
It’s in the air
Every Zarraffa’s Coffee bean is air-roasted locally at our purpose-built roastery in Eagleby, halfway between the Gold Coast and Brisbane.
Our unique air-roasting technique ensures that every individual bean is perfectly roasted. This method reduces the chance of scorching and ensures that each bean receives the consistent and exact amount of heat required for its natural sugars to develop. Known as the Maillard reaction, this gives coffee its aroma and flavour.
A powerful stream of hot air causes the beans to levitate, giving them the appearance of a “fluid bed”. This produces clean, fresh and delicious beans with a full flavour. The beans are then left to de-gas for the perfect amount of time. Too little time and they become bitter and acidic. Too much time and the flavours lose character and vibrancy.
Roasted coffee beans are also sensitive to light, air and moisture. We carefully package our beans to protect them from the elements and then deliver them fresh to your local Zarraffa’s Coffee store.
Did you know?
While our roastery is capable of producing approximately 10 tonnes of coffee each day, we roast in smaller batches daily to ensure that our beans are the freshest possible.
It’s brewed with love
Anywhere you go, a barista makes decent coffee. That’s nothing unusual.
Our baristas are unique. Skilled. Trained. Experts. We mean it. Our baristas have spent hours upon hours training in our signature processes and learning about the nuances of coffee—and they continue to hone their craft daily.
From our top-class equipment, to our perfectly calibrated grinders, to the exact way that we tamp, even down to our region-specific filtered water—we take our coffee seriously. But equally as important, each shot of Zarraffa’s Coffee is brewed with purpose and love. You’ll be greeted with a smile too. Our customers are not just another number.
Did you know?
Unlike some coffee shops, we even use real espresso shots in our cold drinks.
It’s because we care
As an Aussie-owned business, we take pride in supporting causes that impact our local community, as well as giving back to coffee and conservation communities worldwide. With your help, we can make a difference—one cup at a time.
It’s why we support local Aussie farmers. Each year our stores use over 4.5 million litres of milk to create all of your Zarraffa’s favourites. By partnering with Norco, one of the few dairy co-operatives left in Australia, we are contributing positively to the livelihoods of everyday Aussie farming families.
We are more than a cup of coffee, but coffee is at the heart of everything that we do. Years of expertise and care have gone into every single step of our process and continue to go into every single cup of coffee we make. And we do it all not only because we love coffee but because it’s important to us that you love your coffee too.
Coffee. It’s what we do.
Coffee. It’s what we do.
