Scottish coffee supplier Matthew Algie is setting sail on a new partnership that will see more than half a million cups of its premium hot drinks consumed by passengers and staff of ferry firm CalMac every year.
The deal will supply 13 CalMac vessels, including the Glen Sannox, sailing from Scottish ports Wemyss Bay, Uig, Ullapool, Troon, Kennacraig, Oban, Mallaig, and Ardrossan, serving idyllic island locations – serving Americanos on the route to and from Arran, and Mochas to Mull. In addition, one “coffee cabin” will be created at Ardrossan Port enabling seagoers to pick up a freshly brewed cup before they embark.
Paul Chadderton, Matthew Algie said: “We’re honoured to have been chosen for this significant partnership that will provide passengers from around the world who are visiting some of Scotland’s most picturesque island locations with a product from a proudly Scottish supplier. Hopefully, our flat whites will be accompanied by flat seas.
“The partnership unites two historic Scottish organisations – Matthew Algie dates back more than 160 years, and CalMac more than 170. The deal also harks back to Matthew Algie’s nautical roots, with our eponymous founder born in 1814 in port town Greenock, and later selling tea that arrived on the famous Clyde Clippers.
“Looking ahead, we see potential to expand our presence across the growing CalMac fleet, and possibly move into further contracts in this key Scottish sector.”
Glasgow-based Matthew Algie – one of the UK and Ireland’s largest coffee suppliers – has installed 42 machines, with a mixture of Bean to Cup, Traditional Barista, and Bulk Brewers.
In the Bean to Cup machines, located in the on-board Mariners café offering, it will serve Piacetto Coffee, a coffee created for those with a passion for quality. The name Piacetto comes from the Italian word ‘piacere’, which means ‘a small moment of joy or pleasure’, and drinking a cup of Piacetto coffee is like being transported to a quiet coffee shop in Italy.
Traditional espresso machines will be in the onboard Coffee Cabins, where CalMac’s baristas will craft Peak & Wild coffee—Matthew Algie’s most sustainable brand yet. Freshly roasted, and with an incredible taste, it also supports the John Muir Trust in its mission to protect and restore Scotland’s rainforest.
This partnership has been in place for three years, and Matthew Algie is committed to continuing this support into 2025. The Trust is a conservation charity focused on the protection, restoration, and enjoyment of wild places across the UK. Their work involves reinstating natural processes to encourage self-seeding trees, mature woodlands, and thriving ecosystems
Matthew Algie, whose other high-profile customers include Scottish-headquartered garden centre chain Dobbies, the National Trust for Scotland, and M&S, expects annual consumption under the tie-up with CalMac (also known as Caledonian MacBrayne) to altogether amount to more than 500,000 cups.
Dave Gannon, retail lead for CalMac, said: “We are delighted to welcome Matthew Algie and their high-quality coffee as a CalMac supplier. Their bid really stood out and we are already receiving positive feedback from customers who are enjoying their products when they sail with us.
“Offering Scottish and local produce to our customers, whether they are woven into our menus or sold directly in our shops, is a key element of our retail strategy. Supporting locally-based businesses shows our support for them and gives our customers a taste of Scotland during their trip.
“We look forward to growing this important partnership and moving full steam ahead with Matthew Algie.”
The development of the partnership – which was secured following a competitive tender – was underpinned by Matthew Algie’s competitive pricing, being a local supplier, its technical service capabilities and its sustainability credentials. The firm aims to be net zero by 2040 and recently launched a supply-chain decarbonisation project in Honduras.
For more information see matthewalgie.com and www.calmac.co.uk.
