Black & White Coffee Roasters, a coffee roasting company based in Raleigh, North Carolina, has recently become a part of the FairWave collective. This acquisition marks FairWave’s continued expansion in the high-end specialty coffee industry, adding Black & White as its 11th brand and the first in North Carolina.

Founded in 2017 by past US Barista Champions Kyle Ramage and Lem Butler, Black & White has quickly established itself as a prominent player in the specialty coffee scene. With this acquisition, Ramage will continue to lead the company, while Butler will be stepping away from the business but remains committed to contributing to the specialty coffee industry ethically and meaningfully.

FairWave, based in Kansas City, Missouri, has been actively acquiring and adding brands to its portfolio since its launch in 2020. The collective initially acquired Kansas City’s The Roasterie and Messenger Coffee, along with several retail brands under the Messenger umbrella. Subsequent acquisitions have included Ceremony Coffee Roasters in Maryland, Anodyne Coffee Roasting in Milwaukee, Up Coffee Roasters in Minneapolis, Spyhouse Coffee Roasters in Minneapolis, and more.

FairWave’s approach involves offering economies of scale and collective resources to its acquired businesses while leveraging the strengths of each brand in their local markets. The FairWave portfolio currently consists of seven roasters or roaster/retailers, along with four other bakery, tea, or coffee shop brands.

Black & White, in addition to its production roastery in Raleigh, operates two cafes in the Triangle area, while also engaging in wholesale and direct-to-consumer sales. The company’s commitment to innovation and dedication to pushing the boundaries of specialty coffee aligns well with FairWave’s vision for growth and collaboration within the industry.

Isaac Hodges, FairWave’s President of Growth, expressed excitement about welcoming Black & White Coffee Roasters to the FairWave Collective. He emphasized the alignment of values and the potential for mutual growth and learning between the two organizations.

In conclusion, the acquisition of Black & White Coffee Roasters by FairWave represents a strategic move to strengthen the collective’s presence in the specialty coffee market. With a shared commitment to quality and innovation, both companies are poised to make significant contributions to the industry while continuing to support their local communities.