The Glasgow-based roaster has partnered with The John Muir Trust to restore 1,000 acres of Scotland’s rainforest over the next three years as part of a pledge to protect wild places
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Matthew Algie's new range of freshly roasted coffee, Peak & Wilde
The UK and Ireland’s foremost sustainable coffee roaster, Matthew Algie, has unveiled a new range of freshly roasted coffees, launched to support the restoration of Scotland’s Rainforest.
The Peak & Wild collection of three distinctive coffees launched at the end of February and becomes the roaster’s first range of climate positive coffees, meaning carbon emissions have been offset twice to have a positive, not a neutral, impact on the planet.
The concept has been developed in support of Matthew Algie’s partnership with The John Muir Trust – a conservation charity dedicated to the protection of wild places.
Through the collaboration Matthew Algie is expected to help preserve and restore 1,000 hectares of Scotland’s rainforest over the next three years. Located across a few isolated pockets, mostly on Scotland’s West Coast, the rainforest is one of Europe’s most precious habitats which provides a nature-based solution for capturing carbon. Due to its high levels of rainfall and mild temperatures it has a unique biodiversity which is now in danger of going extinct, with climate pressures, increased herbivore grazing, nitrogen pollution and the invasion of non-native species all contributing to the problem.
Available to coffee shops and hospitality operators from 28th February, Peak & Wild will also help as many as 2,500 young people across the UK achieve their John Muir Award. The award encourages participants to experience nature, engage in conservation initiatives and help secure the future of conservation.
It is the latest venture from the coffee roaster which has a long history of championing sustainable initiatives. In addition to being the first roaster to introduce Fairtrade espresso to the UK 25 years ago, Matthew Algie was the first in the world to offer triple certified coffee and was the first roaster globally to achieve Carbon Neutral International Standard.
Jill Wotherspoon, Head of Brands at Matthew Algie said: “Peak & Wild is the culmination of years of experience in crafting exceptional coffee which is sustainably produced.
“It is our most ambitious project to date, and we are incredibly proud to be working alongside The John Muir Trust to restore vast areas of precious and endangered habitats and to be bringing young people closer to nature by inspiring an appreciation of the outdoors.
“Few people know about Scotland’s rainforest, but it is a hugely significant area for biodiversity that plays a crucial role in tackling climate issues by naturally locking up huge amounts of carbon. Not to mention being the home to thousands of different species of animals and plants, some of which can’t be found anywhere else in the world.”
“That is why this partnership works so well. We need to both repair and protect our rainforest whilst informing people about the role it has on our everyday life. What better way to spread the message than through our network of café customers.”
The beautifully presented range includes Bracken, a bright and enduringly fruity blend with a sweet aroma and perfectly balanced body; Bramble with sweet dried fruit notes and the heady scent of wine and ripe plum; and Brazil Santa Izabel, a single origin coffee distinguished by its velvety body and sugar cane sweetness.
Never stock-piled, each of the coffees is delivered fresh from the roastery for the optimum flavour, body and aroma. Following the initial launch of 750g bags for cafes, Matthew Algie will also release 227g whole bean retail bags to allow customers to prepare the coffee at home.
Adam Pinder, Head of Income Generation at the John Muir Trust, said “Scotland has the highest quality and quantity of rainforest in Europe, but only 30,000 hectares of this vital habitat remain. The John Muir Trust cares for areas of rainforest on Skye, Knoydart, Quinag and the Nevis range, each of which are home to some of the world’s rarest plants. Our work to restore Scotland’s rainforest helps to tackle both the biodiversity and climate change crises, and we are delighted to have Matthew Algie’s support not only on the land in our care, but engaging young people with wild places across the UK through the John Muir Award.”
“This partnership will provide valuable funds for the Trust’s work, while also raising awareness of this little-known but vital habitat.”
Founded more than 150 years ago, Glasgow-based Matthew Algie supplies coffee and tea products to thousands of cafés across the UK and Ireland. The company was the first roaster to offer triple certified espresso coffee – approved by the Fairtrade Foundation, Rainforest Alliance and Organic Food Federation.Founded in 1983, the John Muir Trust is a community focused conservation charity dedicated to the experience, protection and repair of wild places across the UK.
To find out more about Matthew Algie, visit www.matthewalgie.com