The influential North Carolina specialty coffee roaster is the 12th business to join the Midwest network of independents
Black & White Coffee Roasters’ roastery in Raleigh, North Caroline | Photo credit: FairWave Specialty Coffee Collective/Jenn Hall Sweatte
North Carolina-based Black & White Coffee Roasters has joined FairWave Specialty Coffee Collective, an independent group of US specialty coffee brands formed in 2020.
Founded in 2017 by U.S. Barista Champions Kyle Ramage and Lem Butler, Black & White has built a reputation for its small-batch, single-origin specialty coffees. Alongside its Raleigh roastery and warehouse, the influential specialty coffee business also operates two cafés in the US city.
“We are thrilled to welcome Black & White Coffee Roasters to the FairWave Collective. Their innovative approach and dedication to pushing the boundaries of specialty coffee align perfectly with our vision,” said Isaac Hodges, President of Growth, FairWave Collective.
In a press release, FairWave said joining its collective will enable Black & White to enhance operations and expand its impact by tapping into a pool of shared resources and collaborative network of industry leaders. Members of the collective also benefit from economies of scale and pooled back-office resources, often not attainable for small independents.
Read related content: FairWave Coffee Collective: A new economy of scale for specialty independents
As part of the agreement, Ramage will continue to lead Black & White with a focus on operational improvements and local expansion. However, Butler will leave the business to focus on other specialty coffee projects.
“This partnership represents an exciting new chapter for Black & White. It’s a natural progression that will allow us to build upon our existing foundation and reach new heights,” Ramage said.
Black & White is the first coffee business from North Carolina to join FairWave. The collective comprises 11 other coffee brands, including multi-site specialty coffee brands The Roasterie and Messenger Coffee from Missouri, Maryland-based Ceremony Coffee Roasters, Minnesota’s Spyhouse and Wisconsin-based Anodyne Coffee Roasting Co.
In October 2024, FairWave added its first non-coffee brand, premium tea company Hugo Tea.