Aurigny have created a new collaboration with Bean14, Guernsey’s homegrown coffee roaster, bringing ethically sourced coffee to travellers on board.
The move is another outcome of Aurigny’s Customer Experience programme, which has been examining traveller feedback to make changes. The airline serves 10,000 coffees on board each year, but many have expressed a desire to see better-quality, locally sourced products on board.
As part of Aurigny’s remit, the airline exists to be a wider social and economic enabler and is committed to examining how it can support local food and drink suppliers more closely.
Head of Marketing, Sam Talbot, said: “You told us you wanted better coffee on board, and we’ve listened.
“By sourcing from a local roaster, we can deliver a high-quality experience while also supporting Guernsey’s economy and working people. This is just one small step in our wider commitment to supporting local and ethical enterprise within our community.”
Bean14 is run by a team of nine full-time, island-based staff, covering everything from sourcing and roasting beans to supplying cafés and training baristas. The business began in 2006, when founder Chris started roasting coffee in his parents’ basement on a two-kilo roaster named Ivor, after Ivor the Engine. What started as a hobby quickly grew, moving first to a greenhouse, then to larger roasters Dougal and Kitt, and finally to a purpose-built roastery in 2017.
Bean14 is also an accredited Fairtrade roaster and a proud supporter of the Guernsey Nature Commission. The States of Guernsey are more widely committed to promoting the use of Fairtrade products across the islands.
Chris Bada (pictured), Owner of Bean14, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Aurigny and to see our coffee on board their flights. We really hope travellers will enjoy a taste of home in the skies.”
Hannah Davis, Secretary of the Fairtrade Guernsey Steering Group, said: “We’re delighted to see Aurigny supporting Fairtrade and local business through this partnership with Bean14.
“It’s a great way to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight, bringing ethically sourced, high-quality coffee to those travelling with our national airline, while highlighting the importance of supporting both local producers and farmers in developing countries.”
