Our Team

Our Trade Team doesn’t just buy and sell coffee — they catalyse it. Every conversation with our partners at origin and on the roasting side begins here. They are passionate about finding the right product for the right market and thrive on the relationships they’ve nurtured over the years, some even older than our youngest team members.

DRW traders regularly visit our partners, farmers, and roasters alike to fully grasp the challenges, needs, and opportunities from start to finish. Not quite enough to field a football team but there are many Q-Graders in the roster who have an intimate understanding of the coffee selection that we offer. We pride ourselves on the quality, regardless of the grade of the coffees we source.

Coffee connects diverse cultures, and our team loves navigating these different ways of doing business. Often a joke is shared (though not always understood), with team members hailing from the UK and all over Europe—all convinced they’re the funniest.

But beyond the humour, our commitment lies in long-term relationships. We believe this is how we add the most value to both the origin and the roasting side. Intimate knowledge of that “little green bean” is critical, which is why our Trade Team is part of the in-house cupping team, tasting and handling the product daily—always in tune with the market.

On the other side, our Marketing Team plays a pivotal role in driving the brand’s visibility and success. From managing our digital presence to collaborating at events, they work tirelessly to ensure our story is effectively told. They are instrumental in curating a rich coffee information and photography database, and executing strategic collaborations that amplify our brand’s reach. By working closely with the Trade Team, marketing ensures that the essence of what we do is communicated clearly and compellingly to the world. 

At DRW, ensuring coffee quality is paramount. Our Quality Team is a team of four who roast, cup, and grade every coffee we offer, evaluating the beans based on various criteria, like uniformity of size, absence of defects, and flavour profile. Each coffee undergoes rigorous grading and cupping in our SCA-certified lab by experienced Q and R graders, ensuring the product meets the standards.  

As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, we’re actively preparing for the implementation of the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA), SCA’s latest initiative. The CVA represents a more comprehensive and fair way to assess coffee quality, aligning with our mission to constantly enhance our evaluation methods and offer our partners more detailed insights into each coffee’s unique attributes. By integrating such advancements, we stay at the forefront of quality assurance, ensuring that we consistently meet the evolving needs of our partners and the industry.

Our logistics team, a diverse group of eight members, deal with suppliers and shipping and warehouse partners from all over the world, exemplifying the global nature of our work. Boasting decades of collective logistics and supply chain experience, this team manages bookings in a widely evolving environment and handles your coffee from origin to roastery with finesse.

Working with around 13 different third-party warehouses and a myriad of global challenges, the team works tirelessly for every coffee shipment. Their dedication to maximising customer satisfaction makes complex logistics seem like magic, ensuring your coffee arrives on time and in perfect condition. 

Our Finance Team is the ‘oil in the engine’ and an integral part of the DRW machine, meticulously managing the company’s cash flow and financial reporting. This team excels in navigating the complexities of overseas banking, managing multiple currencies, and smooth import payment processes. 

With the volatility of coffee and currency markets, and stringent import payment terms, maintaining positive cash flow is crucial. The team’s expertise ensures that our financial audits are seamless and our bank relations are strong.

Management 

Our management provide strategic leadership, guiding the Company through often challenging and competitive trading conditions. Their focus is on managing the risk today and under potential future circumstances. They also provide guidance to all the DRW team to ensure they all reach their potential as their careers develop. Finally, they are ultimately responsible for the Company’s statutory obligations and for ensuring DRW remains in business for generations to come.

Compliance & Sustainability

Our commitment to the environment is championed by our Sustainability and Compliance Manager. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for perfection, we ensure that every aspect of our business meets the highest standards in an evolving industry. DRWakefield is a pioneer in certifications from becoming the first importer in the UK to gain an Organic Licence in 1994 and Fairtrade certified in 1995. As we look to the future, we’re not just adapting but leading—ensuring our supply chain complies with EUDR regulations and setting our sights on becoming a carbon-neutral importer by 2030.

HR

The HR team work in partnership with people at all levels of the organisation to support them to grow and develop in their roles, allowing them to be successful. Our passionate and friendly team enjoy working here and feel fulfilled in their roles, meaning that they stay with us for a long period of time sharing and expanding on their knowledge. They also provide international support for our offices in Europe, encouraging all our teams to work collaboratively. The HR team prides themselves on equality and integrity and celebrates individuality of those around us. Their aim is to foster an inclusive and encouraging environment where people can feel supported and grow with the business sustainably.