The Newsletter January 2024

Welcome to the first ever Pelicano Coffee Newsletter!

Issue #10: We're looking at coffee rituals, our annual targets and Cafe Boudica, one of our newest partners.

Our Stores: 28 Sydney Street

Coffee rituals around the world:

A ritual can be defined by a set of actions done in the same way every time.

It isn't so absurd to claim that we all consume coffee in a ritualistic manner. Although our habits and preferences may change from time to time (who we buy from, how we brew, where we consume).

However, I'm more interested in culturally explicit practises, stemming from behaviours, technique and purpose.

FIKA, Sweden:

At the Pelicano Roastery, we share our professional space with a few other businesses. This includes the Wolfox Roastery team, an independently run cafe space and the highly renowned FIKA bakery, run by Jen and Viv.

Jen has told us many times what FIKA means to Swedish people, may it be a moment of solitary, peaceful bliss, a few minutes of socialising with friends and family, or just a simple second of silence. It's a break from routine.

You can FIKA, you can have a FIKA, you can share a FIKA.

It's a loose term but traditionally involves the consumption of filter coffee and a cinnamon or cardamon bun.

Caffe Espresso, Italy:

Coffee & Italia can be a divisive topic when it comes to tradition vs quality in roasting, brewing and consumption.

Whilst Italy has been very slow to adapt to Third Wave Speciality Coffee techniques, such as lighter roasted coffee, larger menus and dynamic serving styles. The nation is nonetheless a pioneering state with regards to coffee consumption, and in particular, espresso.

Espresso by name suggests a 'fast' action, initially powered by steam and inspired by the industrial revolution, Italian Espresso-drinking is a deep-rooted ritual.

Often drank at a bar, stood up, the drinker can exchange a few words with some neighbours or the server, and be off on their way in a matter of seconds. Quite the opposite to the Swedish FIKA mantra.

Ethiopia/Jebena Buna Coffee Ceremony:

This Ethiopian ritual is something we've covered before, but with more focus on the brewing method.

Always hosted by a woman, she roasts the coffee herself on a pan, creates an aroma with local ingredients often akin to incense, and brews in a Jebena, 3 varying cup intensities, one after the other.

The three cups each have a distinctive role in the ritual. Arbol, the first, is the strongest. Cup number two, or tona, is milder after the second brewing. The final cup, berekha, holds the most importance as it signifies a blessing. In some of Ethiopia’s more traditional households, particularly in rural areas, the ceremony takes place at least three times a day.

Martha Lucía Albir Sotomayor, pictured right, is the female owner of the Bethania farm in Nicaragua, whose coffee we will be featuring in January '24.

Written by Ryan

Aims and ambitions for 2024:

As we enter the new year, we are assessing what we think went well for us in 2023, and what we can improve on at the roastery in 2024.

We've purchased and featured some beautiful coffees over the last year, and we'd like to continue to do the same this year. However, price, process and flavour profile have always been our priorities. This year we'd like to take on some new, more ethical targets, without sacrificing the criteria of bold, bright and memorable flavours.

Buy from more women-owned and operated farms:

As more and more importers and programs are investing in female-owned farms in developing countries, we would like to purchase a minimum 30% of our single origin range from women-owned farms.

Buying from W.O businesses contributes to the empowerment and agency of women in coffee growing countries. When women contribute more to the economy of these countries, more is invested in educating younger women, improving the lives of future generations and diversifying the nations workforce

 Transparency in business:

Operating with more transparency has been something we have discussed since the summer 2023, with the interest being in how to gradually introduce new elements of transparency,. We have always provided information on our suppliers, especially the farms and programs we buy from, but we will be sharing more of the prices we pay, who gets the profits and how our business with these people benefits everyone in the supply chain in the long term.

The Shops/Brighton:

 We are pleased to say our 3 shops in Brighton have successfully navigated through a particularly difficult winter for the hospitality sector.
We are extremely fortunate to have such wonderful and unique regulars in each of our shops. These people not only support our business but bring us smiles, stories and pride each day.
We are also extremely grateful to have such a wonderful team across all of our sites. The core of our team has been with us for many years (which is extremely rare within this industry) (especially in Brighton). We are always looking to keep our team enthusiastic about the products they sell with regular training at the roastery.
Whilst we know the next few winter months will bring on some new and unexpected challenges, we are as prepared as we can be and excited to see what 2024 brings for Pelicano Coffee!

Wholesale partners: The Boudica, Brighton

Opening in 2022, Boudica on Western Road boasts a menu full of artisanal options. They serve both British, locally sourced foods, fused with some Mediterranean options, too.

The beautiful spot on Norfolk Square is the perfect location for a breakfast, lunch or evening drinks (weekend only).

Boudica was a warrior queen of the British Iceni Tribe, who led an uprising against the Roman Empire in 60-61AD. Often referred to as a legendary symbol of the struggle for justice and feminine independence.

The Boudica are serving the seasonal Smokey Bird blend in their stores. They make a great spanakopita and the Mediterranean Breakfast slams!

Location: 109a Western Rd, Brighton and Hove, BN1 2AA