Business & Tech

Building a Coffee Business by the Pound

Shearwater Coffee Roasters on Corporate Drive has been brewing for several weeks now, but it opened its doors to city officials at its recent ribbon-cutting.

Owner Ed Freedman, of Fairfield, said he's been building a client base including several Fairfield County eateries, in addition to serving up fresh-roasted coffee by the pound.

"We're getting repeat customers," he said, especially at the Fairfield Farmers' Market.

He demonstrated how he roasts beans, which will have the best flavor if used within seven days.

"Most people are more familiar with darker roasts," he said, adding that less roasting time means more original flavor.

He broke down coffee trends into waves. Lately, people have been shifting away from darker roasts to specialty coffee. "We try to target maintaining the original flavors," Freedman said.

His business, of "artisan roasters," has become more popular in the last 10 years. In particular, Freedman said he's the region's only USDA-certified organic artisan roaster.

Freedman's latest releases include a decaffeinated brew called "Healthy Harbor," another mix called "Toasty Hearth," with more body and flavor.

He especially likes Ethiopian blends. "Some of the best Ethiopian [beans] are hard to beat."

The business is at 100 Corporate Drive B106. The phone number is 203-292-0848. The Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/ShearwaterCoffeeRoasters.


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