Latest news with #MatthewAlgie


The Herald Scotland
5 days ago
- Business
- The Herald Scotland
Glasgow coffee roaster sees two achieve prestigious accreditation
They are part of a group of less than 150 certified Q Graders in the UK, the qualification is a rare distinction and a major milestone for Matthew Algie. MacGilp said: 'To have not one, but two Q Graders in-house puts us in the top tier of coffee roasters across the UK and Ireland. This isn't just a personal achievement for Gosia and me – it's a significant step for Matthew Algie and our partners across the supply chain.' The Q Grader certification is widely regarded as the coffee industry's equivalent to a wine sommelier or Master of Wine. It formally recognises the sensory expertise required to evaluate, score and communicate the quality of coffee according to a globally standardised process. Originally developed by the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI), the programme has now been fully integrated into the SCA's Coffee Value Assessment (CVA) framework, with a greater focus on holistic evaluation and inclusivity across coffee types – including Robusta. Read More Pret A Manger to trial new 'made-to-order' format with Broughty Ferry store Candidates must pass more than 20 sensory and technical assessments – from blind cupping to triangulation and aroma recognition. MacGilp, who first qualified under the CQI system more than a decade ago, described the recertification process as 'every bit as rigorous and humbling' as her original experience. MacGilp, who believes the qualification will become 'essential' in the industry, added: 'There's no shortcut to becoming a Q Grader. You need to have cupped hundreds, if not thousands, of coffees, developing a sensory library in your mind that allows you to distinguish the subtle flavour, texture, and aroma differences in coffees from around the world. 'In fine dining, you expect a sommelier. We believe in a future where specialty coffee professionals are held to the same standard.' Lendzioszek, who entered the coffee industry through barista work nearly two decades ago, described earning her Q Grader badge as like earning a 'black belt in coffee'. She said: 'This isn't the end of the road – if anything, it's the beginning. Sensory analysis is a skill that takes years to build, and what excites me most is sharing that passion with customers, colleagues, and other coffee professionals.' The recognition also highlights the growing role of women in a historically male-dominated corner of the coffee industry. 'We hope our achievement sends a message to aspiring sensory specialists – especially young women – that this space is open to you. Your senses are a tool – they can be trained, developed, and trusted.' Matthew Algie, which last year marked its 160th anniversary, supplies coffee, machines, equipment, and training to thousands of organisations throughout the UK and Ireland across industries including hospitality, education, and the public sector, has made the move as part of its ambitious plan to achieve Net Zero by 2040.


Glasgow Times
12-07-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Rangers legend praises Beatson's new menu at Glasgow cafes
Tinderbox and Glasgow coffee roaster, Matthew Algie, have teamed up with the charity for the second year in a row to raise money for cancer patients and their families across Scotland. The cafe has expanded its menu this year, adding three new refreshing lemonades – cloudy lemonade, strawberry and cherry, and tropical – with 50p from each drink going to the charity. Tropical, cloudy and strawberry and cherry lemonades are available (Image: GT/Beatson Cancer Charity) The expansion follows the success of last year's tropical cooler, which saw almost 1,000 drinks sold. Sports stars have already tried out the new summer range, including former Rangers player and Scottish football figure Gordon Smith. Mr Smith said: "Beatson Cancer Charity, Tinderbox, and Matthew Algie are on to a winner with this – it's undoubtedly the drink of the summer. "I've been a long-time supporter of the Beatson Cancer Charity and all the amazing support they give to families in the West of Scotland. (Image: GT/Beatson Cancer Charity)"Initiatives like this are vital – they help raise awareness and much-needed funds for such an important cause." All the drinks are made with locally sourced ingredients, including those from Glasgow-based Matthew Algie. Carlo Ventisei, owner of Tinderbox, said: "After such a strong response to last summer's collaboration, we wanted to do even more. "The new menu is a way to offer variety while continuing to support a cause that means a great deal to our team and customers." Bella the Bee launching the new menu (Image: GT/Beatson Cancer Charity) Heilidh Wilson, corporate fundraiser at Beatson Cancer Charity, added: "We're delighted to be working with Tinderbox and Matthew Algie for a second year. "Last summer's response was incredible, and it's brilliant to see the collaboration grow. "Every drink sold helps us continue supporting people facing cancer across the west of Scotland – and we hope this expanded menu encourages even more people to get involved and support in a meaningful way." The lemonades will be available until the end of September at Tinderbox cafés in Byres Road, Charing Cross, Braehead, Princes Square, Glasgow Fort and Merchant City.


Glasgow Times
11-05-2025
- Business
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow coffee supplier secures deal with CalMac ferries
Matthew Algie has partnered with ferry firm CalMac to supply 13 vessels with its premium hot drinks. The partnership will see Matthew Algie's coffee served on ferries sailing from Scottish ports including Wemyss Bay, Uig, Ullapool, Troon, Kennacraig, Oban, Mallaig, and Ardrossan. John Fullerton (Matthew Algie Field Service Engineer) and Dave Gannon (Calmac Retai Lead) (Image: Matthew Algie) Read more: Fundraising day to honour legacy of former Glasgow Times sports reporter Matthew Algie will also provide drinks to an onshore coffee cabin based at Ardrossan Port. Paul Chadderton, of Matthew Algie, said: "We're honoured to have been chosen for this significant partnership that will provide passengers from around the world who are visiting some of Scotland's most picturesque island locations with a product from a proudly Scottish supplier. "Hopefully, our flat whites will be accompanied by flat seas." Matthew Algie x CalMac (Image: Matthew Algie) The partnership between Matthew Algie and CalMac unites two historic Scottish organisations, as Matthew Algie was founded more than 160 years ago, while CalMac has been in operation for more than 170 years. The coffee supplier has installed 42 machines on the CalMac vessels, including a mixture of Bean to Cup, Traditional Barista, and Bulk Brewers. The Bean to Cup machines will serve Piacetto Coffee, while the Traditional Barista machines will serve Peak & Wild coffee, Matthew Algie's most sustainable brand. John Fullerton (Matthew Algie Field Service Engineer) and Andrew Clydesdale (Senior Catering Rating for Calmac) (Image: Matthew Algie) Read more: Glasgow's unsung WWII heroes honoured for bravery Dave Gannon, retail lead for CalMac, said: "We are delighted to welcome Matthew Algie and their high-quality coffee as a CalMac supplier. "Their bid really stood out and we are already receiving positive feedback from customers who are enjoying their products when they sail with us. "Offering Scottish and local produce to our customers, whether they are woven into our menus or sold directly in our shops, is a key element of our retail strategy. "Supporting locally-based businesses shows our support for them and gives our customers a taste of Scotland during their trip. "We look forward to growing this important partnership and moving full steam ahead with Matthew Algie."