What’s in a Name? Why The Bean Cartel is Serious About Coffee, Not Crime

The Bean Cartel is an award-winning, Melbourne-based specialty coffee roaster. Known for our bold branding and “dangerously good coffee,” we always origin roast and post blend to ensure consistency and flavour without compromise.

Recognised at the Golden Bean Australasia 2025 Awards with two gold medals across the filter and espresso categories, we’re committed to ethical sourcing, fair pay for farmers, and creating anything but basic blends and smashing single origins.

When you hear the word cartel, your mind might not immediately jump to coffee. For some, it sparks images of secrecy, power, even intimidation. So why would a coffee roaster embrace such a loaded word?

At The Bean Cartel, we like to challenge expectations. The name isn’t about fear or control. It’s about relentless commitment to our craft, building a worldwide coffee community, collaboration, and yes, a little rebellion against the ordinary.

We're Serious About Coffee, Not Crime. The Origin of The Bean Cartel Name.

The word cartel could traditionally carry weight of abused power, secrecy, even intimidation. BUt words, just like the times, evolve.

The coffee industry has all types of brands, with all types of names. We wanted something bold and instantly recognisable: a brand that reflects innovation and sparks conversation.

It’s about connection. Creating a network of farmers, coffee lovers and clients bound together by a love for the caffiene hit that gets us moving in the morning, and the innovation and relationships that coffee builds.

And yes, the name sometimes invites questions. But that gives us the opportunity to share our story.  

Serious About Coffee, Not Crime

Coffee is one of the world’s most traded commodities. It's serious business that shapes cultures, economies, and communities.

From farm to cup, we take care of every detail: sourcing the best beans from around the globe, always origin roasting and post blending to ensure quality and consistency. This is why our coffees have earned recognition across Australia with multiple awards.

When you buy from The Bean Cartel, you’re not just purchasing coffee. You’re joining a commitment to excellence, integrity, and quality that stands out in the crowded world of specialty coffee roasters in Melbourne and beyond. 

Redefining “Cartel” 

For us, a cartel is about high standards, community and loyalty. It’s about building strong bonds with our clients and delivering an experience that keeps them coming back for life.

• Our farmers are at the heart of our operation, supported through fair pay and ethical sourcing practices.

• Our clients are supported like family — we’re not just a supplier, we’re a partner in their success.

• Our staff are given opportunities to grow, backed by a culture of transparency and belonging. 

The Bean Cartel Values in Action

We align ourselves and our work with our core values:

• Integrity – doing the right thing, even when no one’s watching. Being authentic, accountable, and transparent.

• Excellence – going beyond “good enough” and delivering outstanding results.

• Family – treating clients, staff, and partners with respect and care, creating a culture of belonging.

• Passion – energy, excitement, and love for the craft of coffee and community.

• Innovation – courage, creativity, and challenging the status quo.

These aren’t just words on a wall, they’re the standards that drive every action we take.

Supporting Farmers, Building Communities

Behind every cup of The Bean Cartel specialty coffee is a farmer and their community.

That’s why we source ethically and pay fairly. Our partnerships with smallholder farmers mean, when you choose our coffee, you’re supporting families and communities around the world.

Recognition and Awards

At the Golden Bean Australasian Awards, the world’s largest coffee roasting competition, we’ve been honoured with multiple medals.

This year, our Colombian Maypop (filter) and Apricot Delight (espresso) both earned gold showing our commitment to quality stands in a fiercely competitive field.

Flipping Perceptions in a Crowded Industry

In a world where coffee brands range from traditional to outrageous, we’ve chosen to just be us. Some people might hesitate at our name but for others, it sparks intrigue and, ultimately, loyalty.

Because once you taste our coffee and experience our community, you realise:

• We’re not here to intimidate.

• We’re here to innovate.

• We’re here to connect.

• And we’re here to elevate the coffee experience for everyone who chooses us.

Join The Bean Cartel Family

At the end of the day, a name is just the beginning of the story. What matters most is that we deliver what we promise each and every time. We own the process from farm to cup so you can just enjoy.

We support our clients like family, our staff with care and our farmers with fairness.

So if you’re ready to be part of something bigger than just coffee, welcome to The Bean Cartel! Built on innovation, family, passion, excellence, and integrity once you're in, you're in for life. 

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Bean Cartel linked to crime?

No. The Bean Cartel is a Melbourne-based specialty coffee roaster.  Our “cartel” is a community of farmers, roasters, and coffee lovers united by passion and quality.

What makes The Bean Cartel different?

We combine bold branding with serious values: integrity, family, passion, excellence and innovation. We always origin roast and post blend, and are multi award winners. 

Is The Bean Cartel coffee ethically sourced?

Yes. We prioritise ethical sourcing and fair pay for farmers, ensuring their communities benefit directly from every cup.

Where can I buy The Bean Cartel coffee?

Directly from our website. You can shop online here with free shipping on orders over $90.