MILAN – Specialty coffee on a map that geographically marks the different locations that surf the Third Wave-all of this translated into one tool, named Roasters App. Practical and useful, it could be one of those must-have apps on the smart phones of coffeelovers who, when they travel, want to know exactly where to go for great coffee.
Stefan Sut, the founder, told us about it in more detail, starting with this brief introduction: “Roasters App is the brainchild of a passionate coffee enthusiast and tech professional, driven by the vision of creating a platform that celebrates and connects the global specialty coffee community.”
Why the name of Roasters app and not, for example, “Coffee shops app”?
“I chose the name Roasters App to emphasize the focus on the artisans behind the coffee—the roasters. The mission is to highlight the craftsmanship, skill, and dedication that roasters bring to the coffee-making process. While the app encompasses all aspects of the coffee world, I wanted to shine a spotlight on the roasters who play a crucial role in creating exceptional coffee experiences.”
When and in response to what need was Roasters App born?
“Roasters App was born in 2019 in Lisbon, in response to my need to find specialty coffee while on a business trip in Toronto. While in Toronto, I found a local app that had an amazing list of specialty coffee shops, all in one map. When I came from my business trip, I started working on an app to showcase all the specialty coffee shops from Lisbon. I managed to release it in on month. It didn’t take long to decide to take the app globally and then Roasters was born. Now the app is home of 16.000+ specialty coffee shops worldwide.”
Why is it useful for the consumer and why is it beneficial for a professional?
“For consumers, Roasters App is a gateway to discovering unique and exceptional coffee experiences. From finding hidden gems to exploring diverse coffee profiles, our app empowers users to review their favorite shops, to save visits and map their own coffee journey.
For professionals, especially roasters and coffee shop owners, Roasters App provides a platform to showcase their craft, engage with a global audience, and be part of a community that values the artistry of coffee making. Also, businesses can post jobs and events.”
How many coffee shops have you mapped, and what is the area with the greatest presence?
“As of December 2023, Roasters App has mapped over 16.261 coffee shops globally. While we have a strong presence in major cities, our platform is designed to celebrate coffee in every corner of the world, including provincial locations with vibrant coffee scenes.”
What are the criteria by which coffee shops are included in Roasters App? Do you go beyond specialty coffee shops?
“We are dedicated to showcasing specialty coffee experiences, and our criteria for inclusion go beyond traditional coffee shops. We look for establishments that demonstrate a commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and a passion for elevating the coffee experience. While specialty coffee shops are a primary focus, we also appreciate the diversity within the coffee world, including unique cafes, roasteries, and innovative coffee-related spaces.”
Who is responsible for reporting and introducing new entries in Roasters app?
“Our team works tirelessly to keep Roasters App updated with the latest entries. We actively engage with our community, encourage user contributions, and leverage partnerships within the industry to ensure our database reflects the dynamic and ever-evolving world of specialty coffee.”
Do you only track large cities for each country, or do you map more provincial locations as well?
“We believe that great coffee can be found everywhere, not just in large cities. Therefore, we make a conscious effort to map coffee shops in provincial locations, small towns, and rural areas where unique coffee experiences thrive.”
Is it all free, or are there features of the app that are activated with a subscription?
“Roasters App is free to use, providing users with essential features to explore and connect with the coffee community. We do offer a premium subscription, Roasters Pro, which unlocks additional features such as advanced filters, saving visits in the past, and quick search on the map. The subscription is priced at 29.99 per Year, offering a more enhanced and personalized coffee journey.
We also offer a premium subscription for businesses, Roasters Business Pro, which unlocks features as logo placement, status updates, and top priority in listings.”
What considerations can you draw, with respect to the coffee shop market, based on the data collected so far?
“Based on the data collected, we’ve observed a growing trend in opening businesses, indicating a heightened growth in the industry. This valuable insight allows us to tailor our platform to meet the evolving needs and preferences of the coffee community.”
What are the next developments for the Roasters app?
“Our journey with Roasters App is an ongoing evolution. We are excited about improving the discovery & reviewing processes. Additionally, we are exploring partnerships and collaborations to further enrich the Roasters App experience for our global community of tens of thousands of specialty coffee enthusiasts and professionals. “
