ORIGIN Coffee has secured a multi-million-pound investment to grow the business, by partnering with a number of new investors and directors - including a former chairman of Manchester City Football Club. 

The CEO and majority owner of Origin, Tom Sobey, has revealed that the £3.1 million investment will support the growth of the business whilst continuing its commitment to improving sustainability within the industry.

The considerable investment will support manageable growth of Origin's Coffee's sales direct to customers, as well its plans to roll out further branches – with new shops in Manchester and Edinburgh in the pipeline – and expand the wholesale side of the business. 

As part of the four-year plan, Origin Coffee has reiterated its intention to remain committed to ethical sourcing, by increasing its 'green' coffee purchases direct from farmers by 77 per cent.

Closer to home, it plans to take on more staff across the team, including in its head office.

Falmouth Packet: Tom Sobey with HRH Princess Anne at Origin's headquarters in Porthleven earlier this month Tom Sobey with HRH Princess Anne at Origin's headquarters in Porthleven earlier this month (Image: Origin)Tom, who founded the company in Helston before relocating to Porthleven, said: “We take our commitment to sustainability and transparency seriously.

“The foundation of our business will remain ethical as we grow, and our efforts from the last couple of decades won't dwindle. Securing investment like this offers us the flexibility and opportunity to take the company forward.

“We know this is a big step for Origin Coffee and understand that with this growth comes considerable responsibility to our partners, employees, and the wider industry.

“We’re so excited to grow together with our new partners, as well as our long-time friends and supporters.”

By taking on this sizable investment, the business will sell part of the ownership for the very first time. Tom will stay as majority shareholder as he retains the most significant portion of ownership and will remain in charge, but he will be supported by his new partners which include Create Impact Ventures (CIV), Yeo Valley and The Cornwall and Isle of Scilly Investment Fund (CIOSIF).

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Tracy Doree of Freddie's Flowers, Farewill and Oddbox will join the Origin board as independent chair and non-executive director, and David Bernstein, chairman of CIV and former chairman of Manchester City and the Football Association, will also join the Origin Coffee Board as a non-executive director.

Mr Bernstein said: “We are thrilled to invest in Origin Coffee, a dynamic player in the growing speciality coffee market.

“We believe in providing support to transform growth-stage businesses into market leaders, and we’re excited to join Origin on its journey to expand nationwide while preserving its impressive culture and specialist market position.

“Its direct trade partnerships, Queen’s Award and B Corp certification demonstrate its dedication to responsible business practices.

“Together with Tom, we aim to promote sustainability and create employment opportunities in Cornwall and beyond, fostering both growth and impact.”