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How to Sell Coffee Beans in the UK

Posted by Damian Roberti on

How to Sell Coffee Beans in the UK: A Complete Guide for Beginners

Coffee is one of the most profitable products to sell in the UK. With a market worth billions of pounds, consumers are constantly searching for new, high-quality beans—from green, roasted, flavored, or organic varieties. If you’ve ever thought about starting your own coffee business, selling beans in the UK can be both exciting and profitable. Here’s everything you need to know.

Step 1: Understand the Legal Requirements

Before selling coffee beans in the UK, you must register your food business with your local authority at least 28 days before trading. You’ll also need to comply with UK food safety laws (Food Standards Agency guidance), ensure your workspace meets hygiene standards, and follow proper allergen and labeling regulations. If you import beans, you’ll need to check with HMRC for import duties and inspection procedures.

Step 2: Decide on Your Business Model

There are different ways to sell coffee beans in the UK:

  • Online shop (Shopify, Amazon, Etsy)

  • Subscription service (monthly coffee bean boxes)

  • Wholesale supply (selling to cafés, restaurants, and offices)

  • Farmers’ markets & pop-ups (direct-to-consumer)

Each model has unique benefits—online sales give you wider reach, while wholesale ensures steady, bulk orders.

 

Step 3: Sourcing Coffee Beans

You can import beans directly from producers, work with UK-based coffee importers, or roast your own beans. Selling roasted beans allows you to build a unique brand identity, while raw (green) beans are popular with home roasters. Always focus on quality, traceability, and sustainability, as UK consumers are becoming more conscious about ethically sourced coffee.

 

 

 

Step 4: Packaging & Branding

Your packaging should be resealable, food-safe, and visually appealing. Use clear labels with the following required details:

  • Product name (e.g., “100% Arabica Coffee Beans”)

  • Net weight

  • Best before date

  • Storage instructions

  • Business name and contact details

  • Allergen declaration if applicable

Strong branding helps you stand out. Consider eco-friendly packaging, as sustainability is a selling point in the UK market.

 

 

 

Step 5: Selling Platforms & Marketing

  • Online store (Shopify) – full control of your brand.

  • Marketplaces (Amazon, eBay, Etsy) – reach existing audiences.

  • Social media & TikTok marketing – short videos showcasing your beans and brewing tips.

  • Subscription services – create recurring revenue.

Marketing should focus on unique selling points: flavor profiles, ethical sourcing, freshness, or specialty roasting. Use content marketing, SEO, and customer reviews to boost trust and sales.

 

 

 

Step 6: Pricing & Profit Margins

On average, green coffee beans can be imported for £5–£8 per kg, while roasted specialty beans retail between £15–£30 per kg. With proper branding, businesses can achieve profit margins of 40–60%. Subscription models often yield even higher margins due to repeat customers.

Conclusion

Selling coffee beans in the UK is an opportunity-rich business model, whether online or offline. With the right licenses, branding, packaging, and marketing strategy, you can tap into a growing coffee culture and build a profitable brand.

👉 Want more guides on starting food businesses? Check out my YouTube channel Marketing Food Online UK for tons of free food business tips and strategies.