2027 Roaster of the Year Finalist Revelations

Daily Coffee News Staff | October 13, 2026

This year marks the announcement of the finalists for the 23rd Annual Roaster of the Year awards, and the stakes are high. The awards recognize not just the finest coffee roasting practices but also emphasize sustainability, community engagement, and a commitment to inclusivity in the coffee industry. The winners from both the Micro Roaster and Macro Roaster categories will be unveiled on Monday, October 19, and will be prominently featured in the November/December issue of Roast magazine.

Micro Roaster of the Year Finalists

The Micro Roaster category highlights companies that roast fewer than 100,000 pounds of coffee per year. This year's finalists, listed in alphabetical order as a result of a scoring tie, represent the best in quality and innovation.

Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters

In operation since 2008 in Sacramento, California, Chocolate Fish Coffee Roasters has become a significant player, producing around 93,665 pounds of coffee each year. Co-owners Ali Syed and Asif Alvi have established six retail locations and maintain a robust wholesale network that supplies nearly 70 stores. Their mission emphasizes education and accessibility in coffee, demonstrated by effective sustainability practices like composting, reusing green coffee packaging, and contributing to food-rescue initiatives. With a focus on community connection, Chocolate Fish also implements extensive barista training and offers public coffee courses to broaden coffee knowledge.

Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters

Founded in 2009 in Michigan, Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters (DOCR) stands out with its thoughtful sourcing approach and emphasis on sustainability, roasting around 68,000 pounds of coffee annually. Owner Nathan Hamood leads four retail locations, with their headquarters featuring a roastery and training center. DOCR is keen on reducing environmental impact through methods such as electric-vehicle deliveries and initiatives to lessen food waste. Their investment in employee growth is visible in dedicated training programs and community engagement efforts.

Idle Hands Roasting Co.

Established in 2021, Idle Hands Roasting Co. is making waves in Salt Lake City, producing about 85,000 pounds of coffee yearly. Founded by Adrian Bradshaw Tezjan and his team, Idle Hands focuses on transparent operations and sustainability. They publish annual Responsibility Reports detailing environmental and social efforts, proving their dedication to measurable impact. Their roasting approach utilizes advanced techniques for consistency and quality, underscoring their commitment not just to coffee, but to the community and industry education.

Indie Coffee Roasters

Since 2018, Indie Coffee Roasters in Carmel, Indiana, has been pushing the boundaries of specialty coffee. Producing around 47,386 pounds annually, the McAndrews duo focuses on accessibility and community, using inviting roast profiles to bring people closer to quality coffee. Their sustainability initiatives include composting and exploring regenerative practices with producers. With a strong emphasis on staff education and community involvement, Indie Coffee prioritizes building a more inclusive specialty coffee environment.

Macro Roaster of the Year Finalists

The Macro Roaster category features three finalists, each exceeding 100,000 pounds of coffee roasted annually, reflecting higher production standards and broader market reach.

Corvus Coffee Roasters

Based in Denver since 2010, Corvus Coffee Roasters significantly impacts the coffee scene with an impressive annual production of 254,200 pounds. The company thrives on relationships with coffee producers, emphasizing quality sourcing and technical precision. They engage in significant research and development, ensuring every batch reflects peak quality through rigorous monitoring and tasting practices. Corvus also prioritizes education for both its team and the wider coffee community, making quality accessible to all.

Dean’s Beans Organic Coffee

Founded in 1993 by Dean Cycon, Dean’s Beans Organic Coffee in Massachusetts champions environmental and social responsibility. Roasting nearly 500,000 pounds of coffee annually, they prioritize Fair Trade and organic sourcing while actively engaging in community development initiatives. Becoming a 100% worker-owned cooperative in 2023 marked a significant milestone, enhancing their commitment to shared governance and employee welfare. Their sustainable operations and community programs connect farmers with consumers, proving that ethical practices can drive quality and profit.

Utopian Coffee

Founded in 2006, Utopian Coffee stands out in Fort Wayne, Indiana, with an impressive yearly output of nearly 1 million pounds. Their mission emphasizes giving back through regenerative agriculture practices. Their facility embodies sustainability, recycling waste and implementing community benefit projects. Utopian’s commitment to quality shines through their meticulous roasting practices and close collaboration with producers to foster overall coffee quality.

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