Oakham-based speciality coffee roaster Two Chimps Coffee has capped off a monumental anniversary year by securing the prestigious title of Drink Producer of the Year at the 2026/27 Great Food Club Awards. The victory highlights the roastery’s rapid evolution from a small home-based operation to a cornerstone of the East Midlands independent food and drink sector.
The award ceremony, which took place via an Instagram announcement, saw the Rutland-based team beat out three other shortlisted independent producers. Judges lauded the company for its sophisticated approach to coffee, noting that Two Chimps successfully balances high-level industry expertise with a welcoming, accessible brand identity.
## A Decade of Excellence and Innovation
Founded in 2016 by Andy and Laura—known affectionately as the “Head Chimps”—the business has spent the last ten years perfecting its hand-roasting process. What began as a modest venture with a single home roaster has blossomed into a seven-person operation based on Pillings Road in Oakham.
The judges specifically praised the roastery’s commitment to education, citing their workshops, public tastings, and personalized subscription models as key factors in demystifying speciality coffee for the average consumer. By removing the pretension often associated with high-end beans, Two Chimps has managed to cultivate a loyal customer base that spans both the local Rutland region and an extensive national wholesale network.
## Sustainability as a Tech-Driven Business Strategy
The recent accolade follows closely on the heels of another major achievement: winning the Environmental Champion award at the Mercury Business Awards 2026. This recognition underscores the company’s heavy investment in sustainable infrastructure and operational efficiency.
As businesses across the UK move toward digitized supply chain management and carbon-conscious practices, Two Chimps has positioned itself at the forefront of green enterprise. Their facility, which underwent a major redevelopment in 2025, is now officially Positive Planet certified. With a firm, long-term commitment to reaching Net Zero by 2040, the roastery utilizes modern, energy-efficient roasting technology to minimize its footprint. This focus on long-term sustainability acts as a blueprint for small-scale manufacturers looking to leverage cleaner, more efficient operational models without sacrificing product quality.
## Digital Integration in the Modern Coffee Market
Beyond the physical roasting process, Two Chimps has leaned into the digital tools now essential for modern retail. By integrating seamless e-commerce platforms and algorithmic subscription models, they have navigated the shift in consumer behavior that now prioritizes direct-to-consumer digital services.
“Everything we do comes down to roasting awesome coffee and looking after the people who drink it,” said co-founders Andy and Laura in a statement regarding their latest win. “To be recognised for that by the Great Food Club is a real honour.”
As the retail industry continues to shift toward AI-driven personalization and data-backed sustainability reporting, the success of Two Chimps demonstrates that craft production and digital growth are no longer mutually exclusive. By maintaining a balance between the artisanal nature of their coffee and the necessity of high-tech sustainability tracking, the team at Pillings Road has successfully modernized the age-old craft of roasting for a 2026 audience.
With a full decade of growth behind them, Two Chimps continues to set a high standard for regional businesses looking to scale their operations while maintaining the community-focused values that first earned them their name. As the brand eyes its next decade of operations, the combination of industry awards and environmental certification positions it as a vital leader in the East Midlands’ thriving independent economy.
Disclaimer: This content is auto-generated for informational purposes only.
Source: Read Original News
