However you take your coffee, Coffi Dre will soon be providing you with a range of brand new blends!
A coffee company based in Caernarfon is proving great success, being shortlisted for “Consumer Services Startup of the Year” at the Wales StartUp Awards, and most recently, shortlisted for “Small Drinks Producer of the Year” at the Food and Drink Awards Wales, showcasing the best Wales has to offer.
We’re very proud that Menter Môn has played a part in the journey so far.
Menter Môn, as part of the Llwyddo’n Lleol programme first started supporting Coffi Dre in 2022. Llwyddo’n Lleol’s aim is to challenge the assumption that you should leave rural Wales to become successful, with emphasis on local entrepreneurship, employability and the development of professional skills as well as proving that Ynys Môn and Gwynedd are both perfect counties to achieve a work-life balance post Covid.
Ceurwyn Humphreys, Coffi Dre’s Managing Director, received weekly mentorship and training from experts within the business industry through the Llwyddo’n Lleol & Enterprise Hub Miwtini programme. In addition, Coffi Dre received financial support to help move the business idea forward, having also attended a Level 3 Food Hygiene in Catering Course at Coleg Llandrillo Menai funded by Menter Môn, and won an additional £1000 through the Llwyddo’n Lleol’s public vote ‘Barn y Bobl’, where the public voted for the business they wanted to see develop further.
“The support that Menter Môn has given Coffi Dre has been incredible. Llwyddo’n Lleol’s support has been key in getting Coffi Dre through the first year of trading. The weekly meetings/workshops we attended in 2022 gave us the knowledge and confidence to push forward with the business and of course the financial aspect helped us purchase equipment that are still key parts of the business to this day.” Ceurwyn Humphreys, Coffi Dre
Ceurwyn and his business partners were keen to develop the business further by roasting their own specialty coffee. The equipment needed for this would be a substantial investment, and therefore they didn’t expect to be able to develop this side of the business for another few years.
However, due to their recent success, Menter Môn, through the LEADER programme in Gwynedd (Arloesi Gwynedd Wledig) decided on buying a coffee roaster that will be leased to Coffi Dre for the next two years. Following the first two years, the equipment will then be leased to another local company to support their efforts.
“Leasing Coffi Dre a coffee roaster will enable them to develop the business more efficiently and at a pace that would not have been possible otherwise. Following the 2 year lease, the equipment will move on to support another local company, and this is a cycle we hope to replicate with many businesses benefitting from a similar investment in the future, through the Welsh Government’s Circular Economy funding.” Dafydd Gruffydd, Menter Môn
Not only does this scheme support a growing local business, but it supports the growing local ethos of the Circular Economy, using and reusing equipment, passing on skills and contributing to a green narrative for North West Wales.
Coffi Dre will be launching their new coffee very soon, and are working with local artists and illustrators to create the branding for those. Keep an eye out on their social media pages for more information.
This project has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014 – 2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for
Rural Development and the Welsh Government. It is also part funded by the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) and Gwynedd Council.
