Clipper coffee

Clipper coffee is a well-known ethical brand that originally began as an extension of the Clipper tea business, which was founded in a Dorset kitchen in 1984. While the brand is famously British in its roots, its coffee products are now part of a global supply chain focused on organic and Fairtrade principles.

The brand's coffee beans are sourced from various regions, notably Latin America, and are often packed in Germany or processed in specialized facilities across Europe. In late 2023, the brand's owner opened a major dedicated organic coffee factory called 'La Caféière' in France to centralize production for its various ethical brands. This ensures that while the brand maintains its British heritage, its manufacturing and packing take place in multiple locations across the UK and Europe to serve international markets.

Clipper is currently owned by Ecotone (formerly known as Royal Wessanen), a French-headquartered multinational that specializes in organic and sustainable food products. Ecotone is itself majority-owned by the private equity firm PAI Partners, maintaining Clipper's position as a leader in the ethical beverage sector.