Blendly

Blendly to Showcase Innovation at the Specialty Food and Drink Fair in Glasgow Glasgow, Scotland – January 19–21, 2025

Blendly, the innovative coffee marketplace platform, is thrilled to announce its participation in the Specialty Food and Drink Fair at the Scottish Event Campus (SECC), Glasgow, from January 19 to January 21. At this premier event, Blendly will be showcasing Emilz, a groundbreaking addition to its suite of Marketplace tools designed to bring greater value to coffee lovers and entrepreneurs alike.

Revolutionizing the Coffee Landscape

Blendly is a pioneer in transforming how coffee is accessed, personalized, and distributed. Blendly opens up greater access to green coffee beans—a cornerstone of the coffee landscape—Blendly empowers users of all sizes, from individual enthusiasts to large-scale distributors, to craft and distribute bespoke coffee blends. By leveraging a low-carbon supply chain, Blendly is redefining sustainability in the coffee industry while providing tools that drive creativity and business opportunities.

Introducing ” Emilz ” : A Game-Changer for Coffee Lovers

At the Specialty Food and Drink Fair, Blendly will unveil Emilz, a state-of-the-art AI tool that enhances the coffee experience by enabling users to:

• Create custom coffee blends tailored to personal or business needs.
• Build a brand and distribute products seamlessly on Blendly’s innovative platform.
• Leverage Blendly’s low-carbon supply chain to ensure environmentally conscious production and delivery.

“Emilz represents a major step forward in our mission to empower coffee lovers and businesses to connect with the essence of coffee creation. It’s not just about a cup of coffee; it’s about building a sustainable, personalized coffee journey,” said Mark Wilson , Head of Commercial Coffee Marketplace at Blendly.

Supporting Customers and the Planet

Blendly serves a diverse clientele, ranging from independent coffee shops and restaurants to passionate home baristas. By providing direct access to premium green coffee beans and the tools to customize, roast, and distribute their blends, Blendly offers unmatched flexibility and quality. Its commitment to a low-carbon supply chain underscores its dedication to sustainability, aligning with the values of today’s environmentally conscious consumers.

Join Blendly at the SECC

Visitors to the Specialty Food and Drink Fair are invited to experience the Blendly difference firsthand. Engage with the team, explore the capabilities of Emilz, and discover how Blendly’s tools are revolutionizing the coffee industry.

For more information about Blendly, Emilz, and their presence at the fair, please visit [Insert Website or Contact Information].

As we sip the last few drops of 2024 and welcome the fresh aroma of 2025, we want to take a moment to thank each of you—our incredible Blendly family. This year has been one of growth, innovation, and, most importantly, connection. We couldn’t have done it without you.

---

Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Blendly Moments

From baristas crafting their first signature blends to communities coming together over steaming cups of coffee, this year has been filled with milestones worth celebrating:

• New Blends, New Beginnings: Together, we created hundreds of unique blends, each as special as the people who crafted them.
• Sustainability Milestones: Thanks to your support, we’ve expanded our low-carbon supply chains and introduced even more eco-friendly initiatives. Every cup you enjoyed made a positive impact on the planet.
• Growing Communities: Through coffee, we’ve fostered connections—whether in your favorite local café or through our Blendly online platforms. You’ve helped us prove that coffee is about more than just taste; it’s about togetherness.

---

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we step into the new year, we’re brewing up even more ways to make your coffee experience unforgettable:

• Exciting Innovations: Get ready for more customization tools, personalized subscriptions, and seamless access to your favorite blends.
• Sustainability Goals: We’re doubling down on our commitment to the planet, with even greener practices and products on the horizon.
• Celebrating You: Watch for new events, collaborations, and opportunities to showcase the incredible Blendly community.

---

You’re the Heart of Blendly

Every sip you take, every blend you create, and every connection you make fuels our passion. Blendly wouldn’t be the same without the creativity, warmth, and love you bring to the table. As we welcome the new year, we raise our mugs to you—our loyal customers, our partners, and our friends.

---

Here’s to an Amazing 2025!

May your year be filled with joy, success, and, of course, extraordinary coffee. Let’s continue to grow, connect, and blend together in 2025. From all of us at Blendly, Happy New Year!

Cheers,
The Blendly Team ☕

The holiday season often brings thoughts of family, love, and connection. Yet, for many, it’s a time that highlights loneliness. At Blendly, we believe in the transformative power of simple conversations, even with strangers. This Christmas, we’re championing the idea of reaching out and making connections—starting with a cup of coffee.

A Special Invitation: Cupcake Coffee on Christmas Day Inspired by Connection

At Cupcake Coffee, Mike and Jason are inspired by Joe Keohane’s book The Power of Strangers: The Benefits of Connecting in a Suspicious World Talking to strangers isn’t just an act of kindness; it’s a pathway to understanding, growth, and friendship. It’s about bridging divides and fostering a sense of belonging

The Power of Community

Community is the foundation of resilience and joy. In moments of connection, we are reminded that we’re not alone. A single conversation can create ripples that extend far beyond the moment. It’s in the community that we find support, encouragement, and the strength to move forward. Blendly celebrates this collective power by bringing people together over a cup of coffee, creating spaces where everyone belongs and can thrive. This Christmas, let’s rediscover the incredible strength of coming together as a community.

A Catalyst for Change

Blendly believes in the magic of a single cup of coffee. It’s more than a beverage; it’s an invitation to start a conversation. For those who have been away from the world—physically or emotionally—we’re here to help you bounce back with warmth and care. Over a simple conversation, connections can form, ideas can spark, and new beginnings can take shape.

Why Talking to Strangers Matters

Shared Humanity: Engaging with someone new reminds us of our shared experiences and struggles. Fresh Perspectives: Conversations with strangers often open us to new ideas and viewpoints. Emotional Boost: A kind word or listening ear can turn someone’s day around, including your own. This Christmas, let’s make the effort to step out of our comfort zones. For many, the act of speaking with a stranger is a leap, but it’s one worth taking. Who knows? That simple exchange could be the start of something extraordinary.

Its Good to talk Andy’s Man Club

By embracing these obstacles, daughters can find strength within themselves and see that these moments pave the way for resilience and success.

Join Us This Holiday Season

Blendly invites you to celebrate connection this Christmas. Whether you’re stopping by Cupcake Coffee or simply reaching out to someone in your community, remember that kindness and connection are gifts we can all give. A cup of coffee is just the beginning; the real magic is in the conversations that follow.

Cupcake – Christmas Come along and have a chat

Christmas is a time for togetherness, warmth, and compassion. At Cupcake Coffee in Kirkcaldy, the team is going above and beyond to embody the true spirit of the season. This year, they are organizing a hot Christmas dinner for individuals who might otherwise find themselves alone on the day. Their welcoming space, a cherished community hub, is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and connected

A Christmas Dinner with Heart

The team at Cupcake Coffee understands that the holidays can be a difficult time for some. That’s why they’re opening their doors to provide a hot meal to those who might otherwise be spending the day alone. This gesture is about more than just food; it’s about creating moments of joy, warmth, and companionship—a place where everyone can feel like they belong.

Supporting the Community with Blendly Coffee

A Special Welcome for Andy’s Man Club

Join Cupcake Coffee This Christmas

If you or someone you know could benefit from a warm meal and good company this Christmas, head to Cupcake Coffee in Kirkcaldy. Their team is ready to welcome everyone with open arms, delicious food, and the spirit of the season. Together, let’s celebrate community, kindness, and the simple power of human connection.

---

Location: Cupcake Coffee, Kirkcaldy
Date: Christmas Day
What’s Happening: hot Christmas dinner for those spending the day alone
Who’s Welcome: Everyone, with a special welcome to groups like Andy’s Man Club

Comming soon

Our Mission
At Blendly, we’re passionate about transforming the way people experience coffee. Our Barista Card Display brings together sustainability, innovation, and the joy of customization, empowering customers to create their own signature coffee blends from wherever they are—be it their home, a coffee shop, or even on the go. This new initiative allows anyone, from casual drinkers to seasoned baristas, to explore Blendly’s diverse coffee selection and find the perfect blend for their unique taste.

A Customizable Coffee Journey
With the Barista Card Display, we’re making coffee truly personal. Each Barista Card showcases a unique coffee profile, giving customers the ability to sample, combine, and refine flavors that match their preferences. The display provides a curated, easy-to-understand layout, designed to guide coffee lovers in crafting their own perfect blend, right from the comfort of their home. This isn’t just about trying a new coffee; it’s about becoming a creator in your coffee journey.

Sustainable Impact: Supporting the Planet with Every Blend
Blendly’s commitment to sustainability goes far beyond a great cup of coffee. This display is more than a merchandising tool; it’s a part of a larger mission to reduce environmental impact through thoughtful design and an efficient, low-carbon supply chain. By allowing customers to prototype and experiment with blends directly, we reduce the need for multiple shipments and lower our carbon footprint. The Barista Card system is built around a decentralized model that streamlines the supply chain, connecting customers directly with ethically sourced coffee beans from around the world. Each card represents a mindful choice for a better planet.

Empowering Communities & Expanding Distribution
The Barista Card Display isn’t just about selling coffee; it’s a step toward a more empowered, community-centered coffee culture. By bringing customization and prototyping into customers’ hands, Blendly expands its distribution while fostering a sense of ownership in every cup. This model supports local economies, reduces waste, and allows us to scale sustainably, reaching more people with less environmental impact.

An Innovation in Accessible Prototyping
We believe coffee innovation should be accessible. Our customers can now experiment with blends, try new flavors, and even subscribe to their favorite custom creations—all from their homes. This is the future of coffee: accessible, customizable, and sustainable. Together, we’re building a better, more inclusive coffee ecosystem—one that prioritizes both personal choice and planetary care.

Join Us on This Journey
With the Blendly Barista Card Display, we invite you to explore, customize, and enjoy coffee in a way that’s meaningful to you. Together, let’s make every cup a conscious choice for quality, creativity, and sustainability.

Blog Post: Redefining Palates with Blendly in a Changing Coffee Landscape

In today’s bustling high streets, where new brands and experiences continually emerge, coffee consumers are faced with endless options that challenge even the most loyal coffee drinker’s taste preferences. Major players like Starbucks that once dominated the scene are seeing a surge of fresh competitors, like Black Sheep Coffee, who captivate audiences by focusing on single-origin robusta and other distinctive blends. These shifts signal a change in consumer palates driven by a desire for local flavors, unique identities, and high-quality coffee experiences that reflect individual preferences. In response, Blendly offers coffee businesses the ability to personalize their blends to cater to evolving palates, setting them apart in an ever-competitive market.

Why Customization Matters in Today’s Coffee Culture

The rise of new coffee brands signals not only a demand for diversity but also for a personalized touch. Coffee drinkers today seek out flavors that align with their lifestyles, cultures, and daily rituals. Independent coffee shops, for instance, have embraced this trend by moving away from mainstream offerings to curate their own signature experiences. With Blendly’s white-label service, these businesses can design unique blends from a global inventory of beans, allowing them to offer something truly exclusive that resonates with their brand and community values​​.

By empowering businesses to create custom blends, Blendly enables coffee sellers to become “taste curators” rather than just coffee providers. This approach has proven especially effective for independent shops and cafes that attract customers with single-origin or region-specific blends that reflect a distinct identity, which is becoming increasingly vital for building customer loyalty​​.

Building Loyalty with a Unique Taste Experience

The modern coffee consumer is no longer solely loyal to one brand; they are driven by taste and experience. Local coffee shops, with their dedication to quality and unique product offerings, often appeal to customers willing to pay more for specialty coffee that reflects a commitment to excellence. With Blendly’s platform, businesses can tap into this demand by offering a coffee blend that is exclusively theirs, tailored to their customer base, and entirely different from high-street chains​.

For instance, Blendly’s clients have the ability to craft unique blends tailored to specific times of the day or even special events, allowing them to continuously innovate and attract both new and returning customers. This method of targeting customer palates creates not only a unique flavor profile but also a brand story that resonates with local consumers, strengthening customer loyalty and enhancing the coffee shop’s value proposition​.

The Role of Sustainability in Shaping Consumer Preferences

Modern consumers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact of their purchases, and coffee is no exception. Blendly’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its low-carbon supply chain, which minimizes the ecological footprint of coffee distribution by supporting local roasting and sourcing practices. This approach not only reduces carbon emissions but also ensures that coffee shops can market their blends as eco-friendly—a powerful selling point for today’s ethically-minded consumers​​.

Blendly also offers flexible ordering and distribution tools that allow businesses to keep inventory fresh and reduce waste. This model of sustainable, customer-focused supply management appeals to environmentally-conscious customers and gives coffee shops a clear advantage in a competitive market​​.

Enhancing the Coffee Experience with Digital Tools

In addition to customization and sustainability, Blendly brings technology into the mix with its predictive ordering and inventory management systems, developed in partnership with PayPal. These tools simplify order management, ensuring businesses never run out of their custom blends, while also providing customers with the option to subscribe for regular deliveries. This digital convenience strengthens the coffee shop’s brand presence and enhances the customer experience by ensuring their favorite blend is always available​​.

Conclusion: Crafting a Lasting Impact with Blendly

As the coffee market continues to evolve, coffee shops, cafes, and independent roasters are increasingly looking for ways to stand out. Blendly provides the platform, tools, and expertise to create and market bespoke coffee experiences tailored to diverse palates. By fostering brand loyalty through unique flavors and sustainable practices, Blendly enables businesses to redefine the coffee experience in their local communities, helping them stay relevant and innovative in a rapidly shifting landscape.

Blendly isn’t just about coffee; it’s about crafting connections, one personalized cup at a time. If you’re ready to elevate your coffee offering and build stronger relationships with your customers, it’s time to explore what Blendly can do for you. Cheers to creating a brighter, more flavorful future in coffee!

The coffee industry, one of the most resilient and essential segments in foodservice, is facing unprecedented challenges.

The coffee industry, one of the most resilient and essential segments in foodservice, is facing unprecedented challenges. As inflationary pressures continue to rise, largely due to the ongoing impacts of climate change, coffee prices have soared to 10- and 20-year highs for both Arabica and Robusta beans. These developments, noted in Nestlé’s 2024 Coffee Price Index (CPI) update, outline the stark realities facing coffee producers, retailers, and consumers.

Climate Change Disrupts Coffee Supply Chain

A key factor contributing to the current coffee market turbulence is climate change. According to the report, global coffee yields could decline by up to 10% as extreme weather, including both droughts and frosts, negatively impacts coffee harvests. Rising temperatures have also reduced the areas suitable for coffee cultivation, further straining global supply.

This reduction in supply is occurring at a time when demand remains robust, exacerbating the supply-demand imbalance. As a result, the market has seen Arabica and Robusta prices reach historic highs. Despite some signs of inflation tapering off, the coffee supply chain continues to experience significant cost increases, which are then passed down to consumers.

Coffee’s Resilience Amid Inflation

Despite these challenges, coffee remains a staple in the foodservice industry. It is one of the top five categories by value in foodservice and is the largest beverage category, dwarfing tea by four times. More than 40% of foodservice customers purchase coffee, indicating its importance as a daily necessity. Categories like coffee, which are seen as essential, tend to be more resilient to cost pressures compared to discretionary spending items.

From 2019 to 2023, the price per kilogram of coffee has increased by 29%, yet coffee volumes grew by 13% during the same period. This data reflects coffee’s unique status as a consumer staple that can weather economic storms better than most categories.

Iconic Brands Driving Coffee Growth

Leading brands like Starbucks and Nescafé have played a crucial role in the coffee market’s sustained growth. Starbucks remains the most distinctive brand in in-home coffee and ranks as the fifth most recognized global brand, with strong consumer loyalty. Meanwhile, Nescafé dominates brand awareness, with 6,000 cups consumed every second globally, and holds a 67% market share in UK foodservice.

These iconic brands are not just relying on brand recognition but are also leading the way in innovation and sustainability. Nestlé, in particular, has invested heavily in responsible sourcing and sustainability initiatives through its NESCAFÉ Plan, aiming for 100% responsibly sourced coffee and planting 20 million trees by 2026.

Sustainable Coffee for the Future

Sustainability has become a core focus for many players in the coffee industry, as climate change continues to threaten coffee production. Nestlé has been independently recognized as a leader in sustainable coffee sourcing. By 2030, the company aims to source 50% of its coffee through regenerative agriculture practices. In addition, efforts to reduce the carbon footprint of coffee packaging are underway, with plans to cut virgin plastic use by a third by 2025.

These sustainability initiatives are not only a response to environmental challenges but also a strategy to maintain consumer trust and market share. As more consumers prioritize eco-friendly products, these measures could help secure long-term success for brands like Nescafé.

Conclusion

The global coffee market is at a crossroads. On one hand, inflationary pressures and the impact of climate change are driving up costs and creating challenges for coffee growers and retailers. On the other hand, coffee remains an essential part of consumers’ lives, with leading brands leveraging sustainability and innovation to stay ahead. As prices continue to rise, the coffee sector’s resilience will be tested, but its deep-rooted place in foodservice ensures that it will continue to thrive, even in uncertain times.

The New Era of Coffee – “Unlocking Innovation, Sustainability, and Growth in a Democratized Coffee Industry”

Are you ready to stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving coffee industry? Whether you’re a seasoned business owner, coffee shop manager, or a decision-maker in the coffee supply chain, the coffee industry is undergoing significant transformation—and understanding these changes is essential to staying competitive.

Introducing our comprehensive paper, “The New Era of Coffee: Revolutionizing Coffee Through Democratization, Technology, and Sustainability.” This paper explores how new business models, technological advancements, and sustainability practices are shaping the future of coffee. From empowering local businesses to providing unique opportunities for high-level coffee industry professionals, this paper offers a roadmap to success in an increasingly dynamic market.

What’s in the e-book?

Our paper covers a wide range of topics critical for coffee industry leaders, including:

• Democratization of Coffee Production: Learn how platforms like Blendly are leveling the playing field by offering small and independent businesses the tools to compete with large corporations. This shift is empowering local coffee shops and roasters to create custom blends, manage their supply chains, and offer customers personalized experiences that reflect their brand.
• Sustainability and Ethical Sourcing: Discover how sustainability is no longer optional but a requirement for success in today’s market. We examine how ethical sourcing practices, certifications like Fair Trade, and direct trade relationships are becoming essential elements in building consumer trust and brand loyalty.
• Technology Integration: We dive deep into how cutting-edge technology like predictive supply chain tools, blockchain, and cloud-based customization platforms are transforming the coffee industry. These innovations allow businesses to streamline operations, reduce waste, and deliver a superior product to their customers.
• Empowering Local Economies: Find out how the coffee industry is evolving to support local economies and businesses through decentralization. Programs like the Blendly Barista Distributor Program empower baristas and coffee shop owners to become coffee entrepreneurs, driving growth in local communities while delivering premium products to consumers.
• Generational Attitudes and Consumer Trends: Understand how different generations—from Baby Boomers to Gen Z—are shaping the future of coffee consumption. The paper outlines the rising demand for transparency, sustainability, and personalized coffee experiences that resonate with modern consumers.

Why You Should Download This e-book

For high-level business owners in the coffee industry, staying competitive means staying informed. Our paper offers valuable insights into the trends and innovations that are redefining the industry. Whether you are seeking to enhance your supply chain, customize coffee products, or adopt sustainable practices, this paper is your guide to navigating these changes and unlocking new growth opportunities.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• How to leverage technology to create efficient, transparent supply chains that reduce waste and increase profitability.
• How to build stronger relationships with your customers through ethical sourcing and transparency.
• How to create unique, custom coffee blends that set your business apart from competitors.
• How to support local economies and empower your team, driving innovation and growth from the ground up.

Who Should Read This e-book?

This paper is designed for business owners, coffee shop managers, roasters, distributors, and executives in the coffee industry who are looking to stay ahead of the competition by leveraging new trends, technology, and sustainable practices. If you’re serious about delivering high-quality coffee and building a sustainable, future-proof business, this paper is for you.

Stay Ahead of the Competition

In today’s market, being proactive about adopting new technologies, engaging with sustainability, and offering personalized experiences is key to staying competitive. Download “The New Era of Coffee” and learn how to position your business for success in this rapidly changing landscape.

Click here to download your free copy today and take the first step toward transforming your coffee business.

“Generation Shift” by Eliza Filby is a collection of essays that explore how generational change is transforming our society, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Written between 2020 and 2023, these essays examine the shifts in how different generations think, work, and live, focusing on the impact of the pandemic and the rapid technological and societal changes that followed.

The book analyzes the evolving attitudes of various generations—Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z—toward topics such as work, family, technology, and politics. Filby highlights how these shifts are influencing the future of the workplace, education, and social values. For instance, she delves into how younger generations prioritize flexibility and purpose over traditional job security, and how older generations are adapting to these changes.

Filby’s essays are informed by her experience advising businesses and institutions on generational dynamics. She uses her insights to paint a picture of how organizations and society at large must adapt to the differing needs and values of these generations to navigate the future successfully​

Eliza Filby’s conclusions in “Generation Shift” highlight the transformation from globalized economies towards more localized, decentralized models. This shift, particularly accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, underscores a movement away from reliance on large-scale global supply chains to favoring regional or localized production—what some economists term “slobalization.” Slobalization refers to the slowing pace of globalization, characterized by a renewed focus on self-sufficiency, community resilience, and decentralization.

In this context, companies like Blendly.co.uk exemplify this economic trend. Blendly offers a decentralized coffee supply chain, connecting local businesses, coffee houses, and baristas directly with coffee producers. By cutting out traditional intermediaries, Blendly supports a model where local stakeholders are empowered to craft personalized blends, manage distribution, and tap into a global commodity while keeping operations at a local level. This aligns with Filby’s observations on how generational shifts are leading to a desire for more personalized, sustainable, and localized products​

The metaphor of the “baker, butcher, and candlestick maker” perfectly captures this shift to local production and manufacturing, where communities become self-sufficient by reinvigorating traditional trades and small-scale businesses. As globalization slows, there is increasing economic opportunity for local makers and producers to thrive by serving their communities. Blendly’s business model is an economic enabler for these types of localized businesses—similar to how a local baker sources flour from a nearby mill, Blendly’s decentralized coffee model allows cafes and restaurants to source, blend, and sell coffee that reflects local tastes and values, creating a circular economy of growth and sustainability.

This movement away from mass production and global supply chains towards more localized and decentralized models is a key driver of economic growth, fostering innovation in smaller, community-driven markets. As Filby suggests, this new economic model not only aligns with shifting generational values—where flexibility, sustainability, and local empowerment are prioritized—but also provides the framework for economic resilience in a post-globalized world​