49th Parallel Coffee Roasters

Overview

49th Parallel Coffee Roasters is a Canadian specialty coffee roaster founded in 2004, operating roasting facilities in Burnaby, BC, and cafes in Vancouver. It sources single-origin and blended coffees from regions like Ethiopia, Brazil, and Colombia, offering whole bean, espresso, and seasonal varieties. The company supplies wholesale to cafes across North America and Europe while maintaining retail presence through its website and physical locations.

History

Founded in 2004 in Vancouver by owners including Joel May, the company established its roasting operations in Burnaby, British Columbia. It expanded from local cafes to wholesale distribution, reaching markets in the US and Europe. Key milestones include developing signature blends like Epic Espresso and gaining recognition for consistent quality in specialty coffee circles.

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Coffee is roasted in small batches at the company's facility in Burnaby, British Columbia. Roasting is handled in-house with a focus on specialty-grade beans sourced directly from farms. Packaging and distribution occur from the same location for retail and wholesale orders.

Notable Products

• Epic Espresso - Signature espresso blend noted for balanced body and sweetness, popular for cafe use.
• Brasil Deterra Opus - Brazilian coffee with even sweetness and body, priced at $19.95 per lb.
• Chelbesa Washed Ethiopia - Light roast Ethiopian coffee reviewed for flavor in washed processing.
• Colombia Las Mercedes - Single-origin Colombian coffee described as smooth with pleasant drinkability.

Reputation

49th Parallel is regarded by coffee enthusiasts as a reliable source of consistent, high-quality roasts, particularly its espresso blends and seasonal offerings. Professionals praise its smooth profiles suitable for lattes and wholesale. Some note it leans toward heavier roasts compared to lighter third-wave styles, but overall feedback highlights good balance without bitterness.