Ozone Coffee
RenamedOverview
Hasbean was a UK specialty coffee roaster that supplied green and roasted beans to home brewers, baristas, and cafes, known for pioneering light roasts and Australasian-style coffee in the UK market. Established in 2002, it focused on high-quality specialty-grade beans and equipment. Following its 2018 acquisition by Ozone Coffee, it transitioned to operate under the Ozone brand while maintaining its Stafford roastery operations.
History
Founded in 2002 by Steve Leighton in Stafford, UK, Hasbean became one of the UK's first specialty coffee roasters, emphasizing lighter roasts and direct trade sourcing. In July 2018, it was acquired by New Zealand-founded Ozone Coffee, with Leighton and colleagues Dale Harris and Chris Glover-Price becoming shareholders. The brands operated separately until March 2024, when Hasbean fully rebranded to Ozone Coffee, unifying production under the Ozone name.
Product Lines
| Product Line | Positioning | Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| Espresso Blends | House blend for milk and black coffee | $20 - $30 per kg |
| Single Origin Coffees | Varietal-specific lots preserving origin flavors | $25 - $45 per kg |
| Seasonal Lots | Limited availability specialty releases | $30 - $60 per kg |
| Green Bean Sales | Unroasted specialty beans for home roasters | $10 - $25 per kg |
Manufacturing
Roasted in-house at the Stafford roastery in Staffordshire, UK. Production continues unchanged post-rebrand to Ozone Coffee. Focuses on medium to light roasts for specialty coffees.
Notable Products
- House Espresso Blend - Medium roast blend with toasted walnut, dark caramel, cocoa, and dried fruit notes.
- El Limoncillo Special Reserve - Nicaraguan yellow pacamara pulped natural with lime acidity, butterscotch, and hibiscus flavors.
- Single Origin Selections - Rotating lots from various regions roasted to highlight origin characteristics.
Reputation
Hasbean was respected among UK home roasters and early specialty coffee adopters for its quality green beans and light roast profiles that influenced the industry. Professionals valued its consistent sourcing and equipment offerings. Post-rebrand, it benefits from Ozone's sustainability focus but some enthusiasts note the shift from its independent identity.
Sources (7)
- https://ozonecoffee.co.uk/blogs/journal/ozone-coffee-most-sustainable-coffee-brand-in-europe
- https://balancejournal.co/food-drink/ozone-coffee-review/
- https://ozonecoffee.co.uk/blogs/journal/ozone-coffee-ranked-in-the-top-5-cafes-in-the-world
- https://www.gcrmag.com/longstanding-uk-roaster-hasbean-to-become-ozone-coffee/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9nDHUYfMULA
- https://thingtesting.com/brands/ozone-coffee
- https://protocoffeesnob.uk/tag/ozone/