Ceremony Coffee Roasters

Acquired

Overview

Ceremony Coffee Roasters operates coffee roasting and six retail cafés in Maryland, including Annapolis, Baltimore, and Bethesda. It offers single-origin coffees, blends, espressos, decafs, cold brew, and brewing equipment through cafés and e-commerce. The company focuses on specialty coffees scoring 85+ and provides wholesale, education, and training services.

History

Founded in 2002 by Vincent Latesta with the first café in Annapolis, Maryland. Expanded to multiple locations including Baltimore's Federal Hill, Harbor Point, Park Avenue, and Bethesda. Acquired by FairWave Specialty Coffee Collective in October 2024, marking FairWave's entry into the Maryland market; Latesta continues to lead operations.

Product Lines

Product LinePositioningPrice Range
Single-Origin CoffeesHigh-scoring specialty lots$18 - $30 per bag
Espresso BlendsOptimized for espresso preparation$20 - $28 per bag
Coffee BlendsBalanced multi-origin mixes$18 - $25 per bag
Decaf CoffeesSpecialty decaffeinated options$20 - $28 per bag
Cold Brew ConcentrateReady-to-dilute cold brew$15 - $25 per bottle

Manufacturing

Coffee roasting occurs in-house at their Annapolis facility on 90 Russell Street. Green coffee is sourced internationally with focus on specialty grades. Brewing equipment and gear are sourced from third-party suppliers.

Notable Products

  • Various Single-Origin Coffees - Rotating selection of 85+ scoring microlots and favorites from global origins.
  • Espresso Offerings - Blends designed for café espresso machines and home use.
  • Cold Brew - Nitro and concentrate options available through retail and e-commerce.
  • Brewing Gear - Grinders, brewers, and accessories for coffee preparation.

Reputation

Ceremony is recognized in the Mid-Atlantic as a leading specialty coffee roaster, praised for consistent high-quality beans and modern café experiences. Professionals note their sourcing and education efforts positively. Some enthusiasts mention higher pricing compared to local independents, but overall perception remains strong post-acquisition.

Sources (6)
  1. https://www.cbinsights.com/company/ceremony-coffee-roasters
  2. https://prospeo.io/c/ceremony-coffee-roasters
  3. https://www.eyeonannapolis.net/2024/11/annapolis-based-ceremony-coffee-roasters-bought-by-kansas-city-firm/
  4. https://ceremonycoffee.com
  5. https://ceremonycoffee.com/pages/locations
  6. https://ceremonycoffee.com/pages/jobs