Coffee giant Masteroast starts work on £1.5 million expansion in Peterborough

From left, Andy Fawkes, managing director, Les Mills, chairman, and Matthew Mills, group commercial director.

Construction has started on a 2,500 pallet capacity logistics building in Fengate, which will focus on the delivery of its online orders.

The firm, which has about 120 staff, says the new facility will protect existing jobs and allow the creation of 20 jobs over 12 months.

The facility will be operated by its subsidiary, Isurus Fulfilment, which specialises in business and e-commerce order fulfilment.

It currently manages about 50,000 orders per month.

Ben Tarratt, Isurus fulfilment manager, said: “We are looking forward to having room to grow and further develop our industry leading warehouse management software systems.”

Andy Fawkes, managing director of Masteroast, in Newark Road, said: “Masteroast has become an international company over the last 10 years, trading globally and with its own operation in South America, so it is pleasing to invest further in Peterborough which has been our home now for 30 years.

“The new facility has come about as a result of the rise in good quality coffee being drunk at home, particularly following Covid, and the rise in e-commerce being the preferred ordering and delivery channel.

“Masteroast is also behind the revolution in recyclable coffee capsules in the UK.”

The firm is recognised as one of the largest UK coffee importers and roasters, and is behind many well-known coffee brands, both in foodservice and main retailers and e-commerce.

News of the development comes after Masteroast revealed had seen rising sales to consumers after cafes and hotels closed during the covid lockdown. It said there had been a shift in the market as people sought out ‘real coffee’ to drink at home.’

Kirsten McKelvie, from Masteroast’s appointed architects, PDG Architects, said: “We are delighted to be involved in this exciting next stage of Masteroast’s expansion and to continue the close relationship we’ve built up with them over the last 12 years, as the site has developed.”

Rob Cattell, Managing Director of PGR Construction, which is carrying out the building project, said: “We are proud to be involved in this project which will provide welcome investment in the local area and help Masteroast achieve their business goals.”

Stay-at-home coffee drinkers give sales perk to Peterborough’s Masteroast