Oughtred Coffee and Tea

John Oughtred. Photo by Ellie Shortt

Oughtred Coffee and Tea has been supplying British Columbians with quality products for almost 40 years. And while they still maintain some of the key principals of good local business that the company established when it first began, much has changed in their near four decade span. A lot of the growth Oughtred has seen is thanks to John Oughtred, who along with brother Michael, has taken a once small-scale distributor and spread its reach to international avenues, with products ranging from fine coffee beans and teas, to organic fruit juice mixes and artisanal ice tea syrups.

John has been involved in the business for as long as he can remember, where at a mere 7 years old he was napping on stacked up coffee beans between cleaning trucks and stocking shelves. Since taking the reins from his father, John Oughtred Sr. in 1998, John has been determined to honour the company’s original mission statement – to consistently exceed client expectations by sourcing the highest quality products, supported by comprehensive service, while conducting ourselves in a highly responsible manner – which for him, is all about relationships.

From local staff to his contacts in South America, John is adamant about making strong ties and mutually beneficial partnerships by establishing a personal bond with everyone involved. From production and packaging to distribution and marketing, John has created a strong sense of communication and connectedness by removing middleman operators and bureaucratic hurdles.

But for John, it’s not just about having a healthy relationship with people. He is passionate about his company’s relationship with the earth, and sources organic products, uses Certified Organic (OCIA), Certified Fair Trade (Transfair), Rainforest Alliance Certified and Utz Certified beans, and implements intensive recycling programs within his business model.

And what does the future look like for a company that has over a quarter-century of success behind them? John and his brother plan on expanding their already solid platform by further reducing their environmental impact, increasing strong relationships with contacts both locally and abroad, and continuing to supply customers with high quality products that suit the needs of offices, cafes and those simply wanting to make a great cup of coffee at home.

Oughtred Coffee and Tea: 723 Vanalman Ave Victoria, BC. (250) 384-7444 www.oughtred.com