Matthew Algie & Co

Specialties

We supply fresh, tasty and ethical coffees to trade across the UK and Ireland, along with all the equipment, training, support and expertise needed to run a successful coffee business. ‘We know coffee’ and we know what it takes for a coffee business to earn its keep.

History

Established in 1864.

1864 – 1950: Matthew was a grocer; he sold tea that arrived on the famous Clyde Clippers. In 1864 he decided to specialise: he set up his own tea blending and wholesale business.

1950 – 1994: Post-​war Glasgow started to develop a taste for coffee. So we offered that too — as well as tea bags and vending services. Then, in 1974, we began selling coffee machines to offices, restaurants and hotels. We also added bulk brew for the catering sector:

1995-​today Matthew Algie’s Managing Director visited Portland, Oregon and saw the light. He started an espresso revolution in the UK. In 1997 we also introduced the UK’s first ever Fairtrade espresso bean and in 2004, the world’s first triple certified espresso.