March 29, 2024
Annapolis, US 45 F

Chesapeake Bay Roasting Co., helping the bay one bean at a time

CBRC Coffee Can

CBRC Coffee CanA few months ago, Chesapeake Bay Roasting Company held an open house to tour their facility (beanery…roastery?) in Crofton right at the corner of Routes 3 and 424. I had never seen coffee being made outside of a Keurig or an old fashioned percolator so I jumped at the chance to see a local company in action.

Chesapeake Bay Roasting Company (CBRC) is not a new company. They were established back in January of 2002. The idea behind developing their brand was simple; create high quality coffees and connect them to environmental issues that directly impacts the health of our regional treasure, the Chesapeake Bay.  Made sense to me.

The concept was simple–to get people more connected to the communities they live, work and play in. Equally important, they made the business decision that they needed to be a part of the solution and contribute to the health and awareness of the needs of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed. Enter the H2O Initiative program and their corporate philanthropy to various “bay causes.”

Talking the talk

CBRC H20 InitiativeThe H2O Initiative is a community outreach program established by CBRC to advocate our give-back message. Through the H2O Initiative, CBRC pledges 2% of gross sales on every product in support of community organizations and groups that are helping make a measurable impact to the health of the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The H2O Initiative mark is used in conjunction with all packaging, promotion and sponsorships by CBRC to help raise consumer awareness about their commitment to the bay and to encourage others to adopt a similar commitment.

Public awareness of the Chesapeake Bay’s condition increases each day and today’s generation is taking major steps in the restoration of the bay’s ecosystem. Efforts are being made to ensure that the watershed is preserved for our children and future generations. In the simplest terms, CBRC felt they couldn’t take on a name like Chesapeake Bay Roasting Company without also taking on some responsibility. One of the main beneficiaries of their financial philanthropy is the Chesapeake Bay Trust.

Walking the walk

Coffee beans are sourced from reputable growers and processors around the world. But where CBRC shines is in their processing right here in Anne Arundel County. They produce all of the great coffees with one of the most eco-friendly roasters in the world. The roaster has nearly 80% reduced emissions when compared to traditional drum roasters and an estimated 20% reduction in annual fuel consumption. Rather than collect the chaff produced during the roasting process this roasting technology utilizes it as a fuel source which results in smarter energy efficiency. The benefits of producing coffees with a Hybrid Coffee Roaster are two fold; a reduced impact on the world around us and you can taste the difference in the coffee in terms of quality & clarity.

To take their environmental commitment a step further they also purchase wind energy subsidies to power the roasting plant. They honestly are 100% wind powered. Going green is a big part about who they are.

Packaging is not overlooked either. Steel cans, soy ink, recycled paper labels–not the non-recyclable heavy gauge foil bags. In fact, the burlap bags for the raw beans are also redistributed to landscapers, garden centers and available to anyone who needs some–company picnic with three legged races anyone?

When you know the Chesapeake Bay Roasting Company, you understand their driving phrase, “Taste the difference–making a difference.”

Availability

For now, CBRC is a treasure for us locals. There are no plans to expand the brand into the San Francisco Bay Roasting Company or the Bay of Bengal Roasting Company–maybe when all that ails our own Chesapeake Bay are cured, but for now, it is a pure local and regional brand! Their products are available in many local grocery stores and restaurants including Harry Brownes, Grauls Market, Aah Coffee, Giant, Schooner Woodwind, Sweet Hearts Patisserie, Sam’s on the Waterfront, While Foods, Safeway, Wegmans (who catered the open house) and of course from their roastery in Crofton in person or online.

If you are a coffee drinker–grab a cup and see for yourself, you won’t be disappointed. If you care for the Bay and your favorite place does not carry CBRC coffee–why not mention it to them?

Interested in taking a peek into their plant?  Here are some photos from our tour!

Chesapeake Bay Roasting Company is very active on social media and you can (and should) follow them on Facebook and Twitter!

 

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