Forma 5 and Black Sheep Coffee Collaboration
Who is Black Sheep Coffee?
Black Sheep Coffee is a dynamic and innovative coffee company founded by university flatmates Gabriel Shohet and Eirik Holth in 2013. With a mission to challenge the corporate coffee culture, Black Sheep Coffee has carved a niche by being the only retail coffee company in the world to serve 100% specialty grade Robusta coffee. Their distinctive offering, known as “Robusta Revival,” stands out in a market dominated by Arabica beans.
The Founders
Gabriel Shohet and Eirik Holth, the visionary co-founders, have traveled to over 150 coffee plantations worldwide to source the best coffee beans. Their dedication to quality and sustainability has been a driving force behind the company’s success. They have developed strong relationships with coffee farmers, ensuring ethical sourcing practices that benefit both the environment and the communities involved (Evening Standard)
The Collaboration with Forma 5
Over the past few months, Forma 5 has partnered with Black Sheep Coffee as their strategic advisor, focusing on several key areas to support their ambitious expansion plans. The collaboration has been crucial not just for the recent launch of their first store in Texas, USA, but also for their broader growth strategies in the Europe, UAE, and beyond.
Areas of Focus:
1.Sourcing of Products
Sourcing of Products: Forma 5 has assisted Black Sheep Coffee in optimizing their product sourcing, ensuring high-quality and sustainable practices. This includes working directly with strategic partners across various categories to optimize these partnerships and share the responsibility for future success. If you want to read more about sourcing, please click here.
2. Supply Chain Optimization:
Efficient supply chain management is essential for a rapidly growing brand. Forma 5 has provided strategic insights to streamline Black Sheep Coffee’s supply chain, reducing bottlenecks and enhancing overall efficiency. This ensures that their products are consistently available across all locations, maintaining customer satisfaction.
3. Enhanced Procurement Processes:
To support Black Sheep Coffee’s store concept, Forma 5 has planned improved procurement processes that focus on cost reduction. By optimizing these processes, Forma 5 is helping reduce both capital expenditure (Capex) and operational expenditure (Opex), which is vital for the sustainable growth of the business.
4. Operational Model Guidance:
Forma 5 has provided guidance on Black Sheep Coffee’s operational model, aligning it with their expansion goals. The company has developed its ownmethodology, called “The Machine Room,” to address such challenges. This holistic approach ensures that Black Sheep Coffee can replicate its successful model across different regions globally. This includes advice on scaling operations, maintaining quality standards, and managing new market entries efficiently. The Forma 5 team has extensive experience and a strong track record using this methodology with international chains in many markets in Europe, Asia and North America.
Looking Ahead
With Forma 5’s strategic support, Black Sheep Coffee is well-positioned to continue its expansion in the UK, UAE, and the USA. The opening of their first store in Texas marks a significant milestone in their journey, setting the stage for further growth and success.
