A coffee break with...

Ali Anderson
Sales manager, Notes Coffee Roasters

What does your job typically entail?
I look after the wholesale side of the business, selling Notes’ speciality coffee, hot chocolate and complementary products into the trade. This includes identifying, nurturing and converting opportunities, as well as looking after our existing wholesale customers. I have to ensure that what we’re delivering exceeds expectations, whether that be products, training, seasonal menu support or advice on equipment and service.

As well as the wholesale side, Notes operates 12 coffee shops of our own across London. This means that I also work closely with the retail team to make sure the business is seen positively, with a consistent brand.

How did you get into the industry?
After university I started a graduate training scheme with the contract caterer Gardner Merchant, where I worked for five years before focusing on coffee specifically. I joined First Choice Coffee, which at the time was independently owned by the inspirational entrepreneur George Miller and stayed for 13 years. They wanted someone who could help them grow in contract catering and it was a natural fit. I love the hospitality industry and I was passionate about coffee, even back then.

After that I moved to Coca Cola Enterprises and had four years out of the industry, but I retained my passion for coffee. I’d watched the rise of specialty coffee in that time, and I knew I wanted to get back into the industry, but it had to be the right fit: a specialist in the market, with high quality product. Notes had exactly that proposition.

What’s your favourite part of your working day?
It’s definitely early morning. I’m an early riser, full of enthusiasm, full of fresh ideas for the day ahead. I like to get in a position of strength before anyone else is organised.

What’s your favourite food and beverage?
I have to say coffee don’t I – but it’s true. I’ve always been a coffee drinker and I drink speciality filter coffee throughout the day. I do move to tea in the evening, though, otherwise I wouldn’t sleep!

On the food side, I love trying new things wherever possible. I like to experience innovation from across the industry and I’m always trying new pop-up stands and food markets when I can. There’s a stand called the Scottish Kitchen at Euston station. If I’m passing there I can’t resist one of their scotch pies.

And your least favourite?
This is easy – anything made badly, without care and attention. I’m constantly working with wholesale customers who are passionate about what they do and share our commitment to quality, including independents who put their whole life into their project and their food. There’s nothing more disappointing than when something is just thrown on a plate without care.

What is the biggest factor currently affecting the industry?
It’s difficult to pinpoint one thing at the moment because we’ve all experienced the impact of inflation and the geo-political situation in Ukraine, and how that’s affecting energy prices, the cost of living and more. The pattern of trade is affecting businesses too, and we know many are restricting trading times because people are in city centres less on Monday and Friday, for example.

I think for us in specialty coffee specifically, Brexit has perhaps had the single biggest impact so far. Getting coffee into the country from all around the world has been a real challenge at times since the import restrictions.

What one piece of advice would you offer someone working in the industry?
Stay true to your own beliefs and passions and don’t get influenced by others. That’s my advice in life as much as it is in work.

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