Ocean Grind - Mark Clatworthy
“We like to think coffee and the ocean have a fair bit in common.
Whether you surf, swim or walk along the beach, it’s a daily ritual, just like that first coffee in the morning.
Both the ocean and coffee are a fix for your senses – an antidote for the soul.”
Ocean Grind is all about fresh roasted, quality coffee. It’s about appreciating the coast and the natural environment. It’s about the allure of the ocean and the grinding waves it produces.
Mark Clatworthy began his professional career as a specialist engineer but he found that coffee was his true passion and calling.
He has been perfecting his coffee beans for more than a decade. He started selling his beans at the local markets in Torquay. Now his growing enterprise has a stronghold in the Surf Coast industrial precinct behind Bunnings.
At the coffee roastery in Torquay, specialty beans are ethically sourced from all corners of the globe and hand-roasted with care. They only use 100% Arabica beans, mostly from Central and South America, but also Africa, Indonesia and India.
On sustainability and treading lightly..
Mark has a big eye on sustainability. He wants his three girls to enjoy the Surf Coast and its surrounding natural habitat for generations to come.
“Our mission is to maximise flavour, while minimising our impact on the environment.” Mark says.
“We have a preference for estates using sustainable farming practices and looking after their workers. Some may be certified (e.g. Rainforest Alliance) but we also like to include small, independent farms that are doing the right things by the environment and their workers, but may not necessarily be certified.”
Innovative policies like “Bring Your Own Cup” and “Swap & Go mug library” have left an indelible mark on a tight-knit base of customers.
“Ocean Grind was among the first to phase out disposable coffee cups.“
“Doing all the above actions is a choice we have – and it’s an obvious choice for us. We don’t see it as being 'green’ . . . it’s really about being smart - being sensible. If there’s a better (less harmful) way of doing something and it’s within our means, then why the hell not do it? We think this should really be the norm.”
“It is certainly an ongoing process for us and we’ll always keep looking for ways to improve.”
Something you may not know about Ocean Grind…
They support Tangaroa Blue with donations to assist their work co-ordinating the Australian Marine Debris Initiative. Plus the team organises a series of beach clean-ups throughout the year.
“We love the ocean and our beautiful coastline. Fundamentally, we like to think that our kids and our kids’ kids can experience nature as we have. One small coffee business obviously cannot control climate change, nor rid the ocean of plastic waste. However, we can at least do our best to not add to the problem.” Mark says.
Surf Coast Creatives Podcast - Episode 4 - Ocean Grind Coffee: A Coffee Dream Starting With A Popcorn Machine!
Shop Ocean Grind Coffee Roasters
At Ocean Grind we have a passion for coffee and a love for the coast. Our roastery cafe is located in Torquay and we also supply wholesale coffee, barista training and host events.
Visit Ocean Grind in the West Coast Business Park at 10B Sawmills Way, Torquay.
Shop online at oceangrind.com.au
Remember your cup, bring a tin for your beans and reuse that carrier tray.
Don’t forget to also compost your used coffee grounds at home – worms love it!
Listen to the Ocean Grind Podcast!
Surf Coast Creatives recently released a podcast interview with Mark Clatworthy about the Ocean Grind story. Listen to find out it’s humble beginnings and the risks you take making that first step to follow your passion.
