Brisbane-based coffee roastery Coffee Mentality, which began as a humble coffee van at West End Markets, has achieved global recognition after securing Overall Runner-Up at the 2025 Golden Bean World Series. The competition, held in Guatemala, is the world’s largest and most prestigious coffee roasting championship, attracting the best from the USA, East Asia, and Australia.
From Market Stalls to World-Class Recognition
Founded by Ian Abadiano, Coffee Mentality has grown from a West End Markets coffee van into a respected specialty roastery with a Gabba-based roasting facility and three stores in Stones Corner and South Brisbane. The brand’s commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and quality roasting has led to its global success.
At the 2025 Golden Bean World Series, Coffee Mentality took home Silver in the Milk-Based category, Bronze in the Filter category, and ultimately finished as Overall Runner-Up—an extraordinary feat for a local Brisbane roastery competing against some of the biggest names in the coffee industry.
A Win for Brisbane’s Specialty Coffee Scene
The Golden Bean World Series is often regarded as the Olympics of coffee, with over 180 top coffee brands competing in various categories. Coffee Mentality’s success proves that Brisbane’s specialty coffee scene is capable of standing toe-to-toe with globally renowned coffee destinations.
Mr Abadiano shared that they have always been driven by core values of people, passion, and planet. The award is a testament to the hardworking farmers who grow the beans they proudly serve.
In a symbolic gesture of gratitude, Coffee Mentality presented one of their medals to the Colombian coffee growers behind their award-winning beans. This move highlights their commitment to ethical sourcing and recognition of the effort that goes into every cup of coffee.
Sustainability and Innovation at Coffee Mentality
Beyond roasting award-winning coffee, Coffee Mentality champions sustainability and circular economy initiatives. Their Gabba roastery offers a Coffee Tasting Experience, educating customers on repurposing coffee byproducts such as cascara (dried coffee cherry skin) and chaff. These sustainability efforts earned them a Finalist spot in BCC’s WasteSmart Awards.
Their mission remains clear: to deliver exceptional coffee while uplifting the communities involved in its production.
Brisbane’s Coffee Industry Gains Global Attention
Coffee Mentality’s Golden Bean achievements firmly place West End and Brisbane on the world coffee map. As the brand grows, its success inspires other Australian roasters to achieve global recognition.
With its commitment to quality, ethical sourcing, and sustainability, Coffee Mentality proves that great coffee isn’t just about the brew—it’s about the people behind it.
Published 4-Mar-2025
