A Scottish dairy farmer believes that splurging on flat whites could be a sound investment after all, as he launches the UK’s most expensive coffee.
The £272 coffee drink consists of espresso and steamed milk from Mossgiel Farm in Mauchline, Ayrshire. It will be available at 13 Scottish cafes this Saturday (23 November).
Previously, the most expensive coffee in the UK was a £265 flat white at Shot London in Mayfair, made with Japanese Typica beans and served in an elaborate gold-plated V60.
It’s all part of Mossgiel Farm owner Bryce Cunningham’s bold drive to raise funds for a state-of-the-art, zero-waste dairy facility, which will give them the backing needed to revolutionise the way we consume milk. What’s so special about the coffee is that as well as the flat white, 34 shares in Mossgiel Farm will be thrown in too.
Mossgiel’s milk is a go-to for specialty coffee shops across the country, and owners have rallied behind the crowdfunder, with 13 top coffee shops across Scotland backing the £272 flat white campaign.
In Edinburgh, Williams & Johnson, The Lady and the Bear, The Dean, and Disposition Coffee are taking part. Ayrshire is represented by Gilmartin’s, while Glasgow sees support from Hinba, The Good Coffee Cartel, Ottoman Coffee, Spitfire Espresso, and both Thomson’s.
Mossgiel, known for its commitment to sustainability and ethical farming practices, is using the steep price of a flat white to encourage people to ask: how much is the future of farming worth?
Owner Bryce Cunningham, who was the only dairy CEO to accept an invitation to go head-to-head with Oatly in a debate about the sustainability of farming on Reddit, said: “Sometimes it takes a little shock factor to make people think differently.
"This coffee costs nearly 80 times the price of an average flat white in the UK – but it’s much more than just a lovely drink.
"You’re investing in a sustainable future for farming and joining a movement that’s changing the dairy industry. We know it sounds crazy, but when you break it down, it’s a pretty good deal. How much is the future of farming worth?
“Young people are often criticised for spending too much on flat whites – but on the most part they are driven by purpose and a desire to make a difference.
"We are so grateful to the 290 people who have backed us so far, and want more people to join our herd, to help us make a difference in an industry controlled by ‘Big Dairy’, by reducing plastic waste, using renewable energy, and prioritising animal welfare. “
Mossgiel Farm, where Rabbie Burns himself used to plough the fields and wrote many of his most famous verses, is on a mission to challenge the dominance of big dairy with its innovative approach to organic milk production.
With more than £117,000 raised already, the farm’s nearly halfway towards its £272,000 crowdfunding goal to fund a new facility which will allow Mossgiel to double production and expand into new markets, like London.
The £272 flat white encourages customers to rethink their spending and make a small but meaningful investment in changing the dairy industry.
Each cup offers the chance to learn about Mossgiel’s crowdfunding campaign and invest directly through Crowdcube.
Bryce, who returned to his family farm in 2016 after the loss of both his father and grandfather, has spent years transforming Mossgiel into a leader in sustainable agriculture.
The farm became the first UK dairy to eliminate single-use plastics, and its unique low-temperature brewing process preserves the natural flavours of milk, providing a fresher, fuller-bodied taste.
Mossgiel’s trademarked Cow with Calf programme allows cows to raise their calves naturally, rejecting industry practices that separate calves from their mothers at birth.
For those who find £272 a bit steep for their morning coffee, Mossgiel’s Crowdcube page offers a range of investment opportunities starting at just £8, allowing anyone to get involved and support the farm’s mission.
The rewards for investors include everything from farm tours to exclusive dinners with Bryce Cunningham, and even a personal barn dance for top-tier investors.
For more information on Mossgiel’s crowdfunding campaign and to sign up for the £272 flat white, visit Crowdcube.
