Beyond the Bean
Beyond the Bean is a privately held Bristol, UK-based B2B supplier that manufactures own-brand beverage ingredients (Sweetbird, Zuma, Bristol Syrup Company) and distributes Blendtec commercial blenders and Fresh Blends self-serve machines to hospitality businesses in 50+ countries via direct sales and distributors.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1997
- HeadquartersBristol, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Beyond the Bean does
Beyond the Bean Ltd. is a privately held, family-owned B2B supplier headquartered in Bristol, UK, that manufactures, distributes, and supports beverage ingredients and equipment for the hospitality industry. The company was founded in 1997 by Jem and Nikki and currently operates with 44 employees and a single Bristol site that combines its headquarters, a BRC Global Standard AA Grade accredited syrup manufacturing plant, and an in-house Blendtec commercial blender repair centre. Its portfolio spans six product lines: own-brand Sweetbird syrups, smoothies, frappés and purées; Zuma hot chocolates, chai, sauces and powders; Bristol Syrup Company cocktail syrups developed with local bartenders; Blendtec commercial blenders distributed exclusively in the UK under an 18+ year Master Importer relationship; Fresh Blends self-serve EcoBlend-in-Cup® beverage machines distributed exclusively in the UK since April 2024; and a Barista Gear accessories line. Customer reach spans high-street coffee chains, independent coffee shops, bars, hotels, restaurants, coffee roasters and online retailers across 50+ countries, supported by an international trade show calendar (Gulfood Dubai, World of Coffee, FHA Singapore, Hotelex Shanghai, MICE Melbourne).
The company operates a sales-led B2B go-to-market with three distribution layers: dedicated account managers and direct sales for enterprise and international chains, inside sales for UK independents (with stated live-answer service), and regional distributors backed by a 97% OTIF logistics operation. Revenue is generated primarily through case-based sales of own-brand consumables and hardware sales of Blendtec and Fresh Blends machines, augmented by after-sales service and warranty support (including in-house repair using genuine Blendtec parts), recipe development, training bootcamps, and bespoke marketing collateral. Pricing is not publicly disclosed and is handled through direct inquiry; the model effectively monetises a single base product (e.g. one Sweetbird syrup or Zuma powder) across multiple downstream drink SKUs at the operator level. Quality and compliance credentials include BRC Global Standard AA Grade for both syrup plants, Vegan Society and Vegetarian Society approvals on over 90% of Sweetbird products, WEEE producer registration, and a portfolio of 40+ industry awards including three consecutive Allegra Best Non-Coffee Supplier wins and multiple SCA Best New Product awards.
Underlying technology and intellectual property reside in physical formulation and process know-how rather than software: syrup recipes and blends (including the Sweetbird Fusions+ and Botanical ranges introduced in 2022 and 2025), registered trademarks (Fresh Blends®, FreshBlender®, EcoBlend-in-Cup®), proprietary blending equipment architecture (FreshBlender® Plus with self-sanitising cycles of up to six months), and certified food-safety manufacturing. The company has remained independently and privately held with no disclosed external funding rounds, no subsidiaries, no M&A, and no leadership transitions in the source data.
Beyond the Bean firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Beyond the Bean
- Legal name
- Beyond the Bean Ltd.
- Website
- https://beyondthebean.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1997
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Beyond the Bean is a privately held Bristol, UK-based B2B supplier that manufactures own-brand beverage ingredients (Sweetbird, Zuma, Bristol Syrup Company) and distributes Blendtec commercial blenders and Fresh Blends self-serve machines to hospitality businesses in 50+ countries via direct sales and distributors.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Beyond the Bean industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Specialty Beverage Ingredients and Equipment
- NAICS
- Flavoring Syrup and Concentrate Manufacturing (31193), Beverage Manufacturing (3121)
- SIC
- Beverages (2080)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Non-Alcoholic Beverage Concentrates, Syrups & Bases Manufacturing (AFAFABAM)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Beverage Concentrates, Syrups & Mixers Wholesale (AFAIAGAF)
Keywords
Where Beyond the Bean is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bristol
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Beyond the Bean business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Personnel, Supply Chain, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Own-brand beverage ingredient sales: Sales of proprietary beverage brands including Sweetbird syrups, smoothies, frappés and purées; Zuma hot chocolates, chai and sauces; Bristol Syrup Company cocktail syrups. Sold in cases/sizes to food service operators. Multiple revenue streams from a single base product (e.g., one syrup unlocks an entire range of drink recipes).
- Blendtec commercial blender sales and servicing: Sale of professional-grade commercial blenders, jars and accessories to hospitality businesses. Revenue includes after-sales service, repairs (using genuine Blendtec parts), and troubleshooting support. Relationship spanning over 18 years.
- Fresh Blends self-serve machine distribution: Exclusive UK distribution of Fresh Blends premium self-serve beverage machines. Beyond the Bean sells and supports FreshBlender units, providing installation, service and ongoing support through a nationwide network of certified technicians.
- Barista gear and equipment accessories: Sale of supporting barista equipment including iSi cream whippers, sauce pumps, steaming pitchers, stainless steel shakers, refillable bottles, tampers and mats, shakers and stirrers.
Go-to-market motion4 records
Distribution channels6 records
Marketing channels8 records
Beyond the Bean product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Beyond the Bean manufactures and distributes beverage ingredients (syrups, hot chocolate, chai, frappés, smoothies, purées, and cocktail syrups) and professional barista equipment (Blendtec commercial blenders and Fresh Blends self-serve machines) to hospitality businesses including coffee shops, cafés, bars, hotels, and restaurants. Own-brand production takes place at a BRC Global Standard AA Grade syrup plant in Bristol, complemented by exclusive UK distribution partnerships. The company supplies partners in over 50 countries via direct account management, an inside sales team, and a regional distributor network.
Product overview
Beyond the Bean is a B2B supplier and distributor of beverage ingredients, equipment, and barista gear to the hospitality industry. The portfolio consists of six distinct offerings: Sweetbird (own-manufactured syrups, smoothies, frappés, purées made in their BRC-accredited Bristol plant), Zuma (hot chocolates, chai, sauces, and powders with a focus on organic/directly traded ingredients), Bristol Syrup Company (cocktail syrups developed with local bartenders), Blendtec Commercial Blenders (exclusive UK distributor of professional blenders), Fresh Blends (exclusive UK partner for self-serve frozen beverage machines), and Barista Gear (accessories and tools). The company provides marketing support, training, and recipe development alongside product supply.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Sweetbird: Own collection of syrups, smoothies, frappés and purées made in Bristol. Over 90% of products approved by The Vegan Society or The Vegetarian Society.
- Zuma
- Bristol Syrup Company
- Blendtec
- Barista Gear
- Fresh Blends
Products and services
- Sweetbird Own-brand collection of syrups, smoothies, frappés, and purées in a range of flavours manufactured at Beyond the Bean's BRC Global Standard accredited plant in Bristol. Over 90% of products are approved by The Vegan Society or the Vegetarian Society. Sold to hospitality operators globally through direct sales and distributor networks.
- Zuma Own-brand range of hot chocolates, rich sauces, spiced chai, and pure powders for luxury hot and cold beverages. Features directly traded organic hot chocolate and dark chocolate varieties; products are free from artificial flavours, colours, preservatives, GMOs, and HFCS, with selected items approved by The Vegan Society. Sold to hospitality operators.
- Bristol Syrup Company Own-brand cocktail syrups created in collaboration with Bristol-based bartenders. Over 20 classic and complex syrup flavours, manufactured at a syrup plant that achieved AA Grade in the BRC Global Standard for Food Safety audit. Sold to bars, hotels, restaurants and hospitality retailers.
- Blendtec Commercial Blenders Professional-grade commercial blenders distributed exclusively in the UK by Beyond the Bean as official UK distributor and Master Importer. Range includes Connoisseur 825, Stealth 885, and Stealth 895 NBS models with pre-programmed variable speed auto shut-off drink cycles. Backed by Beyond the Bean's authorised in-house Blendtec Repair Centre in Bristol using genuine parts, with troubleshooting, programming, and bespoke blend cycle creation support.
- Fresh Blends self-serve beverage machines Self-serve frozen and blended beverage machines distributed exclusively in the UK by Beyond the Bean under the FreshBlender brand. Produces smoothies, frappés, iced coffees, frozen lemonades and frozen chocolates in under 60 seconds and up to 45 drinks per hour. Features EcoBlend-in-Cup in-cup blending that eliminates product waste, 20-inch touchscreen self-service menu, and FreshBlender Plus self-sanitising system. Supported by a nationwide network of certified technicians providing installation, service, and ongoing support.
- Barista Gear Accessory line of professional barista equipment including iSi cream whippers, sauce pumps, steaming pitchers, stainless steel shakers, refillable sauce bottles, tampers and mats. Provides sustainable alternatives to single-use equipment for hospitality operators.
Quantifiable outcome
- 97% OTIF delivery rate
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use Beyond the Bean
Customer profileNamed customers5 records
Segments2 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Beyond the Bean technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Beyond the Bean partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Five partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- Fresh BlendscoreBeyond the Bean is the exclusive UK distribution partner for Fresh Blends premium self-serve beverage machines. The partnership introduces Fresh Blends' self-serve technology (including FreshBlender Plus) to the UK market, enabling hospitality operators to offer freshly blended drinks with minimal staff supervision. The platform has sold over 60 million beverages globally and has 3,000+ machines deployed with partners including BP, 7-Eleven, and Edeka.
- BlendteccoreBeyond the Bean is the official UK distributor and Master Importer for Blendtec commercial blenders, with a relationship spanning over 18 years. Beyond the Bean also operates an authorised in-house repair centre in Bristol using genuine Blendtec parts, and provides full after-sales support including troubleshooting, programming, and bespoke blend cycle creation.
- The Vegan SocietyminorOver 90% of Sweetbird products (syrups, smoothies, frappés, purées) and Zuma products (hot chocolate, Gold Dust) are approved by The Vegan Society, indicating certification and quality endorsement.
- The Vegetarian SocietyminorOver 90% of Sweetbird products carry approval from The Vegetarian Society, indicating product certification.
- BRC Global StandardsminorBeyond the Bean's syrup plant (Sweetbird and Bristol Syrup Company) has achieved AA Grade in the BRC Global Standard for Food Safety audit. BRCGS sets the benchmark for food safety and quality in supply chains globally.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Beyond the Bean competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Monin: French-headquartered global leader in syrups, sauces and flavorings for the hospitality industry. Direct competitor to Beyond the Bean's Sweetbird and Bristol Syrup Company ranges across coffee shops, bars and restaurants.
- 1883 Maison Routin: French premium cocktail and coffee syrup specialist. Overlaps directly with Bristol Syrup Company's cocktail syrup range and with Sweetbird's premium positioning in coffee shops.
- Fontana flavouring syrups: US-based syrup and sauce producer serving coffee shops, bakeries and foodservice. Direct competitor to Sweetbird in flavored syrups and to Zuma in flavored sauces.
- Ghirardelli: Chocolate company with a sizeable foodservice chocolate sauce, hot cocoa and frappé mix business. Directly competes with Zuma's hot chocolate and sauce lines in coffee shops and foodservice.
- DaVinci Gourmet: Specialty syrups, sauces and smoothie bases brand owned by Kerry. Directly competes with Sweetbird and Zuma ranges in the same hospitality and coffee-shop channels.
- Torani: US-based manufacturer of flavored syrups, sauces and frappés for cafés, coffee chains and foodservice. Direct competitor to Sweetbird syrups, Zuma sauces and Sweetbird frappé bases.
Broad incumbents
- Kerry Group: Global food and beverage ingredients group (parent of DaVinci Gourmet) with broad taste and nutrition portfolio. Competes with Beyond the Bean's syrups and powders as part of a wider ingredients offering to hospitality and food manufacturers.
- Tate & Lyle: UK-headquartered food and beverage solutions provider with sweetener, texturant and beverage ingredient ranges. Broad incumbent supplying into many of the same hospitality and beverage customers as Beyond the Bean.
Others
- Bidfood: UK's leading foodservice wholesaler and a distributor of beverage ingredients, equipment and barista supplies. Indirect competitor/partner because distributors like Bidfood buy from or compete with Beyond the Bean's supplier-to-hospitality model.
Regional players
- Britvic: UK-based manufacturer of soft drinks and beverage concentrates (including own-brand syrup ranges for foodservice). Larger-scale UK competitor serving broadly the same out-of-home beverage channel.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Beyond the Bean social profiles
Digital presenceBeyond the Bean compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance6 records
Beyond the Bean financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Beyond the Bean leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
Beyond the Bean funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Beyond the Bean M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Beyond the Bean
What does Beyond the Bean do?
Beyond the Bean manufactures and distributes beverage ingredients (syrups, hot chocolate, chai, frappés, smoothies, purées, and cocktail syrups) and professional barista equipment (Blendtec commercial blenders and Fresh Blends self-serve machines) to hospitality businesses including coffee shops, cafés, bars, hotels, and restaurants. Own-brand production takes place at a BRC Global Standard AA Grade syrup plant in Bristol, complemented by exclusive UK distribution partnerships. The company supplies partners in over 50 countries via direct account management, an inside sales team, and a regional distributor network.
Is Beyond the Bean a public or private company?
Beyond the Bean is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Beyond the Bean founded?
Beyond the Bean was founded in 1997. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Beyond the Bean based?
Beyond the Bean is headquartered in Bristol, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Beyond the Bean make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Own-brand beverage ingredient sales are the primary driver. The others are blendtec commercial blender sales and servicing, fresh Blends self-serve machine distribution and barista gear and equipment accessories.
Who are Beyond the Bean's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Monin, 1883 Maison Routin, Fontana flavouring syrups, Ghirardelli, DaVinci Gourmet and Torani. Broad incumbents are Kerry Group and Tate & Lyle. Bidfood is listed as an others. Britvic is listed as a regional player.
Does Beyond the Bean have an API?
No public API is recorded for Beyond the Bean.
What industry is Beyond the Bean in?
Beyond the Bean's product category is Specialty Beverage Ingredients and Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFAFABAM, Non-Alcoholic Beverage Concentrates, Syrups & Bases Manufacturing, with a secondary code of AFAIAGAF, Beverage Concentrates, Syrups & Mixers Wholesale. Its NAICS code is 31193 and its SIC code is 2080.