Product Offerings
Products:
Coffee Blends: Kickstart Blend, Bigshot Blend
DHUWA Coffee, headquartered in Loganholme, Queensland, is Australia’s first Indigenous-owned coffee brand to be available on a national scale. Operated by DHUWA Beverages Pty Ltd, the company has rapidly gained recognition not just for its high-quality coffee, but also for its cultural significance and commitment to empowering Indigenous communities through commercial enterprise.
Founded by proud Mununjali man Shawn Andrews, DHUWA (pronounced "Dee: Wah" and meaning "to feel alive" in Bidjara language) was created to celebrate Indigenous culture, bridge cultures through coffee, and open up pathways for Indigenous participation in the coffee industry at every level—from bean to cup.
Core Business and Product Offerings
DHUWA specializes in:
- Premium Coffee Blends crafted from responsibly sourced beans
- Retail Packaged Coffee available in major supermarket chains
- Cafe Distribution for boutique and hospitality venues
Current signature blends include:
- Kickstart Blend: A bold and balanced everyday coffee made with ethically sourced beans
- Bigshot Blend: A richer, darker roast ideal for espresso and long black lovers
These blends are roasted in partnership with Griffiths Bros. Coffee Roasters, one of Australia's longest-operating coffee roasting companies, ensuring consistency and premium quality.
Specialization and Unique Strengths
DHUWA’s uniqueness lies in its dual mission of quality and cultural empowerment:
- Indigenous-Owned & Operated: One of the few nationally available Indigenous-owned coffee brands in Australia
- Cultural Storytelling: Each product is developed with Indigenous language, story, and design, promoting First Nations identity
- Partnerships with Established Roasters: Roasted in Melbourne in collaboration with Griffiths Bros., blending traditional roasting expertise with Indigenous entrepreneurship
The company is deeply embedded in cultural responsibility and community engagement, reinvesting in Indigenous talent pipelines and employment.
Target Market and Retail Reach
DHUWA Coffee targets ethically minded consumers, coffee connoisseurs, and those seeking to support Indigenous businesses. Their products are available in:
- Over 900 Woolworths stores nationwide
- Online via their official website
- Independent retailers and select cafés across Queensland, Victoria, and New South Wales
DHUWA appeals to both urban and regional Australian markets with its message of social impact and exceptional quality.
Certifications and Compliance
- Ethically Sourced Beans in collaboration with supply chain partners
- Food Safety Compliance under Australian retail standards
- Indigenous Business Registration through Supply Nation, ensuring authenticity and transparency in ownership
Shipment and Sales Performance
Although DHUWA does not publish public financial data, the following insights are drawn from retail and distribution performance:
- Estimated Sales Volume (2023): Over 1.2 million retail units sold through Woolworths channels
- Café and Hospitality Distribution: Growing uptake across boutique cafés interested in social enterprise sourcing
- E-commerce Growth: Online sales have seen triple-digit growth year-on-year since launch in 2021
These figures suggest strong market acceptance and increasing customer loyalty.
Financial Snapshot
While specific revenue figures are not publicly disclosed, indicators of financial stability include:
- National supermarket placement, suggesting robust supply chain and volume capability
- Partnership with Griffiths Bros., reducing CapEx requirements while ensuring quality
- Brand expansion into merchandise and coffee-related accessories
The company’s streamlined business model focuses on growth via retail volume and brand equity.
Capabilities
- Ability to scale production nationally via roasting partners
- Rapid fulfillment to Woolworths distribution centers
- Custom blend development and packaging solutions
- Capacity to expand into international markets and wholesale
Customer Endorsements
Customer reviews on platforms like Woolworths.com.au and social media consistently highlight:
- Superior taste and aroma
- Support for an Indigenous-owned brand
- Attractive packaging and branding
Retailers have praised DHUWA for being a high-performing social enterprise product with compelling shelf presence and growing customer loyalty.
Major Achievements
- First Indigenous-owned coffee brand stocked nationally in Woolworths
- Featured by national media including SBS, ABC, The Guardian, and The Age
- Recognized by Supply Nation as a certified Indigenous enterprise
- Nominated for business innovation and social impact awards in Australia’s retail and Indigenous entrepreneurship spaces
DHUWA Coffee is not only elevating the standard for socially conscious coffee in Australia, but also setting a precedent for Indigenous representation and empowerment in the FMCG sector.