Getting to know Srettakarn 'Bew' Veerakultevon - Founder of Factory Coffee.
What's the story behind Factory Coffee and how did it all start?
Factory Coffee was founded by Bew Srettakarn Veerakultevon, who was just 22 and still in university when he made a life-changing decision, leaving his economics degree behind to follow his passion for coffee. In 2013, that passion became the beginning of what we now know as Factory Coffee.
As specialty coffee started becoming more popular in Thailand, Bew found himself surrounded by people who shared the same love as he did. Baristas, roasters and regular customers who became part of the journey. These conversations and connections naturally grew into partnerships, bringing together a team connected by one vision and a shared love for coffee.
Today, Factory Coffee is still driven by a team of baristas at heart, staying true to the spirit it was built on. And that spirit continues to define who we are — this is philosophy behind The BARISTA PROJECT.
Can you share more about your approach to sourcing and roasting coffee?
We choose our coffees by choosing people. We believe that good coffee comes from people with a good mindset. When growers are open, positive and willing to improve, good things will always happen, no matter where they start from.
This is something we care deeply about when choosing our farm partners. For over 10 years, we’ve worked hand in hand with our farm partners, improving processing methods together and helping take care of the coffee farms along the way.
When the coffee arrives at our roastery, we treat it with the same care. Our team roasts every batch with experience and precision to bring out the character we’ve worked so hard to nurture at origin.
What motivated Factory Coffee to explore the capsule coffee format?
We wanted specialty coffee to be simple and something people can enjoy every day. Capsules coffee were the perfect solution because it's easy, convenient, and always delicious! With machines like MORNING's, our preset brewing guides make it very easy for anyone to brew a cup that tastes just like the coffee from our shop. It is our way of bringing cafe-quality coffee straight to your home.
We all have our morning routines, and coffee is often a crucial part of it. What is your morning ritual like?
I like to start my day with a good shot of espresso, that’s always my go-to. And on days when I have a bit more time, a simple hot pourover is the perfect way to ease into the day too!
What are you most excited about right now and for the future of Factory Coffee as a brand/business?
Behind the scenes at Factory Coffee, our team is always working to push quality even further. We never limit what our baristas can create and we truly enjoy crafting new “masterpiece” coffees to share with people around the world.
That’s why the future feels so exciting for us, there are so many new projects on the way. We can’t wait to show you what’s coming next and we’re grateful to everyone who’s supported us over the past 10 years.
