★ 4.9/5 from 12,000+ UK coffee lovers
Mara Whitfield
Head Roaster · Q-Grader
Mara has cupped on three continents and leads our roastery.
6
Articles
15+ yrs
At origin & roaster
Q-grade
Certified palate
4.9★
Reader rating
About Mara
Mara is a licensed Q-Grader with fifteen years at origin and behind the roaster. She has judged national barista championships and built direct-trade relationships across Ethiopia, Colombia and Rwanda.
She leads Due Coffee's roast development, dialling in every lot so its origin character sings - and writes here to demystify the craft for drinkers at home.
Words from Mara
GuideA beginner's guide to coffee subscriptions
How subscriptions work, how to choose a cadence, and how to never run out (or waste a bean).
Read guide
InsightWhat roast level actually means
Light, medium, dark - what changes in the cup, and how to pick the roast that suits you.
Read insight
How-toHow to store coffee so it stays fresh
Keep beans tasting their best with four simple rules.
Read how-to
InsightWhy origin matters: terroir in your cup
How altitude, varietal and processing shape the coffee you taste.
Read insightPut Mara's expertise in your cup
Shop the coffee our team roasts and recommends.