ewan cameron

head coffee roaster, atomic coffee roasters

Ewan began working around coffee as a way to support himself while training at art school to be a painter.

Employment in cafes and restaurants continued to help pay the bills until he undertook the traditional New Zealand right of passage, 'the big OE' (overseas experience).

While in London, he learnt to roast at the Monmouth Coffee Company. This small roasting business in Covent Garden specialises in single origin and rare coffees from small estates. It was an opportunity to learn from some of the best in the business and to taste some truly spectacular coffee. The artist had found a new calling.

Returning home to New Zealand in 2001, Ewan joined Atomic as their head roaster. Since then, the company has more than doubled in size and output. The purchase of Atomic by Cerebos in 2005 brought new possibilities for Ewan and Atomic Coffee. The ability to now buy directly from the growers meant improved control over quality and more evenly balanced trading. As the demand for Atomic Coffee continues to grow, Ewan is looking forward to tackling the challenges of new roasting machinery and managing the increased coffee flow.

Ewan continues to paint and exhibit regularly. When not roasting great coffee at Atomic, he's busy preparing for upcoming shows.