Inside Topdose Coffee Roasters
Interview By Ayanda Dlamini
R374 Kromdraai Road, Driefontein, Muldersdrift, 1747
Japhet Matimbe pictured with Nicole Sykes (FNB) and Iain Evans (Coffee Magazine) at the Coffee Magazine Awards in Stellenbosch, 7 December 2024.
In the orbit of the Cradle of Humankind, Topdose Coffee Roasters is making its mark. Founded by Neo Mkhethoni and Japhet Matimbe, this dynamic duo turned to their passion for coffee as a way to invest in themselves after the challenges of Covid.
Their dedication to the craft has earned them the Emerging Entrepreneurs of the Year Award, a testament to their growing impact. When asked why they chose coffee, their answer is simple:
“There’s never a dull moment in coffee. It’s a journey, a culture, a movement. We’re all in search of the perfect cup, and if you understand that, then you understand it starts at a farm level.”
Today, Neo and Japhet allow us to have a closer look into the stories behind Topdose Coffee Roasters. Neo gives us the lowdown.
How did the idea for Topdose Coffee Roasters come to life?
COVID happened, and the company we worked for was placed under business rescue. The stress of not knowing what's going to happen next, pushed us into developing Topdose. When the company was bought out of business-rescue fortunately for Japhet and I, we were employed by the buyer because of our skills. In the back of my mind I never wanted to put my family through the same stress and pressure again. That’s when I convinced Japhet that we need to start investing in ourselves, and that’s when we started the process by buying a 3kg roaster
What’s one lesson you’ve learned in business that you wish you knew earlier?
It isn’t easy, and will challenge you mentally and emotionally, but the rewards are so much more than that.
The coffee space is competitive. How do you differentiate Topdose in the industry?
Location was key for us, we picked a location that is away from competition with the right demographics, so that we can focus on our craft.
Winning Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year is a huge achievement, what does this award mean to you both?
This confirmed that we were on the right path. Awards are never a true reflection of success, so I never focused much on them, but it’s always good to know someone appreciates our craft.
What’s next for Topdose Coffee Roasters? Any exciting plans or expansions on the horizon?
Our journey continues. We want to be in a position where we work directly with coffee farmers, because we are constantly in search of good quality green coffee, specifically in Africa. If we can assist farmers to better their crops in return for making good money then we will be happy.
