In the ever-evolving landscape of Australia’s café culture, one brand has been quietly shaping the way consumers drink coffee while also helping cafés to thrive.
For more than a decade, made by Fressko has been one of the pioneers of the reusable cup movement and a committed partner to the cafés, baristas, and roasters that make up the beating heart of Australia’s hospitality scene.
With a strong foundation in quality, culture, and sustainability, the brand aims to be more than just a product provider. According to Fraser Davies, Head of Café Sales at made by Fressko, it’s a community builder, a problem solver, and a company that genuinely cares about its role in the café industry. At the centre of this mission is its mantra: Better Together. Forward Forever.
“Our mantra speaks to improving every aspect of the businesses we work with, from the products we offer to the way we support our partners,” says Fraser.
“It’s about collective progress. If we can help each other move forward, we all win. That applies to our team and our café partners equally.”
Founders Sean Atme and Lucas Ciancarelli launched made by Fressko’s first products in 2014 to offer a more sustainable option for Australia’s coffee lovers. Driven by a vision to offer premium reusables that don’t compromise on quality or environmental values, over the years the company has earned a reputation for its colourful cups and collaborative nature.
Fraser highlights how the spirit of hospitality is at the core of what the team do.
“I joined Fressko after 15 years in hospitality and tourism,” says Fraser. “My role was to launch our reusable cups into the café and roastery scene nationwide. It’s been incredible to be on the road, not just helping Fressko grow but also helping so many of the cafés that make the Aussie coffee scene the best in the world.”
The hands-on experience has played a pivotal role in shaping Fressko’s ethos and approach. Fraser believes this deep understanding of the industry translates into knowing what café owners actually need to succeed.
Over the past decade, Fressko has become the reusable cup of choice for some of the country’s most iconic coffee brands. Businesses including ST. ALi, Axil, Proud Mary, Toby’s Estate, Veneziano, LUNE, and Code Black have all worked with Fressko.
“Some of the most defining moments for us have been seeing our café partners experience real success. They have seen incremental sales, loyal customers, and a real sense of community around our product,” says Fraser.
“When a café can offer something their customers truly connect with, everyone benefits.”
While made by Fressko has been by the side of its partners to celebrate their success, it’s also been there through the more challenging times the industry has experienced. Fraser says when hurdles such as COVID-19 and the cost-of-living crisis hit, the brand was there to provide much-needed support.
“We learned that adaptability is everything. When the world shut down, many smart café operators pivoted and started selling quality retail items to keep revenue flowing. We were flexible with order sizes and payment terms because one-size-fits-all just doesn’t work. Every café is different, and we treat them like family,” he says.
Fressko’s commitment to cafés extends beyond product sales. Whether it’s participating in industry-wide initiatives such as Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE), Responsible Cafés, or CafeSmart, or offering tailored advice to struggling businesses, the company’s involvement is deeply rooted in the culture of coffee.
“If a café is having a tough time, we’re not just here to push products. We’ll brainstorm retail strategies, help with staff incentives – whatever might make a difference,” he says.
“This is a cyclical industry, it has ups and downs. We ride those waves with our partners.”
While being a reliable partner to cafés is an ongoing priority for the brand, sustainability will always be its driving force.
“We believe sustainability should be the number one priority, beyond just reusable cups,” says Fraser.
“It’s about reducing food waste, minimising emissions, recycling coffee grounds – we love working with partners like Reground to push those initiatives forward. There’s no single fix, it’s messy and hard, but every small step matters.”
As economic pressures and evolving expectations continue to affect Australia’s café scene, Fressko aims to be agile by focusing on the fundamentals: great products, excellent service, and a people-first culture.
“Our business model isn’t that different from hospitality. Care for your customers and they’ll keep coming back. We want people to feel loved, whether they’re buying a cup or running a café,” says Fraser.
Internally, the company has doubled down on creating a positive workplace culture.
“The recipe for success has changed. You have to care about more than just the bottom line. Young people are facing serious challenges, workplaces need to be supportive, inclusive, and offer real opportunities. Culture is everything,” Fraser says.
Well-versed in the challenges and pressures of the industry, Fressko continues to help café owners navigate the uncertainty of today’s market.
“Every day is a new day,” he says. “There will be tough ones: staff no-shows, broken equipment, or just slow trade. But what you can control is the experience you create. Serve with a smile. Make your customers feel seen and valued. Build a space people want to return to. The good days will outweigh the bad.”
Despite the challenges of recent years, Fressko remains full of optimism for the future of hospitality.
“Cafés are more than just coffee stops. They’re places people come to feel good, to connect. Customers love seeing you and your staff. It’s a safe space, a happy space,” says Fraser.
“So fill up your Fressko, breathe in that sweet coffee aroma, and go do your best. Forward, forever.”
For more information, visit au.madebyfressko.com
This article appears in the October 2025 edition of BeanScene. Subscribe HERE.
