MEDIA RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                                                                         30 June 2026

Marnka & Co. makes a flying start, taking four medals at the world’s largest coffee roasting competition

A standout debut for the female-led, Indigenous-owned newcomer, recognised across three blends at Golden Bean Australasia 2026

PERTH, WA. Marnka & Co., a female-led, 100% Indigenous-owned and operated newcomer to the Australian specialty coffee scene, has made a striking debut, winning four Bronze medals across three of its blends at Golden Bean Australasia 2026, the world’s largest coffee roasting competition, held in Brisbane from 16 to 20 June.

The results saw the brand’s Maka blend take Bronze in both the Espresso (Short Black) and Milk Based (Latte) categories, Ukarai take Bronze in the Milk Based (Latte) category, and Wadhlu take Bronze in the Super Automatic (Espresso) category.

For a brand still new to the Australian coffee scene, it is a remarkable way to arrive. Golden Bean Australasia judged 752 coffees across 12 categories this year, with more than 100 coffee professionals taking part as judges. Every entry is assessed by blind cupping, so each coffee is scored on flavour alone, with no reference to the brand behind it.

Marnka & Co. coffees are roasted in Melbourne from carefully selected green beans and carry a “Made in Australia from imported coffee beans” country of origin claim. The brand offers a five-blend range, sold direct to consumers and into wholesale.

Each blend is named in language and carries its own meaning: Maka (Fire), Ukarai (Deadly), Wadhlu (Country), Kutha (Water) and Waangara (Tomorrow). Community benefit is built into the way the business is structured, connecting every cup back to people and Country.

Bronze medallists from Golden Bean Australasia are eligible to progress to the Golden Bean World Series, to be held in Fiji in February 2027.

“For a brand this new, having three of our blends recognised at the world’s largest roasting competition, in a blind judging process, is the most exciting way we could have come out of the gates. It tells us the coffee speaks for itself. These results belong to our roasting partners and to the community behind the brand, and we are proud to see that quality acknowledged on a national stage.”

Christine Sindely,
Managing Director, Marnka & Co.

Attendance at Supply Nation 2026

Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre · 12 August 2026

Marnka & Co. exhibited at the Supply Nation Connect Indigenous Business Tradeshow in Perth on 12 August 2026, pouring freshly brewed coffee samples from Booth B24 throughout the day.

Visitors chose their blend at the counter. Maka, Ukarai, Wadhlu, Kutha and Waangara were all poured, ensuring that those who visited our booth were given every opportunity to taste what our beans actually do in the cup. Conversations ranged from workplace coffee and machines to wholesale supply and corporate gifting, with buyers, procurement teams, and fellow Indigenous Australian businesses. One interesting fact relating to how we roast our beans is that if you are looking to add sugar or a sweetener to your cup, you may find you do not need it. The blends are smooth and certainly leave you wanting another.

Connect 2026 was also the first outing for the range since the 2026 Golden Bean Australasian Championships, where Marnka & Co. entered for the first time and came away with four Bronze Medals across three of five blends — two for Maka, one for Ukarai, and one for Wadhlu in the Super Automatic category, judged blind through the machine type most offices run.

The booth carried the work of Wongutha artist and designer Kevin Wilson, whose artwork reflects the movement of our sacred Mound Springs on Arabana Country and appears across the Marnka & Co. range, with packaging design by Nani Creative.

Our thanks to Supply Nation for the opportunity, to Melissa from PAV for the stand, to James from The Alternative Milk Co. for the generous supply of plant-based products and the beautiful jugs, and to Team Marnka & Co. who made the day run smoothly — Geoff, Rob and Sheena.

If you are Perth-based and missed out on the sampling experience and are interested in swapping out your current coffee supply, then connect with us to book a member of our team to come to your office to offer your procurement team a sample taste.

Want to know more? Go see what those who visited our booth said about our blends - Customer Feedback | Reviews & Testimonials | Marnka & Co.