Greek Australian Takes Out Double Gold in the World’s Largest Coffee Roasting Competition 

Anyone with Greek heritage knows coffee is more than just a drink. It’s a ritual to start the day, a comfort, and a link between generations. 

At The Bean Cartel, a specialty coffee roaster in Melbourne, this spirit is alive. Melissa Glentis, an Australian-born Greek and the company’s General Manager, helped guide this small but mighty team to international recognition.

Last week, The Bean Cartel won two Gold Medals at the 2025 Golden Bean Awards, the world’s largest coffee roasting competition. Competing against more than 800 entries, their espresso and filter roasts stood out to an expert judging panel, confirming what loyal customers already knew: this is coffee made with dedication, precision, and heart. 

Melissa, who is fluent in Greek, grew up in a family where coffee was part of everyday life. “Breakfast for us was always coffee to start the day—strong, rich, and shared around the kitchen table, usually with spanakopita,” she smiles. “In Greek culture, coffee plays such a big part in how we connect with ourselves and each other.” 

That sense of connection has been central to Melissa’s role within The Bean Cartel. With 15 years of experience in the coffee industry, she believes coffee contributes to the community. “That’s why it matters to get it right,” she says. 

Melissa played a pivotal role in the roaster’s success at this year’s competition. She collaborated with dedicated farmers and suppliers to source ethical, exceptional coffee. She used feedback from previous years make improvements. Together with Master Roaster Alan Chan, they finessed every detail to create exceptional, award-winning coffees.  

In Melbourne, a city famous for its coffee culture, The Bean Cartel set out to do things differently. With a bold brand and a commitment to independently sourcing the finest beans from around the globe, they make sure every customer gets consistently outstanding coffee. 

From single origins to anything-but-basic blends, The Bean Cartel is becoming a staple for cafes, offices, home baristas, and retail stores. 

Melissa spends countless hours building relationships with farmers, suppliers, and customers. “We look for producers who care as much as we do,” she explains. “It’s not just about taste. It’s about fairness, transparency and respect for the people growing these coffees and everyone involved.” 

The path to double gold was anything but easy. “You have to taste hundreds of samples and recalibrate again and again,” Melissa says. “It takes a lot of obsession.” 

That dedication paid off. The Bean Cartel’s Apricot Delight won Gold in the Espresso category, while Colombia Maypop secured Gold in the Filter category. But for Melissa, the awards are about more than accolades. They’re a tribute to the team’s unrelenting commitment and the support of their community. 

“I couldn’t be prouder of our incredible team after our performance at this year’s prestigious Golden Bean Awards,” she says. “These awards are more than medals. They’re a reflection of the unwavering excellence The Bean Cartel brings to the table every single day. Special thanks to our Master Roaster, Alan Chan, the owners Stacy and Alison Visser, and the team. Here’s to continuing to push boundaries and raise the bar for specialty coffee in Australia.” 

When coffee is crafted with this much love and care, once you try it, there’s no going back. 

To see what The Bean Cartel has to offer, visit them at https://www.thebeancartel.com.au  

Written by Jodie Norman