Walcha Coffee, a family-run specialty roastery from the New England High Country, has been named Business of the Year at the 2025 Business NSW State Business Awards, held at ICC Sydney on 29 October. The win capped a remarkable night in which the business also secured Excellence in Micro Business.

The Business of the Year title is the highest single honour awarded annually by Business NSW, the state’s peak business organisation, which has represented NSW businesses since 1826. Only businesses that have already won their category — micro, small, large, innovation, sustainability, employer of choice and others — are then judged again by an independent panel to find the one standout business in the state. Walcha Coffee, a tiny team roasting in a rural town, was chosen ahead of metropolitan and large-scale finalists from right across New South Wales.

Founder and Managing Director Cameron Hayton said the result took the team completely by surprise.
“We went to Sydney just proud to be carrying Walcha’s name. Winning Excellence in Micro Business was huge for us — we were honestly still processing that. When they read out ‘Business of the Year’ and said ‘Walcha Coffee’, we were stunned. This isn’t just our win. It says a business from Walcha can stand alongside the best in NSW — and win.”

Co-owner and Director of Operations Nathan Keenan said the award recognises the quieter, unseen work behind the brand.

“This business was born in a home kitchen in Walcha, roasting through the night to keep up with farmers market orders. What you’re seeing now is years of early mornings, long drives, staff who just keep showing up, and a community that backed us. Cameron has led this with heart, integrity and a stubborn belief that you can choose people over profit and still build something excellent. That’s the real story here.”

Hayton said it was important the story was told locally, not just in city media.
“There’s that saying you can be better known in the city than in your own main street. We don’t want that. This is Walcha’s award. Our town, our suppliers, our staff — people like my son Jazz, who roasts award-winning coffee, and my sister-in-law Careen, who quietly keeps every order right — they’re the reason we could stand on that stage.”

Diane Gray, Regional Director, Business NSW New England North West, said the win sends a message to every rural operator.

“To take out the award of all awards is an extraordinary accomplishment and an inspiration to all regional businesses. It proves that when excellence, community connection and perseverance come together, a business from inland NSW can compete — and win — on the state stage.”

From roasting in a house in Walcha to supplying supermarkets, cafés, service stations, and households across Australia, Walcha Coffee has consistently used its packaging, social media and events to promote Walcha and the New England High Country. Its new roastery and café in Walcha will further showcase local produce, regional tourism and specialty coffee culture for visitors to the town.