CafeSmart announces 2026 Industry Awards winners – BeanScene

Australia’s coffee industry has raised more than $150,000 for people experiencing homelessness through the 2026 CafeSmart campaign, with the annual Industry Awards recognising the cafés and roasters that made an outstanding contribution.

The 2026 CafeSmart campaign has officially wrapped bringing together 555 cafes and 55 roasters nationwide to raise more than $150,000 for people experiencing homelessness, with matched funding support from VitaSoy Barista’s Choice.

Now in its latest year, CafeSmart continues to bring together Australia’s coffee industry, with cafés, roasters and customers turning everyday coffee purchases and donations into support for grassroots organisations working with people experiencing homelessness.

As part of the campaign, CafeSmart has announced its 2026 Industry Awards winners, recognising businesses that demonstrated outstanding commitment through recruitment, fundraising and participation.

Single O named Top Recruiting Roaster Champion

Single O has been named the 2026 Top Recruiting Roaster Champion, recognised for its continued efforts to bring cafés into the CafeSmart campaign and build participation across its network.

Seven Miles Coffee was named runner-up, with Axil Coffee, ONA Coffee and Yahava KoffeeWorks completing the top five.

Over its decade of involvement, Single O has raised more than $26,000 through donations.

“This year felt extra meaningful. It’s been a tough year for everyone, and we’ve definitely felt that across our café community,” Single O says.

“With cost-of-living pressures, seeing our customers still choose to contribute is so special. It’s a reminder that even when things are tight, people still want to show up for their community.

“CafeSmart does such great work, so it’s always special to be able to support the campaign and get our café community behind it too.”

Yahava KoffeeWorks named Top Fundraising Roaster

Yahava KoffeeWorks has been recognised as the 2026 Top Fundraising Roaster, with Seven Miles Coffee named runner-up. Single O, ONA Coffee, and Market Lane Coffee rounded out the top five.

Yahava KoffeeWorks has continued to generate strong support for CafeSmart through its franchise network and customer community, with fundraising contributions coming through both coffee sales and public donations.

The roaster has also embraced the campaign through creative fundraising initiatives, including CafeSmart donation tins and themed campaign outfits.

“Being named CafeSmart’s Top Roaster for 2026 is something we’re incredibly proud of,” Yahava KoffeeWorks says.

“It’s a great reflection of our Yahava Krew, franchisees and customers who got behind the campaign and helped turn everyday coffee into something that gives back to the community.

“A huge thank you to everyone who supported CafeSmart this year. We’re stoked to be part of such a great initiative!”

Blackbird Thirroul takes out Top New Café

Blackbird Thirroul has been named 2026 Top New Café, recognised for its fundraising efforts and strong contribution in its first year participating in CafeSmart.

Black Lime was named runner-up, followed by Custodian Kitchen, No.9 The Café, and Finch Café in the top five.

The award recognises the important role new cafés play in expanding reach through rallying their communities, encouraged donations and helped turn cups of coffee into meaningful support.

For participating cafés and roasters, the CafeSmart campaign provides an opportunity to turn the everyday ritual of coffee into tangible community impact.

The strong response from both new and long-standing participants in 2026 highlights the continued willingness of Australia’s coffee industry to come together and support people experiencing homelessness.

With more than $150,000 raised this year – and donations still being tallied – this year’s campaign demonstrates what can be achieved when cafés, roasters, customers, and industry partners work together towards a shared goal.

CafeSmart’s Industry Awards celebrate the businesses helping drive that impact, recognising not only the funds raised, but commitment, creativity and community spirit behind the campaign.