A MACROOM-based coffee business is being recognised on the European stage for its sustainable product innovations.

Sofia Kalfa and her husband, Anestis Spanos set up their company, Fzin Coffee in 2021 and since then the couple’s advances in reducing waste has earned them major awards, but more importantly to them, is removing plastic and aluminium from daily consumption.

Sofia moved to Kinsale from Greece as a 21-year-old student in 2003, on a scholarship to gain work experience abroad.

Working initially in the Trident Hotel, it was meant to be a three-month work placement but she has now spent more time living in Cork than her native Greece, going on to work in corporate roles in Amazon, Dell, Pepsi and Wayfair.

Among other qualifications she holds a First-Class Honours Bachelor of Business from Munster Technological University, a Degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Galway, and a Master of Science in Professional Coaching from University College Cork.

‘My husband started Fzin when he moved here in 2021. I remember we went out for a coffee and he just said to me ‘we can do better’.

He had the grassroots experience from his career in Greece and he began selling coffee as a sole trader.

I came on board, and Musgrave was our first but my interest was more than just coffee,’ she said.

The name Fzin explains what they want to achieve. ‘It is inspired by the ancient Greek philosophy of Ef Zin, which means living well, and it is something Alexander The Great used to say that his parents gave him ‘zin’ (the greek word for life) and his teacher Aristotle gave him the ‘ef zin’ (the ability to live that life well). For us and our company this translates to  living responsibly and connecting personal wellbeing with environmental and social responsibility. It reflects our philosophy that how we live, consume, and do business should create wellbeing. It represents our commitment to a lifestyle that embraces quality, sustainability, and mindful choices — where enjoyment and environmental responsibility go hand in hand,’ she said.

Fzin has now been credited with introducing Ireland’s First 4 Star Biobased and Home Compostable Coffee pod - compatible with original line coffee machines (machines that use classic aluminium or plastic pods).

This rating is only given to a product with over 80% renewable carbon from plant-based or other natural sources.

‘The certification ensures that the product will decompose into fertile soil within a reasonable time frame (typically 180 days) and without leaving behind toxic residues or harmful microplastics in the composting process,’ Sofia added.

Sofia has also been awarded multiple European honours at The Women Changing the World Awards, a worldwide initiative celebrating women’s contributions across diverse fields including, business, leadership, sustainability, innovation, social change and tech.

‘Fzin Coffee & Compostable Capsules was awarded second place at a European level for Business of the Year, receiving a Silver Award.

I am the overall winner among women competing from across Europe in the Rising Star category and honoured to receive the Gold Award.

I also received Bronze in the Changemaker category and an Honourable Mention in the Leader of the Year category and will travel to Paris in April for the awards ceremony. But what matters to me is not the titles themselves, but what they collectively acknowledge.

The way you lead shapes what you build. What you build determines the impact you create,’ she said.

The couple have big plans to expand, and The Castle Hotel in Macroom is making history by exclusively stocking their pods and equipment. They hope others follow suit.

‘We’re also working with Cork Chamber of Commerce on ways to export to European markets,’ said Sofia.

‘For me personally, leadership has always been about responsibility, the way decisions are made, the intention behind growth, and the impact a business has in its ecosystem. This is the legacy I am hoping to leave behind.’