top of page

The Global Family Business Champions

  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • X
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Spotify
  • bluesky

A Right Royal Cuppa


Like most great stories, the Royal Cup Coffee story has a humble beginning. In 1896, Henry T. Batterton made rounds in Birmingham, Alabama, selling coffee from his horse-drawn wagon. His company, Batterton Coffee Company, served coffee so fresh and flavourful that it was deemed fit for royalty. Because of its high-quality taste, it became known around town as a “royal” cup of coffee. Batterton Coffee Company experienced decades of success and growth, and established itself as a legitimate, thriving business in a small southern city.


It wasn’t until 1950, after William E. Smith purchased Batterton Coffee Company, that the company was renamed Royal Cup Coffee. To this day, the Smith family still owns and manages the business.


Over the past 100 years, Royal Cup Coffee and Tea has grown from its small, hometown roots to become a major importer, roaster and distributor of the world’s finest specialty and premium coffees and teas. Royal Cup’s reach extends throughout the U.S., Mexico and the Caribbean, serving customers in the food service, hospitality, office and specialty coffee markets.


Their strong history is a big part of who we are today, but our company’s story still is being written. With appreciation and reverence, they acknowledge the past; with excitement and optimism, they work towards the future.


Check out their video story and gain an insight into another great family business too.

Next Event
Autumn Budget Briefing 2026

Thursday, 29 October 2026

Webinar looking at the implications of the Autumn Budget with our partners at James Cowper Kreston

Most Recent Publication
Insight Guide - The Value Of An Outside Voice (Non-Executive Directors)

A Family Business United Insight Guide to Non-Executive Directors in a Family Business, in association with TWYD & Co.The right Non-Executive Director can be the most valuable person in a family b...

Jobs Board Advert.jpg
Most Read
The Oldest Family Businesses In America

Family Business United are always looking for ways to celebrate the family business sector and to recognise those businesses that...

Ferrero – The Story Of A Piedmontese Family

The evolution of the Ferrero Group is a third generation story starting with a tenacious Piedmontese family and their sweet taste for...

Family Business Flour Power At Whitworths

The Whitworths milling business is perhaps unusual in that it has been the family business of two families but it is certainly going from...

Navigating The Complexities Around Succession Planning

Family business succession planning is a complex and challenging process that involves transferring leadership and ownership from one...

The Great British Family Business Conference 2026 Film

Check out the short film from The Great British Family Business Conference 2026 where over 220 delegates from the world of family business came together to listen, share, learn and network. The film t...

membership-advert.jpg

About the Author

bottom of page