Our Story

With appreciation and reverence, we acknowledge the past;
with excitement and optimism, we work towards the future.

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Royal Cup Coffee enjoys over a century of success & achievements

Our long standing reputation as a quality roaster.

Like most great stories, ours 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 flavorful 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.

Our strong history is a big part of who we are today, but our company’s story still is being written. With appreciation and reverence, we acknowledge the past; with excitement and optimism, we work towards the future. We invite you to join us on this journey and become a part of the Royal Cup story.

A Look Back in Time

The History of Royal Cup

Over the past 100 years, Royal Cup has grown from its small, hometown roots to become a major importer, roaster and distributor of premium coffees and teas.

Serving customers in the food service, office and specialty coffee markets, Royal Cup now reaches markets throughout the United States, into Mexico and the Caribbean.

Royal Cup continues as a privately held, family company, a tradition which helps us offer dedicated service with a unique personal touch to each and every one of our customers.

Our long standing reputation as a quality roaster and distributor, coupled with the latest innovations.

Awards & Recognitions

We are honored and humbled to receive these awards and recognitions.

  • Commercial Conservation Award - Alabama Environmental Council - 2016
  • Outstanding Business - Champions of Sustainability - 2016
  • Vendor of the Year - Texas Roadhouse - 2013, 2016
  • Vendor of the Year - Bruegger’s Bagels - 2013
  • Vendor of the Year - AmericInn Hotels and Suites - 2013
  • Roar Single Serve Coffee System, Innovation Award Winner, Beverage Category - National Automatic Merchandising Association - 2013
  • Vendor of the Year - Another Broken Egg Cafe - 2016
  • North American Tea Championship 2016 - Ibis Moon Mango Breeze - 1st Place in Flavored Tea Category
  • North American Tea Championship 2016 - Ibis Moon - 1 st Place Unflavored/Unsweetened Tea Category
  • Vendor of the Year - Sodexo - 2013
  • H.C. Valentine Given “Award of Excellence” in 4 Product Lines - American Masters of Taste, Chefs in American Awards Foundation - 2012
  • EspresShip Video, Best Sales Video (National) - American Advertising Federation - 2012
  • Birmingham Business Hall of Fame – William E. Smith Jr. & Hatton C.V. Smith Kiwanis Club of Birmingham – 2016
  • Manufacturing Innovation of the Year Award Pro Food World – 2019
  • Royal Cup Signature Iced Tea Launch Best Brand Identity Campaign, Best Sales Kit & Best Packaging Campaign Alabama Advertising Federation – 2019
  • ROAR Brand Video, Best Video Sales Presentation Alabama Advertising Federation – 2019
  • Total Dedication Award - Anthony Slater - National Accounts Choice Hotels - 2019

Start Serving Today!

Finding the perfect beverage solution for you and your business is paramount. Contact us today to get started or call 1-800-366-5836 to speak with a representative.

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Learn How We Serve

Discover how we combine our expertise in product, equipment, distribution & service to create a customized beverage solution that is right for your company.

Learn more

Discover Who We Serve

Discover how we combine our expertise in product, equipment, distribution & service to create a customized beverage solution that is right for your company.

Read story