Seaworth Coffee Joins the Unbound Brews Family

Closing one acquisition was certainly not on my bingo card for 2026. Closing two acquisitions in six months? Incredibly unexpected.

When I first met Tim Cleland about the opportunity to support his transition to retirement, many of my questions revolved around Seaworth Coffee, as Tim had been directly supporting the brand in addition to owning Cleland Coffee. Thanks to long-term supporter Brian Kincaid, I first encountered Seaworth Coffee when he connected me with AltaFoodcraft Coffee, an office distributor in Southern California that carried the brand. Little did I know then that within the year we would own the brand.

Why Seaworth Coffee?

The biggest question you may have is why buy Seaworth when I can build Unbound into an equally strong brand in Southern California. My answer is twofold: Seaworth’s 10+ year foundation in the market and the doors its current partners can open to the broader Unbound Brews portfolio.

Seaworth began as the surfer’s choice for dawn patrol with its nautical feel and single fin sludge. It gathered a strong following on the coast and was an early organic cold brew entrant into the natural foods channel. Over the years, its distribution partners have continued carrying the product because of its strong foundation, but no one has put in the work to reignite the brand through a packaging refresh, marketing launch, and expanded distribution.

Expanding Our Reach

These distribution partners also create opportunities to expand our portfolio with Unbound Brews whole bean and cold brew, as well as the launch of Seaworth whole bean coffee. Being able to approach new distributors with Seaworth’s established credibility while introducing the Unbound Brews brand gives us opportunities I don’t think we would have as quickly without Seaworth’s support.

Over the last two months, we have quietly transitioned to working with each existing distributor while also meeting with new distributors to introduce our portfolio of brands.

What Makes Each Brand Different

While Seaworth Coffee and Unbound Brews are now part of the same family, each brand brings something different to the table with its own unique formulations. Seaworth focuses on its all-organic appeal and bold finish, earning its cold brew the nickname “single fin sludge.”

Unbound Brews focuses on a smooth, refreshing take on cold brew with a bright finish across its many single-origin coffees and blends. We’re building the future of specialty coffee in SoCal, and I’m excited for the role Seaworth will play in that journey.