Rio have a number of blends and Single Origin coffees. Some are roasted quite dark, as that is what the majority of their customers request. They started their business with dark Italian roasts, as that is what many (and I say this with the utmost respect) Italian oldtimers wanted. A business has to cater to what their customers want, not what is waxed lyrically on internet forums. Everyone has different tastes, and one's palate is always changing and improving. I have bought (in the past when I lived in SA) a number of coffees from Rio, and must say that most were roasted well. Finding fresh coffee was a different matter. I would always approach the back and make some enquiries about coffee first. Once the conversation was struck, an offer for some recently roasted coffee was always made. My preference was to shy away from their dark Italian roasts. My cousin, on the other hand loves their dark roasts, and is still a regular. When they were situated on The Parade, the coffee was always served from their bins. Freshness was never an issue. I used to buy their "Cibo" blend regularly, but that was a few years ago now. I would ask to speak to someone involved in the roasting, explain what you prefer, and see what they recommend. Mention your dislike of previous purchases and see where it leads to. You have to be specific with them. If buying coffee from the numerous bags on the shelves, look carefully at the dates, as their rotation of stock is somewhat poor. They do sell freshly roasted coffee, sometimes you have to hunt for it! ;D Simply Coffee in Kent Town also have a tendency towards the dark side. Once again this is catering to their customers. Ash is not a flavour I like, be forward and tell them straight away what you do not like. You will be surprised how some will go out of their way to please you. All the best.
