Asahi acquires New Zealand coffee business Allpress

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Pic:getty/nrquemi (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Asahi will enter New Zealand’s premium fresh coffee market with the acquisition of Auckland’s Allpress.

Allpress was founded in 1989 by Michael Allpress with a coffee cart in Victoria Park. It has since expanded into Australia, Japan, Singapore and the UK.

The company sells more than 1,500 tonnes of coffee beans annually worldwide (around 120 million cups) to boutique cafes and restaurants: a figure Asahi pledges to grow in the future.

Allpress’ major focus is selling fresh roasted coffee beans to cafes and restaurants. The business recently launched speciality iced coffee and cold coffee shot products and operates Underground Coffee.

Allpress also sells direct to consumers online and through more than a dozen Allpress cafes, including in Auckland and Christchurch.

Asahi eyes up the potential of the $200m NZD ($145m USD) fresh coffee market: entering the category as it expands its portfolio and builds its offering to cafes, restaurants, licensed venues, and grocery stores.

“We’re thrilled to extend our portfolio of brands into the large and complementary coffee category, which will also help us meet more of our customers’ needs whether they be cafes, restaurants, pubs or retailer,” said Andrew Campbell, CEO, Asahi Beverages New Zealand.

“This acquisition consolidates our position as the multi-beverage provider of choice for customers and consumers.”

 All Allpress jobs will be retained and Michael Allpress will stay with the company as an ambassador.