Asahi Beverages brews up coffee acquisition

Asahi Beverages has acquired New Zealand coffee company Allpress Espresso.

The purchase of Allpress by Asahi Beverages marks the company’s entry into Australia’s $1 billion fresh coffee market as it expands its portfolio to meet more consumers’ needs and strengthen its offering to cafes, restaurants, licensed venues and grocery stores.

Coffee pioneer Michael Allpress founded the company in 1989 when he started selling coffee from a single cart in an Auckland park after being inspired by Seattle’s speciality coffee revival in the 1980s. It expanded into Australia with the help of Michael’s childhood friend and business partner, Tony Papas, in 2000.

The company has since grown to include operations in the UK, Japan and Singapore. It sells more than 1500 tonnes of coffee beans annually worldwide — around 120 million cups — to boutique cafes and restaurants.

Asahi Beverages Group CEO Robert Lervasi said the two companies are a great fit.

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

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Melica