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Asahi Beverages brews up fresh coffee acquisition

Fresh coffee business Allpress Espresso has partnered with leading drinks company Asahi Beverages to get its world-class coffee to more coffee lovers.

The purchase of Allpress by Asahi Beverages marks Asahi’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.

“Asahi Beverages and Allpress are a great fit. We’ve been impressed by their premium branding, commitment to flavour, quality customer service and track record of growth – attributes that Asahi Beverages shares,” said Asahi Beverages Group CEO Robert Iervasi.

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 and it now sells more than 1,500 tonnes of coffee beans annually worldwide – around 120 million cups – to boutique cafes and restaurants and this will grow under Asahi Beverages’ ownership.

“Asahi share our focus on quality and have values that align with ours. They are the right organisation to take Allpress to the next level while preserving our heritage, culture and integrity,” said Allpress CEO Vaughan Magnusson.

“The acquisition won’t affect day-to-day operations and we don’t expect anything to change for customers or consumers. It’s business as usual at our roasteries.”

Meanwhile, Allpress said it was the right time to make the business decision.

“It’s been an amazing journey but after 30 years the time is right for the business to go to the next level,” said Allpress.

“The expertise, craftsmanship and relationship-based culture it has developed mean it’s very well-placed to take this next step. I can’t wait to see what’s next for the business and the team.”

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