OPEN FOR BUSINESSES

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

Coronavirus has thrown the Australian coffee industry one of the biggest curveballs it has ever dealt with. BeanScene celebrates the businesses that adapted to the new environment and shares their messages, products, and ways to support them.

BARISTA TECHNOLOGY AUSTRALIA

Barista Technology Australia is still dedicated to providing the local market with access to the best and most innovative equipment from around the world. The Puqpress automatic tamper is beloved for the consistency it brings to busy coffee shops. Four new models of the Puqpress are expected to hit our shores this winter. This includes three under-the-grinder tampers to suit the Mahlkönig E65S and E65GBW, E80, and Fiorenzato F64 and F83 models. Barista Technology will also be introducing a new, entry-level Puqpress model in multiple colours for low volume cafés, and even home use. But consistency doesn’t end at the tamp. The Perfect Moose milk steamer is seeing solid interest in the market, with McCafé trialling them in more than 50 stores. It provides improvements in workflow efficiency, more consistent milk texture, and reduces wait times in drive-through restaurants. Many other large coffee chains are now also trialling the Perfect Moose to assist in maintaining profitability. Large chain cafés will also benefit from Barista Technology’s new water filtration monitoring systems to maintain total dissolved solid levels of their water, which assists in reducing overall filter replacement and maintenance costs. Barista Technology will also launch a specialty coffee grinder, the Bentwood Vertical 63, as a new alternative to popular models on the market. Keep up to date with Barista Technology for more exciting developments in the coffee telemetry space and how it can assist large chains in monitoring the process of their baristas within a given brew profile. The Barista Technology team is working hard on a number of other coffee technology products that it can’t wait to share with the industry soon. For more information, visit www.baristatechnology.com.au

CAFETTO

During this time, the hospitality industry has been hit hard with most businesses forced to remodel and focus on their takeaway options. If customers aren’t getting a takeaway coffee, they’re having coffee at home on a domestic coffee machine. Cafetto has adapted to the changing needs of consumers by introducing a range of products in sachet format. It has re-packaged its customers’ most-loved products into smaller, domestic, consumer sizes for the retail market. Sachets provide customers with a simple, easy-to-use solution for cleaning their coffee machines. A measured dose eliminates wastage and overdosing of product as there is no need to calculate dilution rates. Single use sachets are convenient and offer easy product handling with no risk of contamination. The home customer will be able to easily and confidently ensure that their domestic machine is clean, and that they are getting the best at-home coffee possible. Cafetto products Evo, Espresso Clean, Grinder Clean, MFC Powder Blue, MFC Powder Red, Spectra, and Inverso are available in retail boxes. Also available are Eco Capsule Clean and Tevo Mini cleaning tablets. This range gives customers a variety of choices for their different machines whether they would like to clean a traditional or automatic machine, grinder, capsule pod machine, or crockery and milk jugs. To learn more about Cafetto products visit www.cafetto.com or contact enquiry@cafetto.com to become a distributor.

CALIFIA FARMS

In light of recent global events, cafés and coffee shops are now selling Califia Farms Oat Barista Blend to consumers so they can enjoy the delicious and creamy plant-based milk at home, as well as in their takeaway latte. Crafted by baristas for baristas, the Oat Barista Blend has been a favourite in Australian cafés since launching last year due to its ability to foam beautifully and not split when heated. It also has a neutral taste, which complements coffee perfectly and offers a similar dairy mouthfeel. Oat milk is one of the most sustainable plant milks on the market, requiring little water to produce. It is also nutritious and cruelty free, which has contributed greatly to its popularity with consumers. Califia Farms Oat Barista Blend is also sold in one-litre cartons that don’t require refrigeration until opened, making it ideal as a shelf stable item in the pantry and cafés.

CAMPOS COFFEE

When Will Young, Campos Coffee’s Founder learned of Zeta Grealy and the coffee she was growing in the Northern Rivers region, he knew he had to visit. “Everyone always asks me what Australian-grown coffee tastes like. Zeta gives us a great answer,” he says. “Australia produces 200 containers of coffee a year, but we rarely consume it ourselves. It’s remarkable how much Australian coffee is shipped overseas, mainly to Japan. We have been waiting for a long-term local partner and we have definitely found one in Zeta. This is the best Australiangrown coffee we’ve been able to roast in decades.” Will made the visit and was so impressed by what he saw and tasted that, on Anzac Day 2020, Campos Coffee released a small lot of Zeta’s coffee. The $25 per bag offering sold out almost overnight. “It’s really syrupy with hints of toffee and caramel, almost a lamington flavour with florals as well,” Will notes, saying that the coffee scores higher than many micro-lots they’ve reviewed from overseas. According to Will, Zeta’s coffee stands out for the care with which it is cultivated. “This is Australian coffee with fidelity, with identity, and one we can be proud of,” he says. Picking coffee in Australia is expensive and no one wants to invest in hand-picking. Zeta and her husband Marc know the difference this makes in the cup. It is that care, Zeta’s knowledge of coffee, and her experience as a former roaster that translates into the superb quality of her beans. “Zeta works really hard on her crop,” he says. “It’s a great story that shows what can be achieved with knowledge, commitment, and a love of coffee: 1300 trees and picked by local mums and dads. We will do this every year if we can.” For more information, visit www.camposcoffee.com

CLUB HOUSE’S WAVE COLLECTION

Producing matte finishing on high fired porcelain has long been a major challenge for the porcelain industry. With great satisfaction, and after years of research, Club House has succeeded in the development of a special type of porcelain, fired at a temperature of more than 1300°C. The porcelain is resistant to shocks and bumps. It has perfect permeability, a high degree of flexibility, and is available in a range of colours and finishings. Club House is pleased to present the new Wave collection, a line where the originality of the interplay between glossy white and matte coloured glazes. To make the matte finishing even more special, the Wave collection features a special wave-shaped decoration, entirely handmade by master craftsmen for a unique and stylish effect. The porcelain material ensures the cups withstand intensive use and the endurance Club House products are distinguished for. The Wave collection is available in the Viola line in three sizes: 70, 180, and 300 cubic centimeters, and in six colours including red, yellow, brown, light blue, grey, and green. The collection is available in small quantities, with lots of combinations available to satisfy a range of tastes and needs. Customers can even have their own logo featured in the cup design, starting from 250 pieces only. Matte colours are available for production on any of Club House’s standard 100 items, starting from 3000 pieces per order. Club House: designed in Italy, made in China. For more information, visit www.clubhouse.ch

COFFEE MACHINE TECHNOLOGIES

Coffee Machine Technologies (CMT) Founder and Managing Director John Colangeli says the coronavirus crisis is no doubt a world life changing event. “This crisis has unleashed and impacted its biggest shock to not only our lives and livelihoods but to every aspect of our much-loved hospitality industry,” he says. “This interruption due to COVID-19 has left many Australian businesses in a catastrophic state of limbo, an industry that employs close to one million people. We will return to our businesses and workplaces at some stage, some may not, which is heartbreaking. We will all work together to get back on our feet, which is what we do in our industry.” CMT has always been at the forefront of innovation in coffee equipment and technical service to the coffee industry.

CMT has secured exclusive international agreements for the world’s leading brands in coffee equipment, including brands such as Fiorenzato, Elektra, La Marzocco, Tech Bar, Viper, Brugnetti, and Orchestrale, to name a few. CMT also stores a large inventory of equipment and parts. CMT will a play role in the recovery to those impacted by the crisis. The closure of venues has left coffee equipment sitting idle for some time now. CMT plans to re-build its business for the next normal, and would like to inform its partners – coffee roasters, cafés, restaurants, tea and coffee houses, franchises, coffee chains, re-sellers, distributors, offices, casinos, hotels, pubs, bars, baristas, and more – it is still here and in a position to support them with what they do best. This includes sales, coffee equipment service, repairs refurbishments of new and old machines, and customisations. CMT products and services are distributed through a national support infrastructure, allowing it to offer its services nationwide. Coffee Machines Technologies, servicing Australia nationally. For more information, visit www.cofeemachinetechnologies.com.au

COFFEE WORKS EXPRESS

For the past 22 years, Coffee Works Express (CWE) has been serving and listening to the needs of the Australian coffee industry, and it continues to do so at this unprecedented time. CWE is an independent importer and distributor of premium coffee systems, supplying equipment solutions and technical service to the hospitality industry, coffee roasters, and domestic markets. The CWE equipment offering includes the latest in professional coffee machines, fully automatic systems, and domestic models for those trying to perfect their skills at home. It also has a range of trusted and reliable grinders. CWE is the Australian authorised importer of well known and loved brands including Wega, Astoria, Mazzer, Slayer, Franke Coffee Systems, BNZ, Isomac, and Motta. To ensure coffee equipment is well looked after, CWE also carries an extensive range of genuine spare parts and offers Sydney-wide coffee machine and grinder repairs, carried out by its knowledgable and fullylicensed team. Australia-wide service support through a network of trusted and licensed repairers is also available, as is expert after-hours technical service and professional advice. CWE have you and your equipment covered. As the industry faces unfortunate tough times, CWE is open and ready to take your call. The team is keen and excited to help Australian cafés and the coffee industry get back on its feet – together. For coffee equipment, spare parts or servicing, please contact CWE on (02) 9533 2693 for the nearest technical support representative, or for more information, visit www.cwe.com.au

ESPRESSO MECHANICS

Victoria Arduino’s Eagle One is born in response to the new generation of coffee shops where design, performance, and sustainability are determining factors to create a pleasant and memorable experience. A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study on the Eagle One revealed it had 23 per cent less environmental impact concerning the same category machine. It reduces Co2 emissions and drastically minimises energy waste, also helping to lower energy bills – a good consideration in these trying times when every saving matters. Sustainability has inspired the whole project of Eagle One. This is reflected in its ergonomic design, aluminium and stainless-steel materials, and innovative technology. The constructive design of the Eagle One with less internal systems can maintain high-performance level while reducing the environmental repercussions. The Thermal Energy Recovery System uses discharged water to pre-heat incoming water through a recycling method. The result is an 8 per cent saving on total machine consumption. A New Engine Optimisation engine uses an instant heating system with a unique insulation mechanism, that reduces not only the heat dispersion but also energy consumption. It works almost instantaneously allowing only the necessary amount of water for the extraction to be heated, thus reducing energy-related costs. For more information, visit www.espressomechanics.com.au

ESPRESSOLOGY

FAIRTRADE

The coronavirus has created unprecedented change for most of us. Farmers and workers in the developing world are already among the world’s poorest people, living in communities with weak or non-existent safety nets. This means that any loss of livelihood will be felt all the more keenly and be a risk to their very survival. This crisis is showing the critical role of businesses and retailers in supporting food security and ensuring the long-term resilience of our supply chains. The current impact on the coffee sector varies depending on the origin country’s harvest season. If movement restrictions continue and farmers and workers are unable to reach coffee farms, coffee production and shipping could be challenging. There is also a perceived high health risk of COVID-19 in coffee-growing communities, as the majority of coffee farmers live in remote areas, with limited access to health care facilities. Fairtrade is advocating for a comprehensive and coordinated response to the crisis, including urgent action in the areas of: • Protection of jobs and livelihoods • Provision of personal protective equipment • Strengthening support for urgent healthcare • Ensuring that the response helps global food supply chains become more sustainable and climate resilient. Fairtrade has urgently adapted Premium investment guidelines to help producers adapt to the challenges and restrictions of coronavirus so they can continue to farm coffee now and into the future. What can you do? As a roaster, the best way to support these farmers and the longerterm viability of the coffee industry is to keep asking your traders for Fairtrade coffee, to keep your Fairtrade supply chains open and active. For more information, contact info@fairtrade.com.au or visit www.fairtrade.com.au

Espressology has always held the vision of wanting to help free the coffee entrepreneur. Based in Sydney, Espressology is a bespoke coffee roastery that works closely with industry professionals to help identify their coffee goals, and how to best deliver them to market. Espressology ensures consistency of flavour and quality with pinpoint accuracy. It helps customers every step of the way in establishing their very own blend to reflect their taste. It even designs bespoke specialty single origin estate coffees and blends for expert baristas, including World and National Barista Champions. With Espressology’s unique in-house coffee packaging service, customers can have their own personalised printed packs with a minimum of only 100 bags. So even the smallest customer can be proud of their very own logo printed on their coffee packaging. Now is the time to get behind your local, so grow your business with Espressology and chase your coffee dream. It has all the equipment and experience to enable your coffee business to flourish. So, what are you waiting for, free your inner coffee entrepreneur with Espressology and let them do all the heavy lifting for you. For more information, visit www.espressology.com

LA CIMBALI

These days, the role of the barista has become more prominent in coffee making, and LaCimbali has started adapting its machines to ease the daily movements that enforce the bond between the barista and their machines. While the art of espresso tasting has developed into a real science, the same may be said of espresso preparation. For this reason, LaCimbali has decided to introduce a new iconic model of its history: the M100 Attiva, a machine that combines elegance and high performance. The M100 Attiva features improvements to its design, thermal system, ergonomics, and interface, while offering different customisation possibilities. Everything has been done in effort to improve the barista’s experience with the new M100 Attiva, and to allow them to always offer an excellent drink. The thermal system is at the centre of everything. LaCimbali wanted a machine that could offer different solutions that could meet every barista’s needs while always offering top performance, cup after cup. Its GTA system allows a change in water temperature and infusion time, which creates a perfect profile, regardless of the coffee order. Ergonomics play a fundamental role in the relationship between the barista and their machine. With a few tricks, LaCimbali has managed to perfect the experience of using the new M100 Attiva and improve its efficiency. The Cold Touch steam wand is one example. The new design allows the barista to froth the milk in jugs of any size. It avoids burns and facilitates cleaning. The new M100 Attiva range also offers baristas customisation options, including colours, and three- to six-button interface system, including touchscreens. Additional accessories are also available, including stainless-steel filter holders, filters, and special showers for coffee specialists. For more information, visit cimbali.com or follow Cimbali_official on Facebook and CimbaliOfficial on Instagram

GRINDERS COFFEE

These last few months, and those still coming, will remain challenging times for all Australians, but by working together, we can come out stronger on the other side. We are all passionate about coffee. High quality coffee and service is at the heart of everything we do. Grinders wants to deliver a better coffee experience to all its partners to help them continue to operate. Its success lies in sharing great coffee with the community, which needs to continue to support and care for each other. Grinders wants to provide its partners with all the support it can to get through the coronavirus pandemic. As such, it has developed the first version of the Grinders Care Pack, which provides simple tools and tips to its wholesale partners to help their businesses continue to operate in these uncertain times. Free coffee packs were also sent out to its customers who are doing it tough. This is just the beginning. Grinders will continue to adapt and support its partners as they evolve. We will, together, find ways to get through this time of uncertainty by providing guidance and support, where possible. The health and wellbeing of Grinders’ people, its teams, customers and consumers is a priority. It is also doing what it can for the wider community, starting with those keeping us safe. Grinders has pledged to show its thanks to thousands of essential healthcare workers by shouting them free coffees, including 1000 cups given to the staff of Toowoomba Hospital in Queensland. Grinders says this is the absolute least it can do to support its frontline health workers. Stay safe and stay caffeinated. Reach out and let Grinders know how it can help, either through contacting local territory managers or emailing directly to Melbourne@grinderscoffee.com.au For more information, visit www.grinderscoffee.com.au

KEEPCUP

COVID-19 has asked us all to refresh our understanding of food health and safety regulations created by government to prevent the spread of communicable diseases. Following the direction of large chains, some cafés and roasters have temporarily banned reusables. COVID-19 puts us all on alert and we will all react differently. However, it’s important that the measures taken are grounded in science. We know from the World Health Organisation, hand washing is one of the best ways to combat viral spread. The same approach applies to reusables. Clean hands. Clean KeepCup. Vineet Menachery, Assistant Professor of Microbiology at the University of Texas Medical Branch, says “if you’re regularly cleaning stuff, you should be fine. I wouldn’t expect any virus to survive a dishwasher”. Single-use does not equal sterile. Pathogens like viruses and bacteria don’t distinguish between reusable and single-use when attaching to surfaces. Disposable items can collect airborne pathogens sitting atop a coffee machine, during transport, storage or manufacture. When compared to properly washed reusables, single-use items are a poor substitute. The Break Free From Plastic movement and Upstream reports, “single-use disposables can harbour viruses and pathogenic bacteria… According to a recently-released peer-reviewed scientific consensus statement, over 12,000 chemicals are used in food packaging, and many of them are hazardous to human health”. As cafés begin to re-open, many are choosing to go completely free from single-use. Follow local food safety directives, wash your hands regularly with soap and water, and regularly clean surfaces. Accept only clean and dry KeepCups from customers and refuse any that are visibly dirty. Ask your customers to keep hold of their lid. Dosing from a reusable café cup to KeepCup or washing reusables prior to filling are examples of other short term measures some cafes have chosen to implement. We’re all in this together. Here’s to the power of community, supporting each other, and listening to the science. For more information, visit au.keepcup.com – A message from KeepCup

LA MARZOCCO

Have you ever been travelling interstate or even in an unfamiliar suburb and been unsure on where to find a good brew? Yes? Us too. La Marzocco Australia is thrilled to introduce La Marzocco’s Café Finder, a comprehensive map of Australian roasteries and cafés that use La Marzocco machines. Thanks to filtering options and geographic location, coffee fans will be able to find their closest café through a downloadable web app, which can be stored on their phone and used whenever they’re in need of a decent brew, no matter where they are. In the lifting of some of the lockdown restrictions, La Marzocco sees this app as an incredible way to support local cafés, give them some love, and show your community how much you care for it. La Marzocco says it has been so buoyed by the resilience, ingenuity, and sheer determination shown by the Australian coffee community throughout this unprecedented situation. This is just a small way it hopes to encourage the vibrancy, passion, and love to return to the café culture we hold so near and dear to our hearts, and our Aussie way of life. If you’re a café owner, and not simply a coffee drinker, La Marzocco would love to feature your café in the La Marzocco Café Finder. If you are interested in being part of this community of Australian coffee champions, register at au.lamarzocco.com/about/la-marzocco-cafe-finder The registration is very easy. For more information, visit au.lamarzocco.com

LOCALE COFFEE ROASTERS

Locale Coffee Roasters is still roasting great coffees and doing everything it can to support its café partners through COVID-19. Locale has taken every precaution to ensure it can keep customers caffeinated as long as possible. As always, the health and safety of its staff and customers is its number one priority. Locale has ramped up the recommended hygiene practices and is obsessively washing hands and sanitising every surface. Locale has put distancing measures in place for its roasting and production crew and altered its cupping protocols as advised by the Specialty Coffee Association. Those that can work remotely have been doing so since the end of March. Locale will keep monitoring the situation closely and adjust its practices as required. Other than that, it’s business as usual for Locale, unless instructed otherwise. It is also shipping online orders daily to keep customers caffeinated from home. And to say, “thanks for your support”, Locale is offering a 20 per cent discount on all retail orders over $60, plus free shipping. Simply use the code #localefamily at the checkout and it will restock your home supply in a jiffy. Or better yet, buy Locale beans direct from your local café to help give them a boost in these tricky times. The best advice it can offer is be kind and have empathy for fellow humans. Reach out to those in need and support local cafés and restaurants where you can. The next few months will be especially tough on small businesses, but Locale is proud of the way our industry has continuously adapted. We’ll get through this with the ongoing support of our communities – buying that daily takeaway coffee from your local café can make all the difference. Remember, we’re all in this together. For more information, visit www.localeespresso.com.au

MALTRA FOODS

Maltra Foods is one of the largest food grade powder and liquid manufacturers in Australia, supplying the foodservice and retail markets with high quality café style products. It is 100 per cent Australian, family owned and operated. The business was established in Melbourne more than 20 years ago. Born in Melbourne cafés, the Arkadia brand has grown to be a leader in drinking chocolate and chai in the foodservice market. In recent years, the range has expanded to complementary café products including syrups, frappes, smoothie mixes, milkshake toppings, and dessert sauces. Arkadia aims to bring consumers the best tasting café style products. Its greatest achievement has been driving innovation and creating flavour profiles for the quality café products that Australian consumers have come to expect. Arkadia’s reputation is now spreading further afield, being exported to more than 20 counties. Urban Barista is the latest brand in Maltra’s stable. Inspired by an ever growing sofistication in consumers’ tastes, this all natural premium offering takes drinking chocolate, chai and coffee syrups to a new level. To round out the offering, Maltra’s other brands include Jack Frost soft serve ice cream mixes, and its natural sweetener range, Greenspoon. In order to service the growing private label market, Maltra has also established itself as a major contract manufacturer, including sports nutrition and wellbeing products. It offers end-to-end solutions from research and development to procurement, manufacturing, packing and logistics. Maltra Foods encourages consumers to purchase Australian made products to help support the economy and drive more jobs. Through this tough time, Maltra is committed to doing everything it can to support customers, employees, suppliers, and the local community. For more information, visit www.maltrafoods.com

ONA COFFEE

MILKLAB

We are seeing phenomenal strength and diversification of our industry, and Milklab is proud to be a part of such a strong and passionate community. We know you are going through challenging times right now, and Milklab stands with you. We are in this together. Rest assured that during this time, Milklab is in full operation and will continue to fulfil demand for its products. It is also supporting the move of many of its distributors now selling direct to consumers. If you’re a distributor selling Milklab direct to consumers and would like to be added to its website, please contact enquiries@milklabco.com Milklab is here to support you in any way it can. Stay safe. For more information, visit milklabco.com

Through the recent crisis and the restrictions that have been imposed as a result of it, Ona Coffee has been working closely with its customers and partners around the country to ensure their health, safety, and prosperity,. “As we move towards easing restrictions and the possibility of increased trade, we will be working with them to ensure that they feel supported, guided and valued as members of our community,” says Ona Coffee Founder Sasa Sestic. “We’re all in this together, and together we’ll emerge on the other side stronger and better than ever.” For more information, visit www.onacoffee.com

MINAS HILL

As the only Brazil Specialty Coffee Association member in Australia, Minas Hill has been talking extensively to farmers in Brazil over the last month, especially those who are committed to the Australian market. Its three main suppliers of specialty coffee, Ismael Andrade, Pedro Gabarra, and Gabriel Oliveira, are reducing their prices and extending their terms to Minas Hill, so it can pass the same offer on to the Australian market. This is the time we all should stick together, from farmers to roasters. The main concern in Brazil is a domino effect, leading roasters to opt for cheaper coffees. As we don’t know yet the outcome of the crisis in Australia, Minas Hill says it’s too early to predict a recession in the upcoming months. Marcelo Brussi of Minas Hill would like to reassure all coffee roasters to focus on quality, so we can minimise the domino effect back to the farm. Not forgetting the small farmers – they generally produce only specialty coffees in low quantities, making them more vulnerable. The most important thing for roasters to realise is that they don’t need to change their favourite coffee, because Minas Hill farmers have agreed to give the Australian market an important hand, both in quality and financially. Minas Hill welcome all roasters, small or big, to come forward, because it offers great coffees and great deals. For more information, visit www.minashill.com.au

RANCILIO

Tough times don’t last, but tough people do. We are in this together and the Rancilio team is open for business to support your business. Wholesale trading has been challenging, however, it is encouraging to see how quickly local business can adapt and thrive. It is important to remember the demand for your product has not changed. It is simply the supply chain that has shifted from café to home. Give the people what they want. Rancilio says home delivery and shipping products through a website or social pages is a great option. Remember, your customers buy your brand based on who you are and what you stand for. This is a great time to show them that and build good will. Just because your product is being consumed in pyjamas on a Monday morning Zoom meeting does not mean a lowered expectation on quality. Great coffee requires great equipment and great support. You may even use that Zoom meeting to educate your customers and attract some new ones. There are some amazing consumer products available at national equipment retailers, however, for a little more, you can get the real deal. Over the years, tens of thousands of Rancilio Silvias have been sold all over the world. Rancilio has a loyal following that relies on Silvia to deliver perfect coffee every day. It features a simple design that has stood the test of time due to its reliability. The Silvia features Rancilio technology in just 23 centimetres. It comes with a stainless-steel body, drip tray, cup tray, user friendly switch buttons, 14-gram and 18-gram filter baskets, in-built two-litre water reservoir, and energy saving insulated boiler. The Rancilio Rocky is also impressive, with a steel body, doser or doserless option, up to 50 grind settings with control, 50-millimetre flat grinding burrs, an average output of one gram per second, 300-gram hopper capacity, and removeable grounds tray. For more information, contact Paul O’Brien pobrien@ranciliogroup.com or visit www.ranciliogroup.com

RIVERINA FRESH

The changes in the café landscape in recent months have been unlike anything our industry has experienced previously, and it continues to have a huge impact. Many of Riverina Fresh’s café partners’ trade fell off a cliff in the space of a couple of days towards the end of March. It was a challenging time. But to the industry’s credit, there was an immediate response where many quickly looked at ways they could respond. Riverina Fresh sought to collaborate with its specialty coffee and café partners. Many were forced to make fast changes to adapt to a new style of service and to survive the significant reduction in trade. These changes included expanding their takeaway options and pivoting from an eatery to local food pantry. Riverina Fresh was proud to be able to provide milk and dairy products for café sale, point of sale material, social media support, and front-of-house refrigerators. While sales of milk and other products alone are not going to offset normal café trade, it was a way of generating additional business. It also gave consumers an option to avoid crowds, pick up some essentials, and ideally grab a coffee or beans and some premium milk for their home coffee setup. “We’re a 98-year-old, 100 per cent Australian owned dairy company that has had to navigate tough times, like supporting our farmers through extreme drought in the Riverina for the past three years,” says Riverina Fresh CEO Rob Collier. “Having been part of the specialty coffee industry for almost a decade, this challenge is like nothing else we have faced before. And while the challenge is far from over, it has been uplifting to see how the industry has come together to rally for their staff, their producers, their partners, and their customers.” For more information, visit www.riverinafresh.com.au

SERVICE SPHERE

Has your café been closed due to COVID-19? If so, that means your espresso machine needs some love and attention on its way back to full operational capacity. To assist, the team at Service Sphere have put together a Reopening Procedure document to prevent your coffee machine from breaking down. If you’d rather a health check be conducted on your machine to ensure it’s in tip top working order, Service Sphere can also provide health visits to your venue. Alternatively, have your machine fully serviced and conduct your regular preventative maintenance check. The care of your customers is important at this time, but so is the care of your equipment. For those perfecting their barista skills at home, Service Sphere is also offering essential products delivered straight to your door, including beans, cleaning products, and accessories. Experience Service Sphere’s newly launched Bean Barn for a comprehensive collection of Australian and imported coffees, offering consumers everything from commercial beans to specialty and batchbrewed blends. This one-stop-shop is Australia’s answer to the Dan Murphy’sequivalent of coffee. For more information, visit www.servicesphere.com.au and to get involved and have your coffee registered, visit www.servicesphere.com.au/collaborate

SOUTHLAND MERCHANTS

The coffee harvest in Brazil kicked off in May for most of producing regions, and in general, things are looking really good. Unlike last years’ harvest, Southland Merchants says this year’s climate hasn’t played up, cherries are maturing quite evenly, and crops are looking really healthy. Its friends, farmers, and partners are very confident despite the COVID-19 outbreak, and the expectations are of an excellent harvest volume and quality wise. In saying that, there are still some concerns related to labour availability, with intensive labour demanded in fields, particularly at mountainous regions such as Matas de Minas, South of Minas, and Mountains of Espirito Santos, where mechanised picking is not viable. The large-scale producers Southland Merchants source its coffees from mostly depend on labour from the local community, neighbouring cities, and even nearby states to get harvest done. These producers are more likely to be affected at some level by restrictions in place to promote social distancing. Southland Merchants is in regular contact with its producers, who are implementing changes in their harvesting processes. This includes increasing the number of picking machines and hiring local labour that have been stood down from other industries. Southland Merchants is really excited and optimistic about this year’s harvest and trusts the industry will bounce back stronger. It has been running a series of Instagram talks to keep the coffee industry up to date with what is going on in Brazil, as well as bringing relevant knowledge to the community. Southland Merchants has been supportive of roasters during these unprecedented times, working together to provide financial and product solutions. It looks forward to seeing and, as Brazilians themselves, hugging all of its coffee friends soon. For more information, visit www.southlandmerchants.com.au

ST REMIO

St Remio is excited to have just launched its 100 per cent Compostable Nespresso compatible range. With three blends – Supreme, Intense, and Strong – the capsules, including the lid, are made from all-natural materials and feature no genetically modified organisms. The capsules have been independently certified to breakdown completely within 90 days in an industrial composting facility. The St Remio Nespresso Compostable range features leading-edge technology, ensuring the capsules are hermitically sealed for optimal freshness and taste. The range features UTZ certified coffee, confirming St Remio’s commitment to sustainability, while the brand continues to fund initiatives that empower female coffee farmers at origin. With each sip you take, you are not only having a positive impact on mother nature, but on coffee growing communities. It’s more than great coffee, it is coffee with a conscience. For more information, visit www.stremio.com.au

THE ALTERNATIVE DAIRY CO

TOBY’S ESTATE COFFEE ROASTERS

In late March, cafés and the coffee industry were turned upside down. Within a few days, the industry had to adjust the way it operated in order to keep running. Many cafés had to close their doors while others had to change overnight. Toby’s Estate’s focus was to support its café partners in whatever way possible. “With a lot of uncertainty on how much coffee they would sell, we worked with our cafés to ensure continuous supply of coffee. We had our sales team out doing extra deliveries, which allowed them to order less or more depending on the demand,” Toby’s Estate General Manager Jody Leslie says. “We offered retail support to our café partners and guidance on how to best display their products. This provided cafés with an alternative way to generate additional revenue, while also meeting a customer need: allowing them to shop and stay local.” Toby’s Estate also offered its support to healthcare workers around Australia, asking them to get in touch so it could send a box of coffee goodies for them and their team. “We wanted to support the people working tirelessly during this crisis in any way we could. This meant ensuring those working on the healthcare frontline were getting their hands on their daily coffee fix,” Jody says. “It was just a small gesture but something we hoped would help brighten up people’s days.” For consumers looking to brighten the day of their local café, Toby’s Estate has also introduced the Support My Local initiative, allowing them to give back when purchasing coffee for home online. “For us as a business, we are proud of how quickly everyone adapted to the new normal, by becoming more flexible and creative in how we operated. It really was a team effort to ensure the coffee was roasted, bags were packed, coffee was delivered, and phones were answered,” Jody says. “As an industry, we should be proud of our resilience and our ability to adapt so quickly in times of such uncertainty.” For more information, visit www.tobysestate.com.au/supportmylocal

There’s no denying that 2020 has, to date, been filled with many unforeseen challenges within the coffee industry. But, beyond doubt, the best part about our industry is the people. The Alternative Dairy Co has been buoyed by the drive, determination, and resilience of everybody involved as it forges ahead through this COVID-19 crisis. The dairy alternative provider says it’s been heartening to see everyone band together to support each other, and come up with many new and creative ideas to survive this difficult period. The Alternative Dairy Co has also had to adapt and change its approach. One thing is certain, though, The Alternative Dairy Co will continue to help support and grow this industry in whatever way it can. The Alternative Dairy Co is more determined than ever to provide the highest quality, Australian-owned-and-made plant-based milks designed for coffee to help businesses thrive. We are all in this together, and together we can come back stronger than ever. The Alternative Dairy Co would love to hear from you at this time, whether it be for a crazy idea you may have, a collaboration, or just to say hi. For more information, contact The Alternative Dairy Co at enquiries@altdairyco.com, 1800 673 392, or visit its Instagram page @altdcbarista.

VENEZIANO COFFEE ROASTERS

COVID-19 has tested Veneziano Coffee Roasters’ ability to innovate, pivot, and act fast to meet the needs of the market, and ensure it has a successful business in the long term. Its number one priority is to protect the wellbeing of its people, ensure it can continue to serve its customers, and have a sustainable business on the other side of this pandemic. Veneziano has responded by enabling digital platforms and touchpoints across its network to connect with customers and ensure it continues to bring them meaningful experiences into the future. Veneziano’s cafés have been open with the mission of getting coffee to its valued customers. It has established online ordering through HungryHungry, turning its cafés into drive-through venues, and delivering same-day service to local customers. Veneziano’s corner store within selected cafés offers a wide range of premium pantry goods and essentials to save customers the extra trip to the supermarket. Its pay-it-forward program is Veneziano’s small way of giving back to healthcare and essential services workers. For a small donation of $2.50, customers can fund a 240-millimetre coffee as a gesture of thanks to our unsung heroes. Like many roasters, Veneziano is seeing an increase in demand for coffee and brewing equipment for home. To help customers discover the world of specialty coffee and finesse their skills, Veneziano has a series of virtual training resources available. These include weekly videos from Jade Jennings on brewing device demonstrations and tips to get the best out of your beans. In weekly Instagram Live sessions, customers can chat directly with former World Barista Champion Pete Licata and his special guests. Education is critical to bringing the café experience home and Veneziano is lucky to have so much talent under one roof to share with its customers and the industry. For a limited time, Veneziano is extending a 20 per cent discount when customers buy one kilogram or more of coffee from its online shop and cafés. Simply use the code MATESRATES at the online checkout. Veneziano’s goal through this crisis is to make a difference in everyone’s day – its employees, its customers, its communities – and to ensure it emerges a united and stronger business that continues to roast coffee for the people who love it. For more information, visit www.venezianocoffee.com.au

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