
Entrepreneurs' Challenge Winner 2009
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Winner:
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Profile: |
Allpress Espresso
Auckland-based coffee roaster
To expand coffee empire internationally
London
Since 1987, Michael Allpress – owner/operator of Allpress Espresso –
has been guiding New Zealanders through their coffee-drinking
education, and in 2000, he formed a partnership with his long-time
friend, restaurateur Tony Papas, to take quality fresh roasted coffee
into the Australian market where they are now firmly established.
Michael says the timing is now perfect for Allpress Espresso to give
London coffee drinkers the chance to experience the very best in
coffee. “Kiwis and Australians have been telling us for years about
the lack of ‘good coffee’ in London,” Michael says. “With the combined
knowledge Tony and I have accumulated over many years, and the research
we have undertaken during this time, we now feel ready to introduce the
highest quality espresso to the biggest village in the world.” Tony
adds: “Having already successfully exported the business to Sydney and
Melbourne reassures us that we have the skills and dedicated people
required for undertaking such an ambitious project. It also tells us
that coffee drinkers around the world are always looking for that
exceptional coffee experience.” |
Judges: “Allpress Expresso has an excellent balance of
business skills in terms of sourcing its product, enhanced roasting
technologies and the way it has its processing facility next to its
cafe, which serves as a real-life demonstrator of its products. It was
the company’s formula and structural approach that really won us over,
and we believe they will overcome the many hurdles they will face in
the United Kingdom, just as they have done in Australia, to emerge as a
successful new entrant to the market.”
More information: www.allpress.co.nz