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Aromatic coffee blend wafts further than Latrobe

The aroma of freshly roasted coffee is always welcoming and the recent installation of a ‘Super Shop Roaster’ at Manny’s Market in Morwell

By Latrobe City Council - 16th July 2003 - Back to News

The aroma of freshly roasted coffee is always welcoming and the recent installation of a ‘Super Shop Roaster’ at Manny’s Market in Morwell, is not only tempting Latrobe’s coffee-loving shoppers and treating them to a fine, full-flavoured beverage; but it’s also helping to develop markets in Melbourne for a locally blended product.

According to Latrobe City Investment Manager, Leo Billington, the coffee roaster represents a new inspiration for retailers and shoppers in Latrobe City.

"Manny and his son-in-law, George Labros, were keen to introduce Latrobe City residents’ taste buds to quality coffee beans sourced from many of the world’s key coffee producing countries including Kenya, Brazil, Timor, India, Columbia and Ethiopia, Mr Billington explained.

"The roaster looks like a small steam locomotive resplendent in red and gold. The raw coffee beans are roasted in a revolving furnace heated to 200ºC. Up to five kilograms of beans are roasted each time to either light, medium or dark in colour," Mr Billington said.

Mr Billington said that George has been successful in developing markets in Melbourne for his coffee blend. "He has not only created something with a delightful difference in Latrobe City, but clients in Melbourne are obviously keen to obtain the blend made here in Latrobe," Mr Billington said.

George explained that blending coffee beans is like blending wine. "The aim is to achieve a unique, personal blend preferred by customers who are seeking a subtle difference, and my blend is my secret," George said.

"Manny and George have identified a niche market opportunity, so often seen as part of traditional European culture and a way of life in larger cities. Manny has decided that our community is entitled to the same culinary refinements as well," Mr Billington said.

Both George and Manny share a love of coffee and have decided that it is a passion that can be shared with the community.

"The grind of the weekly grocery shop can now become an uplifting experience where shoppers can treat themselves to an expertly blended fresh coffee," Mr Labros said.

"My father-in-law, who fondly remembers the coffee roasting machines in Europe, wanted me to learn the art of blending coffee. Now, I realise that it is the aroma that sells the coffee, especially if it can be smelt up the street," Mr Labros concluded.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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