A Brewing Success. The Remarkable Story Of Sublime Coffee.

Sublime Coffee, a coffee brand based in Nelson, has become a beacon for coffee enthusiasts and a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of its owners, Emma and Dan Hennah. Dan’s career began in the cinematic realm, working on notable productions such as “King Kong” and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy. Emma, from the North Island, initially balanced teaching with supporting Dan’s coffee business until it became clear that their business needed both their full attention.

Sublime Coffee was founded on Haven Road in Nelson, with a 5 kg roaster in the front room of an old house. The space doubled as Dan’s flat and an espresso bar, where locals would casually drop in for a cup of coffee. The relaxed atmosphere and high-quality brews quickly attracted a loyal customer base. Emma and Dan’s commitment to quality and community set the foundation for what Sublime Coffee would become.

The growth of Sublime Coffee was swift, expanding into wholesale distribution, supplying cafes across New Zealand. They opened an espresso bar and dispatch center in Palmerston North to cater to their North Island customers. Today, they operate their roastery from their New Street premises in CBD Nelson, that also has a café area and now has an espresso bar at Nelson Airport, while still operating the original place on Haven Road, Nelson.

Their wholesale business now accounts for 80% of their operations, with the remainder coming from their flagship stores and online sales. Sublime Coffee’s reputation for quality has spread far and wide, with a significant portion of their sales now coming from Auckland.

Managing the supply chain is one of the biggest challenges for Dan and Emma, as they source their beans from around the world and the prices can fluctuate due to weather, geopolitical events, and currency exchange rates. Despite these hurdles, Emma and Dan have successfully built a sustainable business model, investing in eco-friendly packaging and establishing robust systems for composting their waste.

At the heart of Sublime Coffee is a strong sense of community, with a work environment that fosters collaboration and joy. Emma and Dan also value the importance of training, employing a dedicated trainer who travels across New Zealand to ensure their coffee is brewed to perfection wherever it’s served.

As they look to the future, Emma and Dan are excited about the continued growth of Sublime Coffee and their commitment to contributing to the local economy. They enjoy spending time with their four children and engaging in activities that keep them grounded. Sublime Coffee is a testament to Emma and Dan Hennah’s dedication to quality, community, and sustainability.

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