Tata Global Beverages has acquired Australian coffee company Map Coffee, announced on 20 May. “The decision to sell was largely affected by growth potential and my commitment to growing and financing two businesses over the years – Capi and Map Coffee. The timing was right, and as such, I’ve made the decision to sell Map Coffee and keep growing Capi in Australia,” Map Coffee Co-Founder Pitzy Folk tells BeanScene. “Map Coffee is the biggest brand in the office coffee solutions sector. Selling to a multinational company such as Tata Global Beverages will give Map greater global exposure,” says Pitzy. “It’s the right time for Tata to reach into portion control in one way or another, and our systems are innovative enough to do so.” The announcement comes after the settlement was made on Saturday. Tata will take over Map’s three lines of coffee segments, including its office coffee solutions, food service and retail arms. “Selling has been a difficult decision – it’s both sad and satisfying. Map Coffee is a brand I’ve created from scratch with Steven Joy (Co-Founder) over the past 10 years, but I’m excited for this new venture with Tata Beverages,” says Pitzy. Pitzy will transition as a consultant for Tata Global Beverages for the next two years, while Map Coffee’s Steven will move into management for Tata Coffee. Map Coffee will continue its production of its coffee products from its South Melbourne headquarters for the next six months before production is moved elsewhere. The Tata group comprises over 90 operating companies in seven business sectors. It has operations in more than 80 countries, and combined the group reported a total revenue of $67.4 billion in 2009-2010. The acquisition of Map Coffee is rumoured to be around $30 million.
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