Marzocco Swan 🦢 , Acquisition News 💸, WatchHouse Opens in NYC 🏙: This Week in Coffee
The Big Three
Marzocco launch their new commercial grinder: The Swan
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Marzocco is on an absolute roll these last 12 months, producing unique, high-quality equipment with the price tags to match. The Swan, releasing at the SCA Expo in Chicago this week, is a large, hopper-fed commercial grinder and, quite frankly, stunningly beautiful.
If you wanted, I could tell you about the automatic dosing, adjustable burr speeds, and the built-in static neutraliser. I could bore you with information about Marzocco's excellent aftercare or their surprisingly reasonable $4,200 pricing.
But honestly - who gives a shit? The Swan is a goddamn work of art that's going to leave you slack-jawed at the very moment you're meant to be ordering a nice latte. The best (worst?) part is that Marzocco has put the barista above the customer and kept the beauty on the bar-side. The pulled-back hopper, stealth-fighter lines, and bold lettering are just so different from what everyone else is doing.
Massimo Zanetti partially acquired
QuattroR, an Italian investment firm, has successfully acquired a 50% stake in the Italian multinational coffee powerhouse, Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group S.p.A. (MZB), marking a significant shift in the company's leadership.
Pierluigi Tosato, a veteran in the food and beverage industry, has been appointed CEO, taking over from MZB's founder, Massimo Zanetti. Zanetti, known as "The King of Coffee" for his formidable presence in the industry, established MZB after acquiring Segafredo in the 1970s, a brand that remains a cornerstone for the group. Today, MZB boasts a global presence in 110 countries and reported revenues of around US$1.2 billion in 2023. Its portfolio includes major names like Hills Bros., Chock Full O’Nuts, and Kauai Coffee.
At 76, Zanetti continues to serve as chairman, viewing the QuattroR partnership as a strategic move to bolster MZB's growth and value creation. The deal, valued at €90 million, came to light last December, also allowing QuattroR to negotiate MZB's debts with major banks for additional voting rights, further solidifying its influence within the company.
First US WatchHouse opens in NYC
My favourite thing about writing this newsletter is that I just get to talk about the places, coffees and equipment that I love. WatchHouse has long been one of my favourite locations in London despite a total lack of gatekeeping!
They've now has expanded across the pond, opening their inaugural U.S. cafe in New York City. Nestled on Fifth Avenue, this 1,500-square-foot space offers a dual experience: serving coffee and locally sourced pastries by day, and transforming into a cocktail venue by evening. The design, executed by Brooklyn's Carpenter & Mason, features warm tones and red accents, providing a modern and inviting atmosphere for over 20 guests. This venture is part of a $400 million redevelopment by Brookfield Properties, ensuring both tenant and street access.
Roland Horne, the founder and CEO, chose New York for its vibrant culture and vast consumer base, viewing it as an ideal platform for growth and experimentation. The New York cafe mirrors the London experience, from coffee roasting practices to beverage offerings, striving for consistency while adapting to local logistics. Founded in 2014, WatchHouse Coffee roots itself in a rich history and has ambitious plans for further U.S. and UK expansions, aiming to blend tradition with modernity in the global coffee scene.