Corporate Partnerships Update
TASCAFFE on board SPIRIT OF TASMANIA
from what TasCaffe usually dealt with.
Unique Challenges of Shipboard Installations: Working on TT-Line property required everyone to complete safety inductions, wear PPE uniforms and be escorted around the boats. Additionally, paperwork needed to be completed before accessing the installation sites. Electrical plugs also needed modification as the boats are fitted with a combination of European electrical fittings and safety plugs. Since the TasCaffe team weren’t electricians, the ship’s electricians had to fit the corresponding electrical plugs to the sockets for each machine.
TasCaffe, a leading Tasmanian coffee roaster, began its journey on board the Spirit of Tasmania in January 2024. Rachael and Matthew, the passionate owners, exemplify dedication and commitment to their craft. Winning the Tender: The Spirit of Tasmania issued a tender to find a new coffee supplier last year. TasCaffe, eager for this opportunity, submitted its bid by August 2023. However, a hurdle emerged - The Spirit previously used instant coffee machines for the crew, which TasCaffe couldn’t supply and it was part of the requirements to win the contract. Determined to win the tender, TasCaffe proposed bean-to-cup automatic machines that grind beans and brew cappuccinos at the touch of a button. The Spirit of Tasmania team agreed to consider them.
Due to safety regulations, TasCaffe could only work on the machines when the ferries were docked after all the freight and passengers had been offloaded, leaving a small window of opportunity to get all the machines installed on each boat. As it was peak tourist season this had to fit in with double crossings and was scheduled days apart. A Local First for TT-Line: TasCaffe’s success marked a first for TT-Line in its 24-year history, a local coffee roaster supplying their coffee Boosting Tasmanian Tourism: TasCaffe has strategically placed its brand at key tourist spots throughout Tasmania, including Hobart Airport and now the Spirit of Tasmania. This exposure has resulted in travellers seeking out their Derwent Park shop after enjoying TasCaffe coffee on their journeys. A Proud Tasmanian Brand: These experiences and contracts not only provide marketing exposure for TasCaffe, but also keep them updated on industry trends. They are a prominent player in the Tasmanian coffee scene, a source of pride for the state. Congratulations to Matt and Rachael for their hard work and dedication to promoting Tasmanian coffee! We wish them continued success!
The Machine Hunt: TasCaffe didn’t own or have the model of bean- to-cup machine proposed in their tender, so upon receiving a call for a meeting by the TT Line, the scramble was on to get both the Bean-to-cup and the espresso machine freighted overnight from Melbourne from different suppliers to showcase them to the potential client within three days. Adding to the pressure, the transport company lost the all important bean-to-cup machine. “No one in Australia knew where it was,” Rachael said. Despite the challenges, with an hour to spare, the machine was delivered and TasCaffe staff presented the machines to the TT-Line team, who also toured their facilities in Hobart. “The bean to cup machines were a success,” said Rachael, who also reported that “one machine brewed 2000 cups for the crew alone in the first three weeks.” The Saga Continues: Three weeks before Christmas (December 2023), TasCaffe received the news they’d won the tender! The setup had to be completed in January 2024. With the Christmas break approaching, Rachael faced another challenge: securing all the necessary equipment from Melbourne suppliers before they closed for the holidays. “It was the most stressful time,” she said. In early January, a new obstacle arose – the electricity requirements on the boats were different
27 Tasmanian Hospitality Review April/May Edition
Made with FlippingBook interactive PDF creator