The Story Of Robert Harris
The Man. The Myth. The Legend.
A man, well ahead of his time in style and flare. Our Story Begins when out founder who chose to import, blend and grind European coffee beans for a traditional farming community in Hamilton.
A Coffee Visionary.
In 1952, New Zealand was a land of simplicity. Sir Edmund Hillary was setting his sights on Everest, dinner meant meat and three veg, and the nation's favourite drink was a cup of tea, paired perfectly with a lamington at the local tearooms.
But amidst this traditional landscape, there was one man with a vision ahead of his time – Robert Harris, affectionately known as "Bob" to his friends. While others stuck to the familiar, Bob dared to import, blend, and grind European coffee beans for his community in Hamilton. He was a true pioneer, laying the groundwork for what would become the fresh coffee culture of New Zealand.
Humble Beginnings
In the humble back room of his delicatessen, Bob worked tirelessly alongside his daughter Zelda, crafting blends and recording customer favourites in his 'book of blends'. As demand grew beyond the quiet farming community, Bob began mailing his blends to coffee lovers across the country in simple brown paper bags labelled "Robert Harris Coffee".
A Man of Many Talents.
Between the aroma of freshly roasted coffee beans and the hustle of running his deli, Robert Harris found time to be an integral part of his community in Hamilton. Beyond the storefront, he was more than just a businessman – he was a family man and dedicated volunteer, lending his skills and passion to serve others.
As a true community-minded individual, Robert Harris didn't hesitate to roll up his sleeves and dive into action. Whether it was patrolling the local beaches as a lifeguard or answering the call of duty as a firefighter, he was always there when his town needed him most.
Fast Forward To today
Today Robert Harris is synonymous with great taste and unwavering quality in New Zealand. From fresh coffee to capsules and instant options in supermarkets, and with dozens of cafes across the nation, we've become one of the largest coffee footprints in the country.
Yet, amidst our growth, we remain true to Bob's original vision. We share his passion for craftsmanship, care, and quality products, and we're proud to continue his legacy in New Zealand's legendary coffee culture.
