Overview
Birkenhead's latest opening aims to be more than just another coffee company. Generosity Coffee owners Nic and Rachel Berry, coffee industry veterans for over 25 years, decided to set up a business model that would allow them to give back in a really substantial way, rather than just a token gesture. The pair also own The Barista Academy which trains and finds work for thousands of new baristas from all over the globe.
Brainstorming for Generosity Coffee, the pair noticed that while there were obvious poverty stricken countries that needed help and environmental causes that needed attention, there are countless organisations in New Zealand crying out for extra funds. The end result is a physical coffee shop and roastery in Birkenhead and an online store offering beans, ground coffee and Nespresso-compatible capsules.
For every bag bought the company donates 20 percent to a charitable organisation across the country. Users can choose whether they want a one-off bag or a regular monthly delivery, before nominating their chosen charity at the checkout. The signature Generous Coffee blend is a medium dark roast that offers notes of dark chocolate. The company also uses specialty, ethically sourced coffee beans — they can be sampled for free via the Generosity Coffee website.
In its first few weeks the Birkenhead coffee shop has also raised funds for larger organisations like the Breast Cancer Foundation to small scale community projects like the North Harbour Water Polo Club. Not entirely restricted to coffee, the space offers a variety of tarts, scrolls and scones to enjoy with your community minded brew. You can find the Generosity Coffee shop at 255 Hinemoa Street, Birkenhead.
Image: Generosity Coffee.