COCA-cola Amatil (CCA) has made its first foray into the coffee business, with the announcement that it has purchased the business and assets of the Grinders Coffee Group (Grinders).

Founded in Melbourne in 1962, Grinders roasts, grinds, packs and sells coffee and provides coffee equipment and services to 2,000 trade customers. The business employs 50 people with annual revenue projected to be around $11 million.

CCA said the acquisition will inject more revenue into Quirks, its equipment service arm.

“The Grinders acquisition, though a small bolt on, expands our food business and presents an opportunity to leverage our existing customer relationships and to gain greater insight and greater service capability into the important restaurant and café sector”, said CCA’s group managing director Terry Davis.

CCA said it will employ all current Grinders’ employees. Giancarlo Giusti, the firm’s co-founder has agreed to be CCA’s Coffee Ambassador and will be available for the compan’s promotional activities, coffee blend development and to provide industry insight to CCA.

Grinders is currently building a new production facility modelled on the finest Italian factories in Fairfield, NSW. The facility will incorporate a new equipment showroom, espresso training centre, roasting and packaging plant and service workshop.

The completion of this facility will allow Grinders to continue its expansion into other States and into areas such as premium grocery retail.

Grinders has also recognised the trend towards pod style espresso and has already established itself as a leader in the supply of both espresso coffee pods and pod capable espresso equipment for the home, home office and small business.