Our History

Firsthand Coffee started it’s journey in Hawke’s Bay in 2010 and from the beginning, quality and flavour were two hallmarks of our coffee.  Al Borrie is the name and creative force behind all things Firsthand.  Quickly we became known for producing exceptional and interesting tasting coffees, different from the norm at that time.

We opened our first espresso bar in Clive in 2011 and it has been a local institution ever since.  Providing excellent coffee and service every day of the week.

Our second outlet opened in 2014 in the seaside suburb of Ahuriri.  A local fave and the go to for outstanding coffee and pastries.

2017 is when we opened our largest store, Cupple, in the south end of Hastings.  We teamed up with local French bakery YaBon to share a common space with a large central bar and plentiful viewing windows into the bakery.  This dynamically  changed the atmosphere of the once unloved part of Hastings.

In 2019 we moved our roastery into a purpose built space in Havelock North.  With the attached cafe, Workroom, customers are able to see the roasting process in full swing while enjoying a freshly made brew.

Te Awanga was a new start for us at the back end of 2022 with the introduction of Basic Needs.  It’s everything you need and nothing you don’t.  A one stop shop for coffee and  other great provisions.

In all aspects of our roasting and cafe service, our focus is on attention to detail and providing an outstanding customer experience.  Being a roaster and wholesaler allows us to experiment with new and interesting coffees on a seasonal basis.  With so much growth in speciality coffee plantations in recent years, we now have access to some amazing coffees for our customers to enjoy.

One of the best moments you can see as a coffee roaster is a customer discovering an interesting coffee, seeing their face and trying to describe the amazing flavours they taste.  This is what provides inspiration for all our staff on a daily basis.