Bean banter

Hi Switch Fam, As you may have heard, coffee pricing is rising globally. New Zealand in particular is adjusting its prices to reflect coffee's true value. At Switch, we specialise in roasting ethically sourced, specialty-grade arabica beans from local importers, providing independent cafes and individuals with exceptional coffee. Over the past few months, we've carefully reviewed our current prices, overheads, raw material costs, shipping, packaging, equipment etc. so as of March 31st, 2025, our new pricing will better reflect the work at Switch. It will cover our costs while maintaining high-quality coffee and supporting our wholesale and retail customers. To give you some insight into why this is happening, coffee beans grow on trees, creating supply, demand, and climate-related challenges, along with the work required to ensure quality. (For those interested, there are detailed articles online, but I will spare you the lengthy details here.) Additionally, we manage the USD to NZD exchange rate, freight to New Zealand, customs, and transport to locations nationwide from the ports. Staff costs are a factor at every stage, from the farms to the baristas, including the cup you drink from and the training for your local cafe to ensure they can use the equipment and understand the background of coffee for the best result. The list goes on, but I'll simply express our appreciation for your understanding and support. Our small business couldn't do it without you, and each purchase and new customer means the world to us. Thank you very much for your understanding and unwavering support! Hamish, Jeremy, & Ally  

On Thursday 26th September 5.30pm-7.30pm join us celebrate a night of collaboration between Opal Coffee, Switch Espresso and Black Betty's who are joining forces to share our passion for exceptional specialty coffee. Experience a journey through the world of coffee as we delve into three key aspects of our craft: coffee cupping, where you'll explore the nuanced flavors of expertly roasted beans; filter tasting, highlighting the delicate profiles brought out by various brewing techniques; and soft brew methods, demonstrating our innovative approaches to crafting the perfect cup. Come and hang out, drink some coffee, and enjoy the local specialty coffee scene in Christchurch. Nibbles and non alcoholic drinks provided. A special thanks to Almighty Drinks for sponsoring the event. Let us know if you think you'll make it trade@opalcoffee.nz OR roaster@switchespresso.co.nz

We're Hiring!  Looking to evolve and take your culinary skills to the next level? At Black Betty Cafe we have a fantastic reputation for supplying fresh, local, high quality food and beverages. We have a full-time opportunity for an experienced and skilled Cafe Cook / Chef de Partie to join our dynamic team Email us your resume on manager@blackbetty.co.nz for a chat.

Hey Switch Fam, we hope you're well this Winter.  I don't mean to alarm anybody, but the wait is over! The Espresso Brew Bar at Switch Roastery on Birmingham Drive is back and better than ever. No longer are we called Industrie, we've gone back to basics with what we do best- coffee. For a while we were renovating our space, but we now have the Faema E-61 fired up pulling shots for you alongside some fresh filter brews, Hope River pies and sausage rolls and great banter from the team. ;) Come swing by, we've missed you all.

Happy long weekend, everyone! To celebrate we're offering 25% off all coffee and tea through our website from now till Monday 3rd. Use code King24 at checkout to redeem, and remember we have a pickup option too if you're local to our roastery on Birmingham Drive, Otautahi. We'll be out of office Monday for the public holiday but back with bells on from Tuesday! Cheers team, may you drink great coffee with even better company this long weekend. -Team Switch x

Being outside of Christchurch is no excuse for bad coffee, so whether you’re heading north or to the deep south, there’ll be an establishment not too far away brewing Switch Espresso.

Thinking of upping your home barista game with a switch to whole beans? You’ll be needing a grinder then.

Choices, choices – that’s what we strive to give our customers. Whether you are after a consistent blend you can rely on to kickstart your day or are keen to explore the world of single-origin coffees, we are here for you.

Send your taste buds for a spin around the globe with a shot of one of our new single origins.