From a funky little base in Woodend, Three Llamas Gourmet Coffee provides quality, gourmet coffee sourced from a little corner of Northern Peru. A close relationship with their growers and a passion for quality ensure the end product is nothing but the best.
After 12 years working in Auckland as horticultural scientists, Richard and Cecilia Jackman were ready for a new adventure. So they sold up and moved to Cecilia’s native Peru along with their three young children. One day an advertisement for a coffee cupping course caught their eye and they signed up ‘purely out of curiosity’. Before they knew it, they were immersed in the world of Peruvian specialty coffee.
After developing a loyal following for their specialty coffee in Lima, the family-friendly lifestyle of New Zealand beckoned. Forgoing the costs and commute of Auckland and Christchurch the couple swooped on a small premises in Woodend when it came up in 2014 and they haven’t looked back.
“It’s more personal out here, it’s a small community and that, along with the lifestyle, were real positives that swayed our decision”.
The business now employs six staff. The coffee shop is open six days a week and they supply cafes and businesses directly. All their coffee is specialty grade, and truly single origin with a focus on quality, flavour and aroma. They also produce a full range of specialty organic coffee and sell coffee brewing equipment and a range of other organic ingredients from Northern Peru.
Cecilia continues to visit Peru every year, keeping the loyal relationships going with growers and others in the supply chain. Their coffee is all ethically sourced and they ensure growers are paid a living wage.
“Kiwis are loving our coffee and we want to grow,” says Richard, “but we will always stay committed to quality and those personal relationships with our suppliers and our customers. We want to work for the coffee growers and with people who love coffee, like we do”.
Q&A with Richard Jackman from Three Llamas Coffee
Why North Canterbury?
We wanted to live just outside a city, having previously lived in big cities (Auckand and Lima). My parents had recently moved to Pegasus so North Canterbury made sense. A premises became availible in Woodend that had the right feel so we made the decision to make Woodend our home base for our coffee operations.
What’s your favourite thing to do in North Canterbury?
As a family we are very into our outdoor sports: football, touch rugby, as well I am a keen mountain biker and tramper. North Canterbury has everything we need on our doorstep and the small community feel is an added bonus.
Name your top three North Canterbury brands (other than your own!):
Wabi Sabi
G&J Auto – excellent mobile machanic
Waimak United Football club