THIS IS OUR STORY

HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

Robert Timms Senior emigrated to Australia in the early 1890's, in search of a better life and new opportunities. Initially, Robert worked at the Post Office in Gippsland, but soon moved to Melbourne where he took up a junior position with the grocers, Moran & Cato. He quickly progressed through the company, being promoted to manager in 1899. Robert Timms Senior also married in 1899.

Their third child, Robert Jnr was born in 1908, but regrettably, Mrs Timms died while giving birth.

Despite the tragic setback, Robert Snr continued to advance at Moran & Cato, which finally led to his appointment of General Manager. Robert Jnr also began working at Moran & Cato and by 1932 the business was the largest retail grocer in Victoria, Australia.

NEW VENTURES

By the mid 1930's, Robert Jnr was selling tea and coffee so successfully that his commissions made him the highest paid employee at Moran & Cato. In 1937 Robert Senior and his son left the company and sold their shares to buy the Associated Tea Company. The company's objectives were to sell tea and coffee to the wholesale grocery distributors in direct competition with Moran & Cato. In 1939, Robert Jnr decided to sell Associated Tea Company to NSW company J.A.D. Gibson. The Gibson Directors wisely offered Robert Timms Jnr the position of Sales Manager, which he accepted.

WARTIME SUPPLY AND DEMAND

In January 1940 Robert Timms Jnr became the sole owner of Gibson Teas Pty Ltd.

During World War II, Robert Timms Jnr and his staff worked up to 20 hours a day to meet the demands of supplying fresh coffee to both the Australian and U.S. armed forces. It was at this time when Robert Timms Jnr set up the first fresh coffee making 'automated line' in Australia, by utilising a series of small grinders.

HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN

In 1951, the name of the company changed to Robert Timms Pty Ltd. In this decade, the company expanded rapidly across Australia. To meet stock orders, fresh coffee was air freighted on a weekly basis to state capital to meet demand. Robert Timms gained several major contracts, including the contract to develop a special blend of coffee for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on her royal visit to Australia. "Royal Special" coffee was born and is still today one of the most popular blends ever created.

THE LEGACY LIVES ON

During the late 1950's, fresh coffee sales dramatically increased. To meet this demand, Robert Timms introduced fresh coffee self-service grinders into supermarkets.

By the end of the decade, demand was so great for Robert Timms fresh coffee that additional roasting plants were set up in Brisbane and Hobart.

Robert Timms Snr died in 1964, confident in the knowledge that his son had the largest coffee company in Australia.

EXPLORING NEW OPPORTUNITIES

In 1964, Robert Timms Jnr went on an exploratory trip to New Guinea where the planting and production of coffee beans had started to develop since the end of World War II.

Robert Timms was impressed by the high quality of beans and formed a company, which became the largest exporter of green coffee beans from that country.

He used his strong market initiative and his love for beans to develop and launch his first gourmet soluble coffee - the now famous 'New Guinea Gold', which became a best seller in Australia.

For these endeavours, he was awarded the Gold Medal Export Award by the Department of Trade.

THREE KEY PRINCIPLES

By 1969, Robert Timms was the largest privately owned tea and coffee company in Australia and claimed more than 75% of the pure coffee market. In 1969, Bechumut Squib's bought the Robert Timms Company.

In the same year, Robert Timms took the opportunity to resign for family reasons. He spent the next 24 years in retirement until he passed away in June 1993.

During his lifetime, Robert Timms strictly followed three basic principles in his business:

  1. Selling a quality product
  2. First class service at a fair price
  3. Giving value for money

ROBERT TIMMS TODAY

Robert Timms is appreciated by New Zealanders as a brand that represents the most important ingredient- quality.

At FreshFood Services, we are building on this reputation.

Today, the entire Robert Timms roasted and ground range is created from carefully selected 100% Arabica coffee beans.

Naturally, this means discerning coffee lovers can enjoy the highest quality and consistent flavour of fresh Robert Timms coffee in cafes, restaurants and at home. As Australia's oldest coffee company, Robert Timms is proud of its heritage and our people are passionate about coffee.