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Earning themselves a world-renowned reputation for making beautifully crafted and uniquely designed espresso machines, we're sure our latest decent conversation guest, La Marzocco needs no introduction. 

Since establishing their New Zealand office in back 2014, they have worked with, and earned the trust of many coffee roasters, cafés, and restaurants here in Aotearoa. 

We sat down with Managing Director, Tom Handiside to talk about building a loyal customer base, how La Marzocco's Refurbished programme is redefining the coffee equipment industry, and much more. 

Hey Tom, can you please our readers a bit about La Marzocco?

La Marzocco is known for exceptional quality, innovative technology, and real dedication to fostering coffee community. We have a unique and rich history, founded by two brothers in Florence almost 100 years ago as a small artisan business, we’ve grown into the internationally preferred espresso machine manufacturer that we are today. La Marzocco has played a key part in the evolution from the early days of vertical boiler machines to the modern high-volume, jam-packed cafés brewing espresso non-stop throughout the day.

Since establishing your New Zealand office back in 2014, what do you think has helped you to build such a loyal customer base and community?
At La Marzocco, we’re built on a foundation of culture, authenticity, and meaningful connections with our customers. We don’t just move boxes — we cultivate relationships that enrich lives. Our history is a testament to the countless partnerships and relationships that have sparked a powerful, multiplying effect, creating a community that grows together. 

The New Zealand branch is 10 years old this year, but La Marzocco has had a prominent presence in Aotearoa for the last 30 years and the passion for our equipment runs deep. 

Our story in Australasia started with Allpress acting as a distributor, now as 100% La Marzocco owned branch office and team. It's still very much all about the quality craftsmanship, design and genuine connections with the community that create and keep our loyal customer base. From supporting grassroots events to the NZSCA  Champs and hosting countless events, as coffee people we just love getting amongst it to drive collective growth.

We know investing in sustainability is extremely important at La Marzocco, so can you tell us more about the La Marzocco Refurbished programme?

La Marzocco Refurbished is redefining how the coffee equipment industry operates by embedding circular economy principles into our core business. Traditionally, manufacturers rely on a linear sales model, where machines are sold, used, and eventually discarded. We’ve challenged this by creating a closed-loop system that keeps machines in use for as long as possible. This Includes trade-in and buy-back schemes to recover older machines. Those older machines are then dismantled, cleaned, repaired, and retrofitted with new technologies. Then leave us with a factory guarantee as good as new.

We were recently recognised as one of The Next 95 by the Sustainable Business Organisation. The Next 95 highlights innovators and organisations that are helping make Aotearoa a global leader in sustainable business. You can check us out and the other inspiring businesses included in the list here.

You run, and are involved with lots of events in the New Zealand coffee scene, what is your favourite thing about the epic community you have helped build?

At La Marzocco, we are deeply connected to our community, and it’s a privilege to support the incredible talent within our industry. One of our greatest joys is seeing people come together over a shared passion — coffee. It’s a ritual that unites us all.

What makes our community truly special is witnessing competitors — business owners, technicians, roasters, and baristas — set competition aside, engage with each other, and lift one another up at events. It’s a reflection of the collaborative spirit of La Marzocco, it’s who we are and something as a team, we can all be proud of.

What are you most excited for in the future for La Marzocco?

La Marzocco has expanded its footprint into the home market, driven by the growing demand for high-quality coffee experiences at home. We’re excited to see more home baristas replicating cafe-quality-experiences in their own kitchens.

For those who want to support you, where can they find you?

La Marzocco HQ at 2a York Street in Parnell for drop ins for coffee, chats, and to check out all the toys. All welcome anytime.

For events, openings and “coming soon” news, check us out on Instagram.

And for all things home barista, tips, tricks, knowledge, and new coffees to try, check our out website - La Marzocco & La Marzocco Home.

Anything else you'd like to share?

First correct DM answer via Insta for each question wins a sweet prize…

If you know the LMNZ team, then can you answer the below:

• Who was a former Lewisham Barista Champion?
• Who was a former competitive cup stacker?
• Who is a part time hand model for coffee commercials and more?
• Who leaves the coffee pucks in the machine the most?