Marlborough's Coffee Founders Sell CPR
Distributors Ltd
After a decade of roasting and producing Marlborough's boutique coffee, CPR's owners
Christina Mackay and Bill Musgrove have sold to another local couple.
Leon and Hayley Macdonald have purchased the business and will take over at the end of
this month.
CPR, Marlborough's first coffee roasting business, began life in a small warehouse back in
2003. It has evolved into an award winning producer, with three outlets in Blenheim, (Wynen
Street, Marlborough Lines Stadium and Marlborough Airport) as well as providing numerous
other outlets throughout the South Island.
Ms Mackay says the vision 10 years ago was to establish a nationally recognised boutique
coffee roasting business, which they have now more than achieved.
"The original idea came about when I was helping set up the Farmer's Market," she
says. "We both saw the opportunity, given there was nothing like that in Marlborough at
the time. We have grown considerably in the last decade, and are proud of what we have
achieved in such a short time frame."
Former All Black Leon Macdonald says he has spent a fair amount of time in coffee shops
throughout the world, most of which wouldn't meet the high quality standards of CPR here at
home.
"Waiting for games, practices or just travelling, we spent a lot of time drinking coffee, and
I guess I became a bit of a addict," he says. "But I was always happy to get back to New
Zealand, because seriously we have the best coffee in the world right here."
Keen to be involved in business, now his playing days are over, Mr Macdonald says the
opportunity to buy CPR is extremely exciting.
"It has been a bit of a whirlwind learning curve, but I intend being very hands on in the
future."
For the CPR founders, being able to hand over the mantle to another local couple is
important.
"We're excited about Leon and Hayley taking on the business," Mr Musgrove said. "It has
played an important role in our lives for the past decade, and it was critical to us that we felt
it was going to someone as passionate about coffee as we have been. We would also like
to thank all our loyal customers and suppliers, who have supported the brand and made the
past 10 years such an enjoyable experience."
While the Macdonalds won't take ownership until November 30, they will be attending this
weekend's CPR Coffee Expo at the Wynen Street premises. The Expo organised by Ms
Mackay and Mr Musgrove, will focus on the fine art of coffee from cupping to latte art. Both
say it will be a fitting way to leave the industry here in Marlborough.
The current CPR staff of 12 will be retained and Mr Macdonald says it will be business as
usual in the future.
"We intend continuing the legacy that Christina and Bill have left, providing great service and
most of all great coffee."
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