APAX IN ACTION: Spotlight on Zest Coffee
In this edition of APAX IN ACTION, we’re delighted to highlight Zest Coffee with their flagship store based in Richmond in Melbourne, who started using APAX LAB mineral concentrates just over a month ago. At their flagship, Zest offers a unique coffee experience that showcases how specific mineral profiles can enhance and reveal different facets of each brew. Here’s how Zest Coffee is leveraging APAX LAB to elevate the brews they serve.
Crafting Unique Coffee Flights with APAX LAB
Zest Coffee uses APAX LAB mineral concentrates in a creative way through coffee flights. Each flight begins with a single pour-over brew, which is then split into three cups. In each cup, Zest adds three drops of a different APAX LAB profile—TONIK, JAMM, or LYLAC. This allows customers to experience the same coffee in three distinct flavour expressions, highlighting the versatility and precision of APAX LAB’s mineral profiles.
This approach has added an interactive dimension to their service, inviting customers to explore how small adjustments in mineral composition can dramatically impact the overall flavour profile of the same coffee. It’s an effective and engaging way to introduce the benefits of APAX LAB.
Seamless Integration into Service Workflow
For a café with a high standard of service like Zest Coffee, integrating APAX LAB into their existing workflow had to be smooth and efficient. Zest also offers an APAX LAB seasoning station as an option for customers who want to try the minerals in their regular coffee order. This flexible approach allows clients to customise their coffee experience without complicating the café’s workflow.
By offering the option to add APAX LAB drops post-brew, Zest empowers customers to explore different profiles in a way that feels natural, giving them control over their coffee experience while maintaining the café’s pace.
Educating Customers: The Science Behind the Drops
Zest Coffee introduces APAX LAB to customers as a natural enhancement tool for coffee, emphasising that the product is made from minerals naturally found in water — no added artificial flavourings. This explanation helps clarify how APAX LAB works and reassures customers that they’re experiencing an authentic representation of the coffee’s inherent qualities, with a subtle lift provided by the minerals.
For some, the noticeable impact of just a few drops is so profound that they initially wonder if it’s flavouring. But once they understand the science behind APAX LAB, they’re excited to see how each mineral profile brings out unique aspects of the coffee.
Enthusiastic Feedback from Customers
The response to APAX LAB at Zest Coffee has been overwhelmingly positive, especially among those new to the concept of mineral customisation in coffee. Many customers, including those not typically involved in the coffee industry, are genuinely surprised at how dramatically a few drops can influence the cup.
Favourite APAX LAB Profile: JAMM
When it comes to choosing a favourite APAX LAB profile, Zest Coffee’s go-to is JAMM. Known for enhancing body and sweetness, the team at Zest finds that JAMM strikes a harmonious balance across a wide range of beans, and it works particularly well with most coffees they are serving.
Go-To APAX Recipe
For a recipe that consistently enhances their coffees, Zest Coffee often uses 3 drops of JAMM post-brew. For certain coffee profiles, they’ll also add a drop of TONIK or LYLAC to highlight additional notes. This combination has proven to be a crowd-pleaser, elevating both body and balance in the cup.
Conclusion: Elevating Coffee One Drop at a Time
Zest Coffee’s innovative approach to using APAX LAB showcases the transformative potential of customised water profiles. By introducing mineral concentrates into their service, they’re offering customers a tailored and interactive coffee experience that emphasises the importance of water in coffee brewing. Zest Coffee’ successful integration of APAX LAB and dedication to customer education set a new standard in specialty coffee.