Coffee runs deep in Lance Witham’s veins. Born on a coffee farm in Zimbabwe, Lance’s lifelong connection to coffee took root early. After moving to Australia in 1983, he worked alongside his father before founding Witham’s Coffee in 1995 – where the first sale, ironically, was a hot chocolate.
Today, Witham’s Coffee is a fixture in Hornsby, Sydney, with a roastery, espresso bar, and showroom where customers can enjoy a brew while watching the roasting in action. Customers can also order on-line and receive freshly roasted coffee, delivered directly to their homes or offices. More than just great coffee, Witham’s has become a trusted partner to independent cafés, thanks to its hands-on support, flexible ordering, and commitment to quality.
‘We started small, with a café and a roaster in the corner,’ Lance says. ‘I know what it’s like to work seven days a week and face customers across the machine.’
That empathy shapes the way Witham’s operates – roasting to order, delivering within 24 hours, and never imposing minimum quantities. This flexibility is crucial in today’s economy, where many cafés are ordering smaller batches more frequently.
Witham’s also offers tailored barista training to help cafés serve consistently great coffee.
‘Consistency is key,’ says Lance. ‘It’s like cooking – give clear instructions, and you get better, more reliable results.’
Through economic downturns and industry shifts, Witham’s has remained resilient by staying agile and customer-focused.
‘We’ve seen tough times before, and we’ve survived,’ says Lance. ‘Now, we’re looking forward to the next 30 years.’
Learn more at withams.com.au
