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The Advertiser
12 hours ago
- Business
- The Advertiser
'Flat whites the biggest seller': the man bringing Aussie coffee culture to Japan
John Widmer has become quite the popular "coffee bloke" on a small island in Japan. Two years ago, he moved to Himeshima, where he opened a cafe that exclusively uses Australian beans. With his Japanese wife, Teruko Nakamichi, they run Ozi Cafe - and all the locals and tourists have taken notice. The island has a population of only about 1700 people. Mr Widmer, from Cronulla, is the island's only foreign resident. He says his business is boosting the local economy. His cafe sits directly across a ferry pier. The first thing tourists see is his cafe. And it's not hard to spot. Painted in green and gold, it stands out. "I think my cafe is the most photographed thing on the island now," he said. "It has bright Aussie sporting colours. When you look at the rest of Japan, there are many greys and browns. When the ferry pulls in, all the people pull their phones out and take pictures of the cafe. A walking tour called Walk Japan has also included the island on its tour - lots of Aussies do it." Bringing Australian coffee to Japan has been a hit, he says. "I couldn't get good beans or good coffee here. It was either under or over-roasted or too weak. The coffee culture is about 20 years behind Australia's, but I don't think it will take them 20 years to catch up. "I rang Di Lorenzo, and they sent me eight kilos for free. People love it, and we're getting lots of online orders. Customers are driving from other areas of Japan - three hours away, to buy the beans or have a coffee at the weekend." A popular request is a flat white. But it wasn't always the case. "Japanese are big on their black coffee - they're a lot like the Americans. I used to make Americanos, but now I call it an Australiano," Mr Widmer said. "They won't touch iced coffee in winter, but they like flat whites - our biggest seller. "I'm also making tea from a supplier from Perth. It's an Aboriginal-backed company that uses native Australians like lemon myrtle. They're a hit. I also use eco-friendly cups - no plastic lids. A cup of coffee is about $5." Mr Widmer also teaches children on the island how to swim. He previously owned a successful swimming school in Sutherland Shire. But the business went into liquidation during COVID-19, and he left Sydney at a time when travel was difficult. It was where he learnt how to make a decent coffee. "When I had the swim school, we had a coffee shop, so I did a barista course then," he said. "I knew how to make coffee." Now a resident of Japan, he says he feels right at home. "I love this country," he said. "The respect, courtesy and politeness of the Japanese people are unmatched anywhere in the world. It's cheap, and the food is fresh and seasonal." Despite the language barrier (he speaks very little Japanese), he adjusted to life by bringing a familiar taste of Australia to Japan. He started communicating with customers using Google Translate, and his wife helps. "I speak single words," he said. Mr Widmer's signature logo - a caricature of a face that he draws, features on the coffee cups. "It's the face I've been drawing since I was 12," he said. "I do it in eight different colours. People cut them off, put them on the back of their phones, and collect them. I've seen them on windows in people's cars. It's become a bit of an icon on the island. We've been on national television here." He also sells snacks, and aromatherapy balms made by Cronulla's Sharon Turner. But he's best known for his "loud shirts". "I can't go anywhere without kids recognising me," he said. "The mayor said I'm putting the island back on the map." John Widmer has become quite the popular "coffee bloke" on a small island in Japan. Two years ago, he moved to Himeshima, where he opened a cafe that exclusively uses Australian beans. With his Japanese wife, Teruko Nakamichi, they run Ozi Cafe - and all the locals and tourists have taken notice. The island has a population of only about 1700 people. Mr Widmer, from Cronulla, is the island's only foreign resident. He says his business is boosting the local economy. His cafe sits directly across a ferry pier. The first thing tourists see is his cafe. And it's not hard to spot. Painted in green and gold, it stands out. "I think my cafe is the most photographed thing on the island now," he said. "It has bright Aussie sporting colours. When you look at the rest of Japan, there are many greys and browns. When the ferry pulls in, all the people pull their phones out and take pictures of the cafe. A walking tour called Walk Japan has also included the island on its tour - lots of Aussies do it." Bringing Australian coffee to Japan has been a hit, he says. "I couldn't get good beans or good coffee here. It was either under or over-roasted or too weak. The coffee culture is about 20 years behind Australia's, but I don't think it will take them 20 years to catch up. "I rang Di Lorenzo, and they sent me eight kilos for free. People love it, and we're getting lots of online orders. Customers are driving from other areas of Japan - three hours away, to buy the beans or have a coffee at the weekend." A popular request is a flat white. But it wasn't always the case. "Japanese are big on their black coffee - they're a lot like the Americans. I used to make Americanos, but now I call it an Australiano," Mr Widmer said. "They won't touch iced coffee in winter, but they like flat whites - our biggest seller. "I'm also making tea from a supplier from Perth. It's an Aboriginal-backed company that uses native Australians like lemon myrtle. They're a hit. I also use eco-friendly cups - no plastic lids. A cup of coffee is about $5." Mr Widmer also teaches children on the island how to swim. He previously owned a successful swimming school in Sutherland Shire. But the business went into liquidation during COVID-19, and he left Sydney at a time when travel was difficult. It was where he learnt how to make a decent coffee. "When I had the swim school, we had a coffee shop, so I did a barista course then," he said. "I knew how to make coffee." Now a resident of Japan, he says he feels right at home. "I love this country," he said. "The respect, courtesy and politeness of the Japanese people are unmatched anywhere in the world. It's cheap, and the food is fresh and seasonal." Despite the language barrier (he speaks very little Japanese), he adjusted to life by bringing a familiar taste of Australia to Japan. He started communicating with customers using Google Translate, and his wife helps. "I speak single words," he said. Mr Widmer's signature logo - a caricature of a face that he draws, features on the coffee cups. "It's the face I've been drawing since I was 12," he said. "I do it in eight different colours. People cut them off, put them on the back of their phones, and collect them. I've seen them on windows in people's cars. It's become a bit of an icon on the island. We've been on national television here." He also sells snacks, and aromatherapy balms made by Cronulla's Sharon Turner. But he's best known for his "loud shirts". "I can't go anywhere without kids recognising me," he said. "The mayor said I'm putting the island back on the map." John Widmer has become quite the popular "coffee bloke" on a small island in Japan. Two years ago, he moved to Himeshima, where he opened a cafe that exclusively uses Australian beans. With his Japanese wife, Teruko Nakamichi, they run Ozi Cafe - and all the locals and tourists have taken notice. The island has a population of only about 1700 people. Mr Widmer, from Cronulla, is the island's only foreign resident. He says his business is boosting the local economy. His cafe sits directly across a ferry pier. The first thing tourists see is his cafe. And it's not hard to spot. Painted in green and gold, it stands out. "I think my cafe is the most photographed thing on the island now," he said. "It has bright Aussie sporting colours. When you look at the rest of Japan, there are many greys and browns. When the ferry pulls in, all the people pull their phones out and take pictures of the cafe. A walking tour called Walk Japan has also included the island on its tour - lots of Aussies do it." Bringing Australian coffee to Japan has been a hit, he says. "I couldn't get good beans or good coffee here. It was either under or over-roasted or too weak. The coffee culture is about 20 years behind Australia's, but I don't think it will take them 20 years to catch up. "I rang Di Lorenzo, and they sent me eight kilos for free. People love it, and we're getting lots of online orders. Customers are driving from other areas of Japan - three hours away, to buy the beans or have a coffee at the weekend." A popular request is a flat white. But it wasn't always the case. "Japanese are big on their black coffee - they're a lot like the Americans. I used to make Americanos, but now I call it an Australiano," Mr Widmer said. "They won't touch iced coffee in winter, but they like flat whites - our biggest seller. "I'm also making tea from a supplier from Perth. It's an Aboriginal-backed company that uses native Australians like lemon myrtle. They're a hit. I also use eco-friendly cups - no plastic lids. A cup of coffee is about $5." Mr Widmer also teaches children on the island how to swim. He previously owned a successful swimming school in Sutherland Shire. But the business went into liquidation during COVID-19, and he left Sydney at a time when travel was difficult. It was where he learnt how to make a decent coffee. "When I had the swim school, we had a coffee shop, so I did a barista course then," he said. "I knew how to make coffee." Now a resident of Japan, he says he feels right at home. "I love this country," he said. "The respect, courtesy and politeness of the Japanese people are unmatched anywhere in the world. It's cheap, and the food is fresh and seasonal." Despite the language barrier (he speaks very little Japanese), he adjusted to life by bringing a familiar taste of Australia to Japan. He started communicating with customers using Google Translate, and his wife helps. "I speak single words," he said. Mr Widmer's signature logo - a caricature of a face that he draws, features on the coffee cups. "It's the face I've been drawing since I was 12," he said. "I do it in eight different colours. People cut them off, put them on the back of their phones, and collect them. I've seen them on windows in people's cars. It's become a bit of an icon on the island. We've been on national television here." He also sells snacks, and aromatherapy balms made by Cronulla's Sharon Turner. But he's best known for his "loud shirts". "I can't go anywhere without kids recognising me," he said. "The mayor said I'm putting the island back on the map." John Widmer has become quite the popular "coffee bloke" on a small island in Japan. Two years ago, he moved to Himeshima, where he opened a cafe that exclusively uses Australian beans. With his Japanese wife, Teruko Nakamichi, they run Ozi Cafe - and all the locals and tourists have taken notice. The island has a population of only about 1700 people. Mr Widmer, from Cronulla, is the island's only foreign resident. He says his business is boosting the local economy. His cafe sits directly across a ferry pier. The first thing tourists see is his cafe. And it's not hard to spot. Painted in green and gold, it stands out. "I think my cafe is the most photographed thing on the island now," he said. "It has bright Aussie sporting colours. When you look at the rest of Japan, there are many greys and browns. When the ferry pulls in, all the people pull their phones out and take pictures of the cafe. A walking tour called Walk Japan has also included the island on its tour - lots of Aussies do it." Bringing Australian coffee to Japan has been a hit, he says. "I couldn't get good beans or good coffee here. It was either under or over-roasted or too weak. The coffee culture is about 20 years behind Australia's, but I don't think it will take them 20 years to catch up. "I rang Di Lorenzo, and they sent me eight kilos for free. People love it, and we're getting lots of online orders. Customers are driving from other areas of Japan - three hours away, to buy the beans or have a coffee at the weekend." A popular request is a flat white. But it wasn't always the case. "Japanese are big on their black coffee - they're a lot like the Americans. I used to make Americanos, but now I call it an Australiano," Mr Widmer said. "They won't touch iced coffee in winter, but they like flat whites - our biggest seller. "I'm also making tea from a supplier from Perth. It's an Aboriginal-backed company that uses native Australians like lemon myrtle. They're a hit. I also use eco-friendly cups - no plastic lids. A cup of coffee is about $5." Mr Widmer also teaches children on the island how to swim. He previously owned a successful swimming school in Sutherland Shire. But the business went into liquidation during COVID-19, and he left Sydney at a time when travel was difficult. It was where he learnt how to make a decent coffee. "When I had the swim school, we had a coffee shop, so I did a barista course then," he said. "I knew how to make coffee." Now a resident of Japan, he says he feels right at home. "I love this country," he said. "The respect, courtesy and politeness of the Japanese people are unmatched anywhere in the world. It's cheap, and the food is fresh and seasonal." Despite the language barrier (he speaks very little Japanese), he adjusted to life by bringing a familiar taste of Australia to Japan. He started communicating with customers using Google Translate, and his wife helps. "I speak single words," he said. Mr Widmer's signature logo - a caricature of a face that he draws, features on the coffee cups. "It's the face I've been drawing since I was 12," he said. "I do it in eight different colours. People cut them off, put them on the back of their phones, and collect them. I've seen them on windows in people's cars. It's become a bit of an icon on the island. We've been on national television here." He also sells snacks, and aromatherapy balms made by Cronulla's Sharon Turner. But he's best known for his "loud shirts". "I can't go anywhere without kids recognising me," he said. "The mayor said I'm putting the island back on the map."
Hamilton Spectator
28-04-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Widmer Brothers Brewing Celebrates 40th Anniversary
PORTLAND, Ore., April 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Widmer Brothers Brewing , the creator of the Original American Hefeweizen and a Tilray Brands, Inc., (NASDAQ: TLRY and TSX: TLRY) craft beer brand, commemorates its 40th anniversary with the launch of the '40 Years of Cheers' campaign celebrating Widmer's iconic beers through the years. This multi-stage celebration marks the brewery's 40th anniversary and will feature the re-release of four iconic Widmer Brothers beers. The '40 Years of Cheers' campaign will kick off with the re-release of Altbier, the first beer brewed and sold by Widmer Brothers in 1984. Altbier is a traditional German-style ale known for its amber hue, assertive bitterness, and clean, roasted finish. This beer represents the beginning of the Widmer Brother's brewing journey, brewed with a variety of reclaimed equipment in what is now Portland's Pearl District. 'A lot can change in 40 years, but great beer still brings people together. 40 Years of Cheers not only pays homage to four decades of craft beer innovation but also sets the foundation for the future of the brand. With 40 years of experience and a Widmer Hefe in hand, we are excited to bring both new and classic Widmer beers to Portlanders and write the next chapter of Widmer Brothers,' says Brian Hughes, Brand Director, at Tilray Beverages West Coast Brands. Altbier will be the first of four beers to be re-released throughout 2025, with each beer representing a different decade of Widmer Brothers' history. Details on the next re-release, a fan-favorite summer seasonal from the 2000s, will be announced in the coming weeks. 'Beers Through the Years' will be available in limited, small-batch quantities at a handful of local Portland bars and restaurants: When the last keg blows, that will be it! For more information about Widmer Brothers, the '40 Years of Cheers' campaign, and upcoming beer releases, visit and follow @widmerbrothers on social media. About Widmer Brothers In 1984, Kurt and Rob Widmer quit their jobs to follow their passion for making great beer to share with friends and family. From the very first pitcher, the Widmer Brothers aimed to create beer that's easy to enjoy and perfect for any occasion. While much has changed over the years, the core belief that great beer brings people together remains the same. Widmer Brothers is proud to celebrate its 40th anniversary in 2024-25 and looks forward to many more decades of brewing excellence. About Tilray Brands Tilray Brands, Inc. ('Tilray') (Nasdaq: TLRY; TSX: TLRY), is a global lifestyle and consumer packaged goods company at the forefront of beverage, cannabis and wellness industries with operations in Canada, the United States, Europe, Australia, and Latin America that is leading as a transformative force at the nexus of cannabis, beverage, wellness, and entertainment, elevating lives through moments of connection. Tilray's mission is to be a leading premium lifestyle company with a house of brands and innovative products that inspire joy, wellness and create memorable experiences. Tilray's unprecedented platform supports over 40 brands in over 20 countries, including comprehensive cannabis offerings, hemp-based foods, and craft beverages. For more information on Tilray Brands, visit and follow @Tilray. Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this communication that are not historical facts constitute forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (together, 'forward-looking statements') under Canadian and U.S. securities laws and within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, that are intended to be subject to the 'safe harbor' created by those sections and other applicable laws. Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as 'forecast,' 'future,' 'should,' 'could,' 'enable,' 'potential,' 'contemplate,' 'believe,' 'anticipate,' 'estimate,' 'plan,' 'expect,' 'intend,' 'may,' 'project,' 'will,' 'would' and the negative of these terms or similar expressions, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Certain material factors, estimates, goals, projections, or assumptions were used in drawing the conclusions contained in the forward-looking statements throughout this communication. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding our intentions, beliefs, projections, outlook, analyses, or current expectations. Many factors could cause actual results, performance, or achievement to be materially different from any forward-looking statements, and other risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Company or that the Company deems immaterial could also cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements contained herein. For a more detailed discussion of these risks and other factors, see the most recently filed annual information form of Tilray and the Annual Report on Form 10-K (and other periodic reports filed with the SEC) of Tilray made with the SEC and available on EDGAR. The forward-looking statements included in this communication are made as of the date of this communication and the Company does not undertake any obligation to publicly update such forward-looking statements to reflect new information, subsequent events, or otherwise unless required by applicable securities laws. For more information Media Contact: news@ Investor Contact: investors@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
Zawya
05-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Rasam Ventures receives funding from Qatar Investment Authority
DOHA: Rasam Ventures, Qatar's first independent venture capital fund manager, announced that it has received funding from the Qatar Investment Authority (QIA), as part of the holding fund program launched by the Authority to promote innovation in Qatar and support local and regional entrepreneurs. Qatar Investment Authority said in a statement that Rasam Ventures has received funding for its first fund, Rasam Innovation Fund 1, which targets high-performing startups and innovative technology sectors, including financial technology, enterprise business services software, health technology, and artificial intelligence. The Rasamel Innovation Fund-1 is the first fund to be announced as part of the $1 billion holding fund programme that the Qatar Investment Authority announced was open to applicants in February of last year. The fund, which is open to professional investors under the regulations of the Qatar Financial Centre Regulatory Authority, has completed raising funding from the holding fund, corporates, family offices and individual investors, seeking investment commitments of US$100 million. 'As the first private venture capital fund in Qatar, we have built strong partnerships with leading Qatari institutions to work closely with outstanding founders, drive innovation and address the region's specific needs,' said Alexander Widmer, Co-Managing Partner at Rasam Ventures. Widmer stressed that the confidence placed in the fund by the Qatar Investment Authority and other investors is an expression of the competencies of the work team, pointing to the continuation of strengthening the spread throughout the region and implementing the selective investment strategy, in order to ensure consolidating the fund's position as a major player in the field of venture capital in the Middle East and North Africa region. The fund is managed by a team of experts with extensive and significant experience in the field of venture capital, who have managed more than 100 venture capital deals, in addition to their experience in successfully managing the exit of many investments. The 'Rasam Ventures Innovation Fund-1' targets investments in innovative and high-performing startups and technology companies across Qatar, the Middle East and North Africa region and various countries around the world, in the seed, operating, expansion and development financing stages. The fund will explore all technology sectors, with a strategic focus on fintech, logistics supply chain, health tech, B2B software and artificial intelligence. The launch of the fund is in line with the third national development strategy in the State of Qatar, as it aims to contribute to the establishment of a thriving technological ecosystem based on easy access to a range of investment and financing opportunities. The Qatar Investment Authority's Holding Fund programme aims to develop a robust startup and venture capital ecosystem in Qatar, attract venture capital funds and entrepreneurs to the region, and help bridge the current funding gap for both local and regional entrepreneurs. The program will invest over US$1 billion in global and regional venture capital funds, with a focus on the technology and healthcare sectors. The mission of the Holding Fund Program is two-fold: to achieve good financial returns, as well as to achieve a positive developmental impact on the venture capital ecosystem in Qatar.
