Airports aren't traditionally thought of as having exceptional coffee - but Launceston Airport is set to become the exception to that rule, with Launceston local Sweetbrew set to open a new location inside the terminal in January.
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It's a match made in heaven according to Launceston Airport chief executive Hans van Pelt, a regular at the George Street location.
Mr van Pelt moved to the state earlier this year, and immediately fell in love with the cafe's offering.
"After two weeks in quarantine, I walked in for my first coffee meeting, tasted the coffee, thought it was pretty good and we started talking not long afterward," Mr van Pelt said.
"I heard some expansion ideas and opportunities that Sweetbrew had and I quickly learned that this was the place to go in town.
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"We just happened to have some space at the airport so it's a great outcome, and a great taste of Launnie at the airport."
It's part of Launceston Airport's plans to highlight local offerings in its terminal.
"It's all about that experience piece," Mr van Pelt said.
"It's all about passenger experience too both on the way in and the way out, we really want to make that as good a Tasmanian experience as we can, and really make that the best airport in the country and this really helps.
"In many ways, we're the front door to Tasmania for thousands of people each year, so the more we can localise that, the more we can make that part of what Tasmania is to a visitor."
Sweetbrew co-owner Archana Brammall said it was an honour to be joining the airport's offerings.
"People are more discerning about what they're purchasing these days, and coffee is a $20 billion industry across the world, so while there is a market for big chains, I think more and more people are appreciative where their dollar is being spent," she said.
"When airports take that big step of connecting with the local economy, I think they appreciate it even more."
Ms Brammall said that visitors to the airport will experience the same great coffee and customer service they find at the George Street cafe.
"They will have a variety of small things to eat, but because there isn't the kitchen there we won't be providing the same breakfast opportunities there, but people will be able to come in here still and have that if that's what they choose.
"We are very fortunate enough to have a loyal community following which I'm very grateful for, and being able to share and expand that with a broader audience, whether it be domestic or international travellers, I think will be a great experience."
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