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Roasters of Europe
Europe is known for the birthplace of coffee culture. Coffee was brought to Europe from Africa in the 17th century and flourished as a culture at coffee houses in Britain and bars in Italy. The boom of coffee culture rooted in the long-standing culture is developing its next level today as the specialty coffee culture that is ahead of the times, which is centered around Scandinavia. European roasters, centered around Scandinavian coffee culture, have partnerships and relationships with coffee growers. Their dedication to sustainability is impacting roasters around the world.
Netherlands
Dutch merchants are said to be the first to import coffee from Africa and spread it to Indonesia and to Central and South America through France. With such a historical background, coffee has taken root in the daily lives of Dutch people and the coffee consumption per capita ranks fifth in the world. Although the specialty coffee culture is relatively new in the Netherlands with a potential to thrive more, compared to that of the neighboring countries, many companies in the Netherlands are focused on running the business with sustainability in mind and conducting ethically conscious business. They are indeed leading other countries in the field of the sustainable and ethically conscious business.
Germany
The culture of specialty coffee has taken root in Germany, mainly in Berlin, since around 2010. Although a relative newcomer in terms of specialty coffee culture, Germany’s manufacturing and crafting heritage has had a strong influence on the global coffee market, including the well-established Melitta brand that has produced the original coffee dripper, the roasting machine manufacturer Probat, and EK43 from MAHLKÖNIG that has set the standard for coffee grinders worldwide. The fact that filter coffee has been popular for a long time, including pour-over and siphon coffee, is very similar in Japan. Perhaps, it is because Germany is famous for philosophy and its thinkers, many roasters have unique ideas, and express them in their coffee. Seeing and tasting the roasters’ individuality in the coffee is a very interesting experience.
U.K.
Despite its popular image as a country of tea lovers, Britain has a long history of coffee culture. With coffee houses evolving into social gathering places since their first appearance in the mid-17th century, coffee has long been part of the Britons’ everyday lives.
Today, countless cafes dot the urban landscapes and beyond, and major chains continue to expand their footprint in the country.
When it comes to specialty coffee, large-scale roasters, especially ones built around wholesale business, have a major presence. And sustainability is among their chief concerns.
Britain is one of the coffee consuming nations that have a significant impact on origin countries.