Douwe Egberts is a well-known coffee brand that has been a staple in many households for centuries. With its rich history and high-quality coffee products, it’s no wonder that many coffee lovers are curious about the brand’s ownership. In this article, we’ll delve into the history of Douwe Egberts, explore its current ownership, and discuss the brand’s evolution over the years.
A Brief History of Douwe Egberts
Douwe Egberts was founded in 1753 by Egbert Douwes in Joure, Netherlands. The company started as a small grocery store that sold coffee, tea, and other spices. Over the years, Douwe Egberts grew in popularity, and by the 19th century, it had become one of the largest coffee roasters in the Netherlands.
In the early 20th century, Douwe Egberts began to expand its operations globally, establishing subsidiaries in various countries, including the United States, Canada, and Australia. The company continued to grow and innovate, introducing new coffee products and blends that catered to different tastes and preferences.
The Acquisition by Sara Lee
In 1978, Douwe Egberts was acquired by Sara Lee Corporation, a global consumer goods company. Under Sara Lee’s ownership, Douwe Egberts continued to expand its operations and product offerings. The company introduced new coffee products, such as single-serve cups and espresso machines, which helped to further establish its presence in the global coffee market.
During its time under Sara Lee’s ownership, Douwe Egberts also underwent significant rebranding efforts. The company updated its logo and packaging, and launched new marketing campaigns to appeal to a wider audience.
The Spin-Off and Merger with DE Master Blenders
In 2012, Sara Lee Corporation announced that it would be spinning off its coffee and tea business, including Douwe Egberts, into a separate company called DE Master Blenders. The spin-off was completed in June 2012, and DE Master Blenders began trading on the Euronext Amsterdam stock exchange.
In 2013, DE Master Blenders merged with Mondelez International’s coffee business to form Jacobs Douwe Egberts (JDE). The merger created one of the largest coffee companies in the world, with a portfolio of brands that included Douwe Egberts, Jacobs, and Tassimo.
Current Ownership: Jacobs Douwe Egberts
Today, Douwe Egberts is owned by Jacobs Douwe Egberts (JDE), a global coffee company that was formed in 2013. JDE is a subsidiary of JAB Holding Company, a private investment firm that owns a portfolio of companies in the coffee, luxury goods, and other industries.
JDE is headquartered in Amsterdam, Netherlands, and operates in over 80 countries worldwide. The company has a diverse portfolio of coffee brands, including Douwe Egberts, Jacobs, Tassimo, and Kenco. JDE is committed to sustainability and has implemented various initiatives to reduce its environmental impact and promote fair trade practices.
Key Facts About Jacobs Douwe Egberts
Here are some key facts about Jacobs Douwe Egberts:
- Revenue: JDE generates annual revenues of over €5 billion.
- Employees: The company employs over 12,000 people worldwide.
- Brands: JDE’s portfolio includes Douwe Egberts, Jacobs, Tassimo, Kenco, and other coffee brands.
- Operations: JDE operates in over 80 countries worldwide.
- Sustainability: JDE has implemented various sustainability initiatives, including reducing energy consumption and promoting fair trade practices.
Conclusion
Douwe Egberts is a well-established coffee brand with a rich history that spans over two centuries. From its humble beginnings as a small grocery store in the Netherlands to its current status as a global coffee brand, Douwe Egberts has undergone significant transformations over the years. Today, the brand is owned by Jacobs Douwe Egberts, a global coffee company that is committed to sustainability and quality. Whether you’re a coffee connoisseur or just a casual coffee drinker, Douwe Egberts is a brand that is sure to satisfy your coffee cravings.
Timeline of Douwe Egberts’ Ownership
Here is a brief timeline of Douwe Egberts’ ownership:
- 1753: Egbert Douwes founds Douwe Egberts in Joure, Netherlands.
- 1978: Sara Lee Corporation acquires Douwe Egberts.
- 2012: Sara Lee Corporation spins off its coffee and tea business, including Douwe Egberts, into DE Master Blenders.
- 2013: DE Master Blenders merges with Mondelez International’s coffee business to form Jacobs Douwe Egberts (JDE).
- 2013: JDE begins trading on the Euronext Amsterdam stock exchange.
- 2015: JAB Holding Company acquires JDE.
Note: The timeline is not exhaustive, but it highlights the key events in Douwe Egberts’ ownership history.
Who is the current owner of Douwe Egberts coffee?
Douwe Egberts coffee is currently owned by Jacobs Douwe Egberts (JDE), a leading global coffee and tea company. JDE was formed in 2015 through the merger of Douwe Egberts and Jacobs Coffee, two well-established coffee companies with a rich history. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands and operates in over 100 countries worldwide.
JDE is a subsidiary of JAB Holding Company, a private investment firm based in Luxembourg. JAB Holding Company has a diverse portfolio of brands in the coffee, tea, and food industries, including Peet’s Coffee, Stumptown Coffee Roasters, and Caribou Coffee, among others. Under JDE’s ownership, Douwe Egberts continues to be a leading coffee brand in Europe and other parts of the world.
What is the history of Douwe Egberts coffee?
Douwe Egberts was founded in 1753 by Egbert Douwes in Joure, Netherlands. The company started as a small coffee and tea shop and gradually grew into a leading coffee roaster in the Netherlands. Over the years, Douwe Egberts expanded its operations and introduced new products, including its iconic coffee blends and single-serve coffee cups.
In the 20th century, Douwe Egberts became a well-known brand in Europe and other parts of the world. The company was acquired by Sara Lee Corporation in 1978 and later became part of the D.E Master Blenders 1753 company, which was spun off from Sara Lee in 2012. In 2015, D.E Master Blenders 1753 merged with Jacobs Coffee to form Jacobs Douwe Egberts, the current owner of the Douwe Egberts brand.
Is Douwe Egberts coffee still made in the Netherlands?
Yes, Douwe Egberts coffee is still made in the Netherlands. The company has a long history of coffee roasting in the Netherlands, and it continues to operate several coffee roasting facilities in the country. Douwe Egberts sources high-quality coffee beans from around the world and roasts them in its facilities in the Netherlands to create its distinctive coffee blends.
While Douwe Egberts has expanded its operations globally, the company remains committed to its Dutch heritage and continues to produce a significant portion of its coffee in the Netherlands. The company’s coffee roasting facilities in the Netherlands are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by experienced coffee roasters who are dedicated to producing high-quality coffee.
What types of coffee does Douwe Egberts offer?
Douwe Egberts offers a wide range of coffee products, including whole beans, ground coffee, single-serve coffee cups, and coffee pods. The company is known for its high-quality Arabica coffee beans, which are sourced from around the world and roasted to perfection in its facilities in the Netherlands.
Douwe Egberts also offers a variety of coffee blends, including its iconic Senseo coffee blend, which is designed specifically for use in single-serve coffee makers. The company’s coffee products are available in many countries around the world and can be found in supermarkets, coffee shops, and online.
Is Douwe Egberts coffee sustainably sourced?
Yes, Douwe Egberts is committed to sustainably sourcing its coffee beans. The company has implemented a number of initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental impact and improving the livelihoods of coffee farmers. Douwe Egberts sources a significant portion of its coffee beans from certified sustainable sources, including Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade certified farms.
Douwe Egberts also works closely with coffee farmers to implement sustainable farming practices and improve the quality of their coffee beans. The company’s sustainability initiatives are designed to reduce its environmental impact, improve the livelihoods of coffee farmers, and ensure a sustainable supply of high-quality coffee beans.
Can I buy Douwe Egberts coffee online?
Yes, Douwe Egberts coffee is available for purchase online. The company has an e-commerce platform that allows customers to buy its coffee products directly from its website. Douwe Egberts also partners with online retailers, such as Amazon, to offer its coffee products to a wider audience.
Buying Douwe Egberts coffee online is a convenient way to access the company’s wide range of coffee products, including its iconic Senseo coffee blend and other specialty coffee blends. Customers can also take advantage of online promotions and discounts, and have their coffee products shipped directly to their doorstep.
Is Douwe Egberts coffee available in the United States?
Yes, Douwe Egberts coffee is available in the United States. While the company is not as well-known in the US as it is in Europe, Douwe Egberts coffee products can be found in some specialty coffee shops and online retailers. The company also partners with US-based distributors to offer its coffee products to a wider audience.
Douwe Egberts coffee products are available in some US cities, including New York and Los Angeles, where the company has a strong presence. Customers can also buy Douwe Egberts coffee online and have it shipped to their doorstep. However, the availability of Douwe Egberts coffee products may be limited in some parts of the US.