De Eenhoorn

More About De Eenhoorn

De Eenhoorn is a unique player within the Dutch coffee market. The company is housed in an authentic building from 1883 on the Oudestraat in Kampen. The business was established in 2002 as a sister company to De Olifant, the city’s last cigar factory. Expanding into coffee and tea was a logical step from the tobacco trade, as countries like Brazil, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic produce both excellent tobacco and coffee. In 2023, the building underwent a major renovation and visual update. This was a direct result of new tobacco legislation from 2021, which required cigars to have their own dedicated shop. Communications Manager Krista Fixe played a key role in this repositioning.

Direct Trade and a Transparent Chain

Quality and clear provenance are central to the philosophy of De Eenhoorn. The company focuses entirely on 100% Arabica coffee sourced from small plantations. In 2019, the assortment was intentionally revised to strengthen ties with farmers and importers. That year, Director Thomas Klaphake visited the Ramirez family at the Monte Alto plantation in the Dominican Republic. He also visited the Sholi plantation in Rwanda to better understand local development. As the buyer, Tineke is responsible for carefully maintaining these direct contacts. Transparency and small-scale control thus form the absolute foundation of the supply chain.

Artisanal Roasting Process and Signature Coffees

Production takes place weekly in their own roastery in the historic center. Master Roaster Vincent designs a specific and unique roast profile for every type of coffee. In doing so, he balances the origin, the bean size, and the intended brewing method. The roasting is done artisanally in a metal rotating drum. This specific process allows for very precise control over moisture extraction and the development of sugars and oils.

The webshop and physical store primarily revolve around specific origins. For example, the Guatemala Santa Rosa grows at an altitude of 1500 to 1700 meters at Finca Santa Rita. This washed coffee offers complex notes of almond, caramelized sugar, and chocolate. For lovers of fruity flavors, the Ethiopië Sidamo Bio is an excellent choice, with hints of honey, grape, apricot, and mandarin. Additionally, the Peru Amazonas Monte Verde offers a full, fruity experience with striking notes of berry syrup. The range also includes the Brazilie Diamond, with flavors of dark chocolate, nuts, and brown sugar, and the milder Brazilie Monte Belo, which is roasted exclusively for espresso.

Exclusivity and Depth in Tea

At De Eenhoorn, tea is absolutely not a byproduct, but a vital pillar. Founder of the tea shop and tea sommelier Binet Brasser manages a collection of over forty types of tea. The extensive range is divided into an organic baseline of nine teas and a prestigious Grand Cru collection. De Eenhoorn is the only company in the Netherlands offering tea from La Maison des Trois Thés. This extraordinary line comes from small tea gardens in China and is expertly selected by tea sommelier Madame Yu Hui Tseng. Highly beloved teas from this exclusive collection include Xiu Qiu, Si Ji Chun, and Zheng Shan Xiao Zhong.

Experience, B2B Market, and Sustainability

The location on the Oudestraat combines a shop, coffee bar, and production space under one roof. Customers can visit from Tuesday through Saturday between 10:00 and 17:00, and on Mondays from 12:00. Visitors can experience the craft up close during an organized ‘coffee journey’ or ’tea journey’. These specific factory tours are available for groups of four or more. Local tourism platforms rightly describe the location as a true institution for Kampen.

For the business market, De Eenhoorn offers a comprehensive package for the hospitality sector, offices, and specialty shops. Their extensive range includes not only products, but also machinery, accessories, maintenance, and targeted staff training. Additionally, the company rents out atmospheric meeting rooms, including:

The Kennekamer (suitable for up to four people).
The Panderkamer (suitable for up to eight people).
The Theekamer (suitable for up to eight people).

Well-known hospitality clients include Engel Winkelcafe in Zwolle and Châteauhotel De Havixhorst, led by owner Chris Wijland. The company also makes conscious choices regarding sustainability. All current coffee packaging is made from Bio Tree certified materials. Furthermore, the organic tea line uses tea bags produced from biodegradable corn starch. With this, De Eenhoorn proves that respect for nature and high-end flavor can go hand in hand.

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