De Pelikaan

A sip of coffee tastes better when the story behind it is known. De Pelikaan shows how craftsmanship, history, and innovation come together in a single cup. Read along and discover why this Zutphen roastery has been roasting beans for more than two centuries.

De Pelikaan from Zutphen tells a story that goes back to July 4, 1816. Since that day, coffee has been roasted in the monumental building at Pelikaanstraat 9. The wooden interior largely dates from 1904 and still breathes the atmosphere of that time. The shop remained in the family, first the Garsen family, then, from 1953, the Wassink family. Their pursuit of quality earned a Royal designation in 1991. For three years in a row (2002–2004) a national taste test named the coffee the best in the Netherlands. At the 200th anniversary in 2016 even the mayor joined the celebration. The heritage is alive and keeps growing.

A modern Probat roaster forms the heart of the roastery, but an antique steam roaster stands beside it as a working museum piece. Every batch of green beans is gently roasted, minutes longer than in industrial ovens. The slow heat gives the sugars time to caramelize and prevents bitter notes. The experienced roast master trusts eyes, ears, and nose, not blindly set buttons. Freshness takes priority: every week a new batch goes into the drum and filled bags leave the building the same day. This way the beans keep their full aroma all the way to the customer.

With more than twenty-five Arabica varieties, De Pelikaan offers something special for every palate. Customers choose from single origins with pronounced terroir or from secret house blends that combine different roast levels. The following favorites illustrate the range:

– Brasil Santos, mild and nutty, yields a gentle cup with light acidity.
– Kenya Arabica surprises with fresh berry aroma and a bright finish.
– Espresso Melange, dark Italian roasted, delivers the boldest and spiciest espresso in the lineup.
– Firenze Blend mixes light and dark beans for a spicy, layered tasting experience.
– Winterkoffie Limited Edition pairs Indonesian and Central American beans, medium roasted with a hint of smoke and almond.

All beans are one hundred percent Arabica and arrive via a trusted Belgian importer who selects for the highest cupping scores. Origin, variety, and altitude are clearly printed on the bag, ensuring traceability. Roasting, blending, grinding, and packing happen under one roof; there are literally minutes, not days, between roasting and sealing. Internal cupping panels taste every lot before it reaches the shop. Thanks to this strict quality control, De Pelikaan has repeatedly earned awards and the trust of generations of customers.

The shop serves as Zutphen’s living room. In the adjoining tasting room, professional baristas prepare cappuccinos with latte art or brew a filter drip while telling the story of the bean. Visitors join spontaneous tastings and watch sizzling beans through the glass. Entrepreneurs from the region receive training and machines, so their guests can taste Pelikaan quality as well. Musical events, such as the jazz performance during the anniversary, strengthen the bond between the roastery and the city.

Future plans focus on sustainable growth. Online sales and the “Pelikaan at Work” program expand the market without compromising craftsmanship. Expect new micro-lots each season and creative house blends alongside trusted classics. Energy-saving roasting technology and recyclable packaging are high on the agenda. With Luc Wassink at the helm alongside his parents, the third generation deploys digital tools to reach a younger audience. At the same time, the motto remains unchanged, the highest quality in every cup. This is how a brand from 1816 stays relevant in 2025 and beyond.