KBC Arnhem (Velp)

KBC Arnhem began in the mid-2010s in Velp as the first Dutch Coffee Experience Center. The small garage quickly grew into a 300 m² coffee mecca at Cruquiusweg 12A in Arnhem. Founder Joost Jorritsma, a former advertising professional and espresso enthusiast, combined sales, repairs and the roastery under one roof. His premise is clear, everything done Italian-style, but with Dutch precision.

The move in 2019 marked a new phase. Thanks to the extra space, KBC could increase production, set up a generous showroom and offer more barista training sessions. Visitors smell freshly roasted beans as soon as they enter and see the Giesen roaster in action. This way coffee becomes not a product, but an experience.

KBC opts for artisanal slow roasting. A classic espresso roast cycle takes about 12.5 minutes at around 200 °C until the first "pop". The low temperature and long time develop complex aromas without a bitter aftertaste. Each batch is roasted in small quantities at least twice a week, so customers always taste fresh coffee.

Transparency is central. Visitors can see how green beans from Brazil, India or Indonesia are weighed, blended and immediately cooled. The recipe is not a secret, on the contrary, sharing knowledge builds trust and reveals how much craftsmanship is contained in a cup.

Italian-inspired blends bear names such as Milano and Verona. Milano combines high-quality robusta with arabica, delivers a full mocha flavor and shines in cappuccinos. Verona is milder, with a gentle finish and spicy notes, popular with lovers of refinement.

For filter fans KBC roasts single-estate beans light to medium. Brasil Santos shows soft floral and citrus notes, while microlots from Honduras or Ethiopia bring varying fruit accents. Thanks to one-way valves in the packaging these beans stay fresh for at least three months, although KBC recommends consumption within six weeks for optimal results.

KBC consciously pays higher prices for green coffee, about €15.75 per kilo for Milano compared with €6 to €7 in supermarkets. According to Jorritsma a fair supply chain cannot be cheaper without harming farmers' incomes. Better payment yields better quality, a cycle from which everyone benefits.

Freshness doesn't end at roasting. KBC sells only whole beans; ground coffee loses its aroma within twenty minutes, after all. Workshops and clear brewing advice help customers achieve the same quality at home in the cup.

The roastery functions as a coffee playground where Bram, the roastmaster, and Joost test new beans and profiles. Mini-batches of microlots lead to seasonal specials or collaborations, such as the house blend for Espressobar BOON. Sample packs of three variants encourage feedback on which KBC fine-tunes its assortment.

KBC shares knowledge through barista workshops, latte-art classes and SCA-certified courses. Many Arnhem baristas received their first official training here. Open cuppings on Fridays make specialty coffee accessible to a wide audience and cultivate demand for better coffee in the region.

In addition, the team supports local events with mobile espresso bars and sponsors bike rides under the motto 'Coffee & Cycling'. In this way KBC connects sport, community and coffee in one fresh experience.

• Slow, precise roasting for balanced flavours
• Open kitchen, customers see every step from bean to bag
• Fair prices ensure a higher income stream for farmers
• Continuous innovation with limited editions and sample packs
• SCA training raises regional coffee expertise

With extra space and an 'apprentice coffee roaster' on the payroll, KBC is ready for further growth. New equipment will increase capacity, while an online subscription service could deliver fresh beans to customers' homes monthly. More tastings, micro-lot releases and community events are also on the horizon.

One thing remains the same: the focus on flavour, freshness and fair trade. Those who follow the coffee experience in the Netherlands keep an eye on KBC Arnhem. The micro-roaster proves that passion, craftsmanship and transparency go hand in hand with healthy growth.