Zwarte Roes

Since 2017 Zwarte Roes has shown that small-scale roasting and big ambitions go hand in hand. The West Frisian micro-brand is building an honest coffee chain without sacrificing flavour or experience. This combination appeals to both baristas and curious home drinkers.

Founders Marvin and Eline returned from a two-year world trip with two insights: Australian cafés showed how refined coffee can taste, while South American plantations exposed the harsh reality of low prices for farmers. Those contrasts led to their goal, "ultimate taste, fair profit". Since then every bean has been purchased at a premium above the market price, so producers earn a livable income.

The name Zwarte Roes refers to the euphoria of a good cup. That buzz should bring joy not only to coffee drinkers but also to farmers. That idea is echoed in the slogan "making people happy since 2017".

Freshness is central. Each shipment leaves the roastery in Zwaag within seven days of roasting; the date is clearly printed on the bag. Slow roasting gives the flavor compounds time to develop, allowing bitterness to give way to layered aromas. The result is a consistent product that reaches its peak in living rooms and espresso bars across Europe.

The omni-roast approach makes a single profile suitable for both espresso and filter. Thus Brasil Mantiqueira shows its hazelnut and milk-chocolate tones in a cappuccino and in a V60. By deliberately staying small, Marvin monitors each batch personally through cuppings and adjustments by harvest year.

Blend No.1 is the flagship: a creamy medium roast with dark chocolate and caramel. The blend is 60% Brazilian Capricornio beans, complemented by fruity Colombian origin to add complexity. Thanks to that balance, Blend No.1 has been the best-selling product for years.

Those who prefer a pronounced single origin can choose Burundi Kirezi with lime-like freshness or Ethiopia Sidamo with citrus and floral notes. Each season micro-lots appear, such as the Colombian "El Ridículo", number 3 in the Huila Mágico competition, which offers marzipan and lemonade nuances.

Zwarte Roes is constantly searching for new taste dimensions. One example is Strawberry Haze, where beans were fermented with dried strawberries. This technique yields a cup full of strawberry, milk chocolate and a touch of malic acidity. Other projects, like the double-fermented "California Love", show how far people dare to go to reinvent espresso.

More than 98% of the beans come through direct trade or transparent importers. Long-term contracts give farmers security and room to invest in quality. Friendships, such as the one with Colombian grower Shady, lead to exclusive nano-lots and joint experiments. By putting each farmer's story on the packaging, Zwarte Roes connects the consumer with the origin.

In the coming years the brand wants to expand its range with award-winning origins and innovative processing methods, without compromising on small scale. A concept store is on the wish list so enthusiasts can experience the roaster experience live. At the same time the team is exploring ways to package more sustainably and possibly roast in a CO₂-neutral way.

- Small volumes, high control guarantee consistent quality.

- Payment based on cupping scores improves farmers' incomes.

- Roasting to order minimizes inventory and maximizes freshness.

- Storytelling and transparent data build trust with consumers.

- Experimental fermentations broaden the flavor palette and keep the market curious.

Zwarte Roes proves that idealism and craftsmanship can be profitable. By rewarding farmers fairly, surprising coffee lovers and constantly innovating, the roaster sets a tone the industry cannot ignore. Every sip now and in the future tells the same story: good coffee makes everyone a little happier.