Tchibo Acquires UK’s Leading Independent Coffee Roaster
Matthew Algie, the UK’s leading independent coffee roaster, has been acquired by the family-owned German coffee and food service business Tchibo, which is one of the six biggest coffee roasting companies in the world. Both parties have hailed the deal as complementary to their respective brands and customers across the UK and Ireland. The financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.
For Tchibo, the deal illustrates the multinational’s desire to further grow its coffee service business in the UK. The senior management team of Tchibo cited a number of key attractions to Glasgow-based Matthew Algie; its dedication to ethical trading and ‘Triple Accreditation’, its leading-edge training operations and technical customer support; and the opportunity to grow Matthew Algie’s Espresso Warehouse brand, potentially across Europe.
Matthew Algie will continue to operate as a standalone entity but with the platform for further expansion and innovation, building on its impressive growth in recent years. The company employs 220 people and is now one of the UK’s leading suppliers to the UK and Ireland food service markets, recognised for its technical expertise, approach to sustainable coffee sourcing, and excellent customer service. In 2014 it celebrated its 150th anniversary.
The deal with Tchibo will see the Matthew Algie brand retained in the UK with the company continuing to be run by its existing management team. Tchibo will use the acquisition to expand its operations in the UK and Ireland.
The global coffee service business of Tchibo was founded in 1972 with the clear long term strategy to build an international coffee service business. This year Tchibo Coffee Service UK celebrates its 25th anniversary. It came to the UK in 1991 as part of an international growth programme. The operation currently includes a coffee food service offer to sectors such as forecourts, hotels and offices. Tchibo employs more than 150 people in the UK.
Established in 1864 as a tea blender and wholesaler, Matthew Algie has driven innovation and ethical trading in the UK coffee market, including the introduction of the UK’s first Fairtrade espresso bean. In 2004 the firm launched the UK’s first Triple Certified espresso: Fairtrade, organic, and Rainforest Alliance.
Beyond coffee roasting, the acquisition will allow Matthew Algie to grow its Espresso Warehouse brand which sells associated products and equipment to cafes, restaurants and hotels.
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Pictured (L-R): Nick Snow, Managing Director of Tchibo Coffee Service, with Gary Nicol, Chief Executive of Matthew Algie.
