The acquisition sees Kaldi founder Hans Tietema step away from the business after 25 years, with Martijn Bas and Guus Groeneveld planning a new phase of growth for the 26-store coffee chain
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Kaldi currently operates 25 outlets in the Netherlands | Photo credit: Kaldi Koffie
Dutch specialty coffee chain and roaster Kaldi Koffie is under new management after being acquired by hospitality entrepreneurs Martijn Bas and Guus Groeneveld.
The move sees Kaldi Founder Hans Tietema step away from the business 25 years after opening the chain’s first store in Zwolle. Kaldi currently has 25 outlets in the Netherlands, a fleet of mobile coffee carts for event hire and a single site in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – which opened in 2021.
In a LinkedIn post, Tietema cited Bas and Groeneveld’s enthusiasm and hospitality experience as key qualities which will enable Kaldi to grow to the next level.
“I am extremely proud of what we have built together. From a local idea in Zwolle to an established name in Dutch coffee culture – it has been an amazing journey. With Martijn and Guus at the helm, I know that Kaldi is in good hands and ready for the future,” Tietema said.
Bas and Groeneveld currently serve as co-owners of Dutch all day café concept Blend Haarlem. Bas is also owner of Gelderland-based hotel Boetiek hotel BonAparte, while Groeneveld has run the barista training school GUUS Koffie since 2016.
Bas will be responsible for the daily management of Kaldi while Groeneveld – a SCA certified barista trainer – will lead quality assurance and franchisee support programmes.
From 1 February 2025, the barista training events of GUUS Koffie will fall under the remit of Kaldi.