Kaffee Hag

From humble beginnings to a global brand, the story of Kaffee Hag unfolds right here in Bremen. Kaffee Hag wasn’t just a coffee company. It was a testament to innovation and resilience. In 1906, Ludwig Roselius founded Kaffee-Handels-Aktiengesellschaft, or Kaffee Hag, in Bremen’s timber port. Driven by a personal tragedy, the death of his father attributed to excessive coffee consumption, Roselius pioneered the decaffeination process. He partnered with Karl Wimmer, a chemist, and Johann Friedrich Meyer, a chemistry student, to develop the first commercial decaffeination method. This groundbreaking innovation set the stage for Kaffee Hag’s global success. The first factory, built in 1907, processed an impressive 13,000 pounds of coffee daily. Imagine the aroma of freshly roasted beans filling the air. This innovative factory even employed conveyor belts, a novelty at the time. Roselius was a marketing visionary. He understood the importance of a consistent brand identity. Early slogans like “Stahlharte Nerven durch Sport und Kaffee HAG” (Steely nerves through sport and Kaffee HAG) captured public attention. Kaffee Hag even appeared in cinema advertisements during the silent film era. Kaffee Hag’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. World War I brought production to a halt. Undeterred, Roselius found alternative uses for his machinery, turning to wood processing. Production resumed in 1922. However, it took four years to regain pre-war levels. Undeterred, Roselius expanded the company’s portfolio, introducing Kaba cocoa powder in 1929 and Onko coffee in 1950. The original Kaffee Hag factory buildings stand as a testament to this rich history. Now protected as Bremen monuments, they offer a glimpse into the past. Look for the old company logos peeking through the vegetation. They serve as a reminder of Kaffee Hag’s enduring legacy. The story of Kaffee Hag is a story of innovation, resilience, and a cup of coffee that changed the world.