Making decaf a true choice
Interview with Jens Eckhoff, Managing Director
Decaffeinated coffee has long led a shadowy existence – seen as a compromise rather than a true option. But that perception is changing rapidly. As consumers are becoming more health-conscious and seeking balance in their daily routines, demand for high-quality decaf is on the rise. No longer a niche product, it’s evolving into a conscious, premium choice. One company that has been dedicated to decaffeination from the start is Coffein Compagnie GmbH & Co. KG in Bremen. With more than 90 years of experience and a clear focus on high-quality decaf, the company has established itself as a global leader in its field. Jens Eckhoff, Managing Director, shares insights into the company’s unique position in the market, the growing relevance of decaf – and why its true potential is only just unfolding.
European Business: Dr. Eckhoff, Coffein Compagnie has deep roots in Bremen. How did the company become a global leader in decaffeination?
Jens Eckhoff: Bremen has long been a hub of the global coffee trade and played a key role in the early development of decaffeination. When Ludwig Roselius’s original patent expired, our founder, Dr. Erich Scheele, recognized the potential of this niche and established Coffein Compagnie in 1931. From the beginning, the company focused exclusively on decaffeinating green coffee – never roasting – making us a true specialist in the field. Today, we source raw beans from major producing countries like Brazil, Colombia, and Vietnam, processing them at our main facility in Bremen and at a second site in Vietnam. Around 65% of our decaffeinated coffee is shipped to the U.S., 30% to Europe, and 5% to Asia, where interest in high-quality decaf continues to grow.
European Business: What methods do you use to decaffeinate coffee?
Jens Eckhoff: We offer three primary methods, each tailored to different customer needs. The Hanseatic Water Decaf is a gentle, certified organic process that uses only water and can be used for BIO Decaf. And there’s the Hanseatic Sugarcane method, using naturally derived ethyl acetate, and finally the MC method, a more traditional approach using methylene chloride. The choice depends on the customer’s taste profile, certification requirements, and price expectations. All of our methods are Kosher, Halal, and IFS-certified, and we meet the standards for Rainforest and other sustainability labels.
European Business: Is decaffeinated coffee finally shedding its old image of tasting inferior?
Jens Eckhoff: Yes, definitely. If you start with high-quality beans and apply a clean process, modern decaf is almost indistinguishable from regular coffee in taste. It’s similar to how alcohol-free beer has evolved – today, it’s about enjoying the experience without the side effects. More consumers, especially younger ones, want to drink coffee later in the day without worrying about caffeine. Decaf lets them do that, without sacrificing flavour. In Germany, decaf holds just about 4 to 5% market share. But in the U.S., Spain, or parts of Asia, it can reach 10 to 20%. As awareness grows, more people are discovering that decaf can be a flavourful, healthy alternative.
European Business: How does Coffein Compagnie manage large-scale production in a volatile global market?
Jens Eckhoff: We decaffeinate around 120,000 tons of green coffee annually in Bremen – roughly 6,000 containers moving in and out each year. Our Vietnam facility adds another 30,000 tons. With operations spanning Europe, Asia, and a U.S. sales office, plus an Italian subsidiary that processes the caffeine extracted for the beverage industry, we operate on a truly global scale. Naturally, this scale brings challenges – especially in today’s market. Supply chains have become slower and more expensive, with shipping delays and higher financing needs due to longer transit times. At the same time, green coffee prices have doubled or tripled, and tariff uncertainties, particularly in the U.S., further complicate planning. Managing these factors requires agility, experience, and strong financial discipline.
European Business: What’s your outlook for the future of decaf – and for Coffein Compagnie as a company?
Jens Eckhoff: The future looks promising. Coffee isn’t losing relevance – it’s evolving. More and more people want to enjoy the taste and ritual of coffee throughout the day while being mindful of their caffeine intake. Decaf allows them to do just that – without compromising on flavour or quality. Our goal is to position decaf not as a substitute, but as a conscious, premium choice available in all origins and formats. As a company, we’re well positioned to lead that shift. Founded in 1931 and still family-owned, we’ve built our reputation on consistency, quality, and trust. We are fully certified and operate our own laboratory to ensure product integrity. The coffee industry is close-knit, and our name carries weight. I’ve been with Coffein Compagnie for 35 years – many of my colleagues even longer, some for over 50 years. With around 400 employees worldwide, we take pride in our strong company culture and long-term relationships. That stability is key to delivering excellence, no matter how the market evolves.
European Business: To sum it up – why drink decaf?
Jens Eckhoff: Because it lets you enjoy great coffee any time, without limits. And because when it’s made right, it tastes just as good. Don’t take my word for it – try it.