Coffee roaster Matthew Algie swallowed by Tchibo
This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.
Tchibo said the deal – for an undisclosed sum – highlighted its desire to expand its coffee service business in the UK, while flagging the potential to grow Matthew Algie’s Espresso Warehouse brand across Europe.
Matthew Algie, which celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2014 and employs 220 people, will retain its brand and existing management, led by chief executive Gary Nicol. The team also includes sales and marketing director Brian O’Hagan, operations director Peter McGadey and technical director Ewan Reid.
Advertisement
Hide AdAdvertisement
Hide AdNicol said: “We have always worked hard to deliver consistently high quality products and that won’t change going forward. The investment of Tchibo also speaks volumes for the results achieved by our skilled and committed workforce. Our focus remains on our dedication to sustainable sourcing and great tasting coffee for our customers, but now with the complementary experience, products and services and routes to market offered by new partners Tchibo.”
The global coffee service business of Tchibo was founded in 1972 and made its first move into the UK in 1991. Like Matthew Algie, the business is family-owned.
Nick Snow, managing director of Tchibo Coffee Service, said: “Matthew Algie stands out in the UK coffee trade for its unrivalled “farm-to-cup” approach to ethical sourcing, its technical excellence with dedication to staff and customer training, and the opportunity to grow the Espresso Warehouse concept internationally.
“We are very keen to maintain Matthew Algie’s independence while providing it with the opportunity to drive innovation in the UK coffee service market. We will learn a lot from each other while both continuing to grow.”