the case for rotterdam as the #1 coffee city in the netherlands

This talk dives into Rotterdam’s growing coffee scene, exploring its development, unique character, and future potential. Together we’ll ask: what makes Rotterdam stand out in the Dutch coffee landscape, and how can it become a key player nationally? We’ll look at where innovation happens, who the key actors are, how collaboration drives the community, and what challenges lie ahead.

Gijsbregt Brouwer is the leading Dutch food trendwatcher, writer, and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience at the crossroads of gastronomy, hospitality, and consumer culture. He has built a reputation for spotting emerging movements long before they hit the mainstream. Gijsbregt is a sought-after keynote speaker and advisor to brands, restaurants, and cities on the future of food and drink. He is the founder of de Buik, a culinary media platform covering the food scenes of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague, and Utrecht, and publishes widely on culinary innovation, urban food culture, and the role of technology in shaping how we eat and drink. Beyond his research and media work, he co-hosts the podcast Bekt Lekker, writes books on hospitality, and curates trend tours across Europe and Asia. At the Coffee Festival, he will share his insights into the shifts driving today’s food and beverage landscape, from global consumer trends to local café culture.

Lowik Pieters co-founded Evermore with his parents in 2008, making it the oldest coffee roastery in operation in Rotterdam. He is an Industrial Ecologist and part-time barista. Combining his interest for sustainability analyses and good coffee (and tea!), he likes to be surprised by product innovations that combine taste and transparency. Evermore is a family-owned café and coffee roastery in Rotterdam, specializing in the highest quality single-origin tea, coffee, and chocolate. We strive to ensure the entire supply chain is happy and transparent with our products. This challenge requires us to prioritize organic products and direct contact with farmers whenever possible .

Esther Maasdam is a Dutch coffee and hospitality specialist and a co-founder of Manhattan Coffee Roasters — a barista, coffee roaster, and all-round “coffee connoisseur.” Since 2004, she has dedicated her work to introducing people to speciality coffee, serving at events across the globe from Rio de Janeiro to Shanghai and throughout Europe.

The moderator Isabelle is the founder of LeRine, where she and her team focus on building community through specialty coffee. Beyond competitions, they launched Cafe Courant, a print publication that shares stories, knowledge, and inspiration from the coffee world. Their goal is simple: to connect people, spark conversations, and celebrate the craft we all love.

This talk is in Dutch.

No registration required. Just make sure you grab a festival ticket here.