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Copenhagen · Denmark

The Coffee Collective

Since 2007 · Klaus Thomsen, Peter N. Dupont, Casper Engel Rasmussen, Linus Törsäter

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Overview

The Coffee Collective was founded in Copenhagen in 2007 by Klaus Thomsen (2006 World Barista Champion), Peter N. Dupont, and Casper Engel Rasmussen (2008 World Cup Tasters Champion), with architect Linus Törsäter as a fourth co-founder responsible for design. After 17 years founder-led, Rebecca Vang joined as CEO in 2024 while the three operating founders retained 100% ownership.

Known for

  • Trademarked Direct Trade as a roaster-side standard, with published prices and farmer payments well above Fair Trade
  • Klaus Thomsen — 2006 World Barista Champion (fourth Dane in five years to win)
  • Casper Engel Rasmussen — 2008 World Cup Tasters Champion
  • Loring smart-roast machinery selected for both control and lower emissions
  • Eight cafes across Copenhagen plus one in Aarhus, including the Torvehallerne market bar
  • Founder-owned, no outside investors, by deliberate design

Why it matters

The Coffee Collective is the European reference point for what direct trade looks like when the roaster commits to transparency as a non-negotiable rather than a marketing claim. Klaus Thomsen's 2006 WBC win and the team's competition pedigree gave the company immediate credibility, and the deliberate decision to refuse outside investment kept the founder-led structure intact for 17 years. Most other peers can't say the same.

Production

head roaster
Casper Engel Rasmussen (Roastery Manager / Roast Master)
roaster machine
Loring (after starting on 12kg Probats)
roastery location
Frederiksberg, Copenhagen (Godthåbsvej HQ with adjoining cafe)

Café

This roaster operates a café.

Recognitions

  • Klaus Thomsen — World Barista Champion (2006)
  • Casper Engel Rasmussen — World Cup Tasters Champion (2008)
  • Trademarked Direct Trade as a roaster-side certification standard

Sources

More roasters