Theodor von Gimborn

In the quiet town of Emmerich, Germany, a legacy of aroma and precision began in 1832. Van Gülpen Coffee Roasters didn't start with the sleek machines we see today; they began as humble green coffee importers. In those early years, the kitchen was the roastery, with families browning beans at home. It took a visionary son and a partnership with Theodor von Gimborn to move roasting from the garage to a grand scale, a collaboration that birthed the legendary Probat company. The Survival of Craft Over Commodity The mid-20th century brought a brutal storm. By the 1960s, Germany was gripped by a coffee price war that favored cheap, mass-produced beans. This race to the bottom decimated the industry, shrinking over a thousand roasteries down to a mere handful. While others compromised quality to stay afloat, the grandfather of current owner Lutz Reinhart-van Gülpen made a radical choice. He pivoted entirely toward gourmet, or what we now call specialty coffee, ensuring that craft would never be sacrificed for cost. Embracing the Third Wave Transitioning a historical titan into the modern era requires a delicate touch. Five years ago, the company rebranded to reflect its "third wave" identity, focusing on the inherent elegance and cleanliness of the bean. They shifted their focus to Kenyan Coffee and other single-origin gems, celebrating the natural sweetness and acidity that only light, careful roasting can preserve. This wasn't just a marketing change; it was a deeper commitment to the potential of every cherry. Engineering the Perfect Roast Walking through the roastery is a journey through time. The massive Probat G90 from 1939 still hums with life, its sturdy iron frame handling up to 70 kilos of beans with surprising smoothness. Yet, right alongside this vintage giant sits the modern Probat UG22. This blend of old-world hardware and modern roasting philosophy—aiming for light yet fully developed profiles—defines their current identity. Respecting the Heritage The lesson from Van Gülpen is clear: true quality is a long game. By respecting the raw ingredient and refusing to participate in the devaluation of their craft, they turned a family business into a living museum of excellence. They prove that you can honor 1832 while roasting for the sophisticated palate of 2024, provided you never lose sight of the freshness and sweetness in the cup.