Johann Jacobs (1869-1958) was born in a rural community outside Bremen, Germany. In 1895, he established Jacobs Kaffee, which would become one of Europe's leading coffee companies. Jacobs initially opened a small coffee shop where he sold coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate, and biscuits. Recognizing the potential of offering freshly roasted coffee, he began roasting his own beans. This innovation led to the Jacobs name becoming synonymous with quality coffee throughout much of Europe.
In 1930, Johann’s nephew, Walther Jacobs, joined the firm. Walther brought with him insights from the United States, particularly the importance of advertising. With his fresh perspective, the company adopted aggressive sales techniques, slick packaging, and memorable slogans like “Jacobs Kaffee – satisfaction Down to the Last Bean.” These strategies helped the company expand significantly, even during the challenging times of Hitler’s Third Reich.
The company's growth continued throughout the 20th century. In 1982, Jacobs Kaffee merged with the Swiss company Suchard-Tobler, forming Jacobs Suchard. This merger expanded Jacobs' reach further into the European market, combining their coffee expertise with Suchard's confectionery knowledge. Today, the legacy of Johann Jacobs lives on, with Jacobs Kaffee remaining a prominent brand in the global coffee market, known for its commitment to quality and innovation.
The Legacy of Johann Jacobs: From Rural Beginnings to a Coffee Empire
