Living in the Netherlands, we are all familiar with the Dutch tradition of coffee breaks. So it comes as no surprise that a Dutch company, Douwe Egberts, is among the top-three coffee roasters in the world.
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This company first started in 1753, selling tea, coffee and tobacco to local villagers in Joure, Netherlands. Now, it has 11 speciality cafés across the country, and many more all over the world. Most local supermarkets stock their coffee and tea products and their name is synonymous with quality. Fortunately, one of their cafés, which was recently renovated and moved from the oude market (old market) to its new location on the Raadhuistraat 12 is within a short walking distance from the van Heekplein in Enschede. Douwe Egbert's coffee beans come from all over the world and are roasted to perfection. In fact, by using their website, it is possible to trace back the coffee in each individual pack to the actual farm where the coffee beans were grown. But, what makes these 11 coffee and gift stores stand-out from the products found in supermarkets? Certainly, the abundance of coffee-making accessories and gift products that they have to offer is one good reason. They offer decorated tea pots, coffee products and silver-plated spoons. Jostling for space in this lovely store are exotic-flavored chocolates, tea sugars, and the latest collections of designer plates and cups. With each purchase, customers can earn points, which can be redeemed for a free gift or a discount towards the purchase of products sold in the store. At the beginning of each year, the company publishes a catalog that list the number of points required for a particular item. The coffee and gift store houses a café where you can enjoy the taste of homemade chocolate brownies, apple tarts, sandwiches, and fresh-brewed coffee. Douwe Egberts Café is a perfect excuse to drink a mug of steaming coffee and watch the world slowly go by.
