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Velvet Coffee began in Cafe Velvet, whose inception was rooted in a simple belief: Colombian coffee truly shines when savoured in its native soil. As a nation poised to become brewing and tasting experts, we believe that the best Colombian coffees should be available to those who have worked so hard to give the world these delicious brews.
Fuelled by this passion, we introduced Café Velvet in 2014, nestled in the scenic El Poblado district of Medellin, quickly earning our stripes as a hallmark of third wave coffee culture in the city.
Over time as our aspirations evolved, we committed to building an entire coffee chain - thus, Velvet Coffee.
Guided by our vision, we channel the profits from our Colombian operation into direct purchases from the very farmers who cultivate our beans. We proudly prepay 100% for all our Colombian selections in full, compensating the growers directly in their local currency.
From there, the coffee goes in one straight line to either our Itagüí roastery or its Brussels counterpart. Our Itagüí roastery is dedicated exclusively to serving our Colombian 'tienda de café'. The true delight, though, is when the coffee producers themselves stroll into Cafe Velvet and together, over a delectable brew, we exchange tales and trends from the ever-evolving world of coffee. This moment truly captures the spirit of Velvet Coffee as its own hallmark third world, third wave specialty coffee.
The tale of Velvet Coffee is a journey through two continents - an ode to the love and dedication poured into every bean. From the warm terrains of Colombia to the artisanal roastery in Belgium, it’s a story of passion, persistence, and a shared love for coffee.
At Velvet Coffee, we are devoted to bridging worlds through our brews. Harnessing the soulful essence of Colombian beans and the meticulous craftsmanship of Belgium roasting, we serve not just a cup, but a journey. Our commitment is to consistently provide an unparalleled coffee experience, echoing the tales of two rich cultures and bringing communities together.
In a bittersweet closure that marked the end of an era, Café Velvet shuttered its doors towards the close of 2023. This was a strategic business pivot undertaken by Velvet Coffee's founder, Ilse Geyskens, in order to allow Velvet Coffee to refine its focus on wholesale operations, amplifying the brand presence within other coffee businesses globally.
Amidst this transition, a groundbreaking venture emerged in December 2023 - Voort x Velvet.
Along the vibrant street of Rue Antoine Dansaert, Brussels, this novel fashion-and-coffee concept intertwines the rich, aromatic world of coffee with high fashion. This collaboration with the esteemed luxury fashion brand, Voort Studio, innovates two distinct cultural fronts and celebrates the fusion of craftsmanship.
At the helm of Voort Studio is Claire Vandervoort, whose creativity and eye for style infuse the venture with dynamism and flair. Claire’s lineage as the daughter of Velvet's founder Ilse imbues the project with a sense of heritage and continuity.
This mother-daughter collaboration flourishes in a legacy of creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.
Voort x Velvet symbolises not just the physical manifestation of a novel concept but represents the evolutionary journey of Velvet Coffee.
As Velvet Coffee further embraces this new chapter, our journey into the wholesale landscape intensifies. We are dedicated to crafting unique, meticulously roasted beans that cater to the discerning palates of our clientele. In anticipation of future endeavours, we also set our sights on exploring the realm of green coffees, promising an exciting expansion of our coffee portfolio.
Experience this new concept and give us a visit!
Voort x Velvet
Rue Antoine Dansaert 54, 1000
Bruxelles, Belgium
