Local Makers: Zuivere Koffie
The tastiest cookies, prettiest puzzles, cleverest cutting boards, purest coffee and most sustainable belts—all crafted by Amsterdam-based makers. But how do they go about their craft? And what makes their products so special? In this edition, we look at the makers behind Zuivere Koffie. We interviewed the founder, Jemuel Lempe, and Operations Director, Linda Tammerijn, about the origins of Zuivere Koffie. But first, check out this video to learn all about the production process of this local coffee.
New opportunities
A coffee roastery in a prison? Unsurprisingly, there’s a fascinating story behind this unique concept. Jemuel Lampe had a turbulent youth, which led him down a criminal path, and eventually, to prison. At some point, he decided enough was enough. "I finally found the right path and an entrepreneur who believed in me. Someone who believed in me? I hadn’t encountered that very often," says Jemuel. Over eight years ago, he was given the opportunity to start the very first coffee roastery in a prison in Heerhugowaard. Today, it offers motivated (ex-)prisoners a chance to learn a craft and successfully reintegrate into society.
A brew from behind bars
The coffee roastery is now located within the Zaanstad judicial complex. Behind heavily secured doors are 24 large workspaces. As you walk through, the aroma of freshly roasted coffee greets you. Emblazoned on the walls is the slogan: "It's not true that once a criminal, always a criminal. You can actually change your life." The Zuivere Koffie workspace starkly contrasts with the rest of the prison. "With coloured walls and a barista bar where prison staff can grab a cup of coffee, it feels as if you’re back outside and working on your skills," explains Operations Director Linda Tammerijn. One of Jemuel's favourite anecdotes came from a cleaner working there. "You can tell there are no prisoners here," he remarked. "The atmosphere is totally different."
Positivity wins
"We teach the coffee craft to as many people as possible. Around 16 men work in the roastery each day, divided into two four-hour shifts," Jemuel explains. "It’s shocking to know that 47% of ex-prisoners in the Netherlands who were released in 2017 reoffended within two years. Some 26.5% ended up back in prison within two years (WODC, 2021). Prisoners often have no choice, no chance and no prospect of improvement," says Linda. Zuivere Koffie proves that things can be different. It ensures that prisoners not only receive meaningful work but are also offered a learning pathway and prospects after their detention ends. To date, 100 candidates have participated, and there’s even a waiting list of enthusiastic prisoners who want to join the programme.
The driven team behind Zuivere Koffie is full of beans, always grinding out new ideas. In addition to roasting coffee, they also make various types of cakes and brownies. Zuivere Koffie also has a tea line, packaged by the prisoners of the women’s prison in Nieuwersluis. To top it off, Zuivere Koffie recently opened a coffee café in Amsterdam at Haarlemmerdijk 14L. Now, everyone can enjoy a flavourful cup of coffee that’s stirring up a big change.
The I amsterdam Store, your go-to shop for Amsterdam gifts, gives a platform to the stories of local makers like Zuivere Koffie. You’ll find us at the back of Central Station, in the IJ-hal.
