Having been in operation for more than two hundred years, the Miko Coffee Company is one of the oldest coffee roasters in Belgium. Though it’s been a while since we’ve heard about Miko, we’ve decided to take a deep dive into the company’s history and offer some insights and interesting facts for its followers and fans alike.
As you might have guessed, Miko Coffee wasn’t set up in a day. It all started back in 1801 in Turnhout, Belgium when a man by the name of Leo Michielsen opened the grocery store which was the beginning of the Miko journey. Deciding to capitalise on the success of their coffee sales, Leo Michelson and his son launched a coffee roasting enterprise on the side. This coffee roasting business was extremely successful, selling not only across Belgium but also exporting coffee to other countries. The supermarket grew into a warehouse with hundreds of thousands of pounds in inventory. For the next 150 years, Michelson’s descendants continued to run the store.
The WW2 Era
With the world headed toward war, the decision to launch a coffee roasting enterprise during the 1930s may have seemed ill-advised – but it was this decision that actually cemented the future. WW2 caused shortages of rubber, metal, clothing and food, particularly the import of fine goods (which included coffee). As a result, locals needed to rely on what they could grow in their own country to fill the gaps. Miko roasted acorns to create an ersatz coffee substitute which was widely drunk in Belgium until the end of the war when traditional coffee beans were once again available. It was this ersatz coffee that allowed Miko to remain profitable even through times of strife.
The Best Beans In Belgium
From humble beginnings, Miko coffee has emerged as a premier provider of coffee beans, capsules, filters and more. With a wide variety of artisan roasted beans from over ten countries, Miko’s coffee has garnered the very best ratings from both professional and amateur taste testers alike. The secret? The unique flavour profiles:
Fairtrade
Sold under the label Puro Fairtrade Coffee is 100% certified fair trade and sourced from farms in Ethiopia, Guatemala and Costa Rica. The company ensures that the farmers receive a fair price for their beans and that they receive labour and training in order to improve their cultivation techniques and their quality.
Traditionally Italian
A medium blend, traditionally Italian, is roasted and ground to perfection. Sourced from the finest beans, this is a favourite with many loyal customers. It’s the perfect blend for those who enjoy a strong espresso or mild cappuccino.
Hand Roasted
The secret to Miko Coffee’s flavourful beans is the hands-on approach to roasting. Every bean is roasted using traditional artisan methods, ensuring that each bean receives maximum heat and flavour. The result? A smooth and refined cup of specialty coffee.
For over 200 years, Miko Coffee has been a staple in homes and offices across Belgium. And with a loyal customer base, it’s no surprise that Miko is an international coffee company. At Corporate Coffee Solutions, we believe in only supplying the best quality products, and our range of coffee beans are no exception. To learn more about Miko Coffee and stay up to date with other coffee-related news, be sure to subscribe to our blog today!
