the bitter truth
As the global demand for coffee increases, so do coffee plantations destroying -rainforests at a critical rate. Recent research from WWF ranks coffee as number 6 on the list of leading causes of deforestation.
In collaboration with the University of Amsterdam, we’re currently getting to the bottom of this; investigating the deeper consequences of increasing coffee production. The first results are alarming. We enjoy our daily shot of energy at the expense of our planet’s biodiversity.
Over the years, we’ve seen beautiful initiatives such as the stimulation of organic plantations or increasing the coffee yield per hectare. However, the reality is that in order to really combat deforestation, these evolutions are not enough.
We need more than an evolution of coffee,
we need a revolution, too.
coffee free
coffee
As food technologists succeed to make meat without animals, we ask ourselves: can we make coffee without beans? What if we could make our favourite elixir from local ingredients?
Coffee is a unique gift of nature. Whether you adore your filter coffee at home, prefer a barista’s cappuccino or an Italian espresso at the bar – nothing should change about those delicious moments.
We want everyone to keep enjoying their beloved coffee rituals, minus the aftertaste of deforestation.
Energising. Sustainable. Combating deforestation.
But most of all: delicious.
Bottoms up.
the future of coffee
As true explorers, we’re on a quest to research all components in all edible non-tropical plants. From our lab at the World Food Center, we work in close collaboration with Wageningen University & Research and our leading food technology partners to find answers to our big question: what molecules are promising building blocks to mimic that signature coffee flavour?
In the coming years, we’ll pour ourselves into developing a delicious cup of coffee, indistinguishable from what you’re currently enjoying.
product releases
 | Phase 1 We’re currently finetuning the beta version of our Coffee Free Coffee innovation. Very soon, we’ll start testing the first outcomes. Subscribe below to become part of our taste panel. |
| Phase 2 Next, we will release our 1.0 version: a very much coffee-like product made out of non-tropical ingredients – available to a broader audience. |
| Phase 3 It doesn’t stop with the release of the 1.0 version. In the following years, our Research & Development team will continue their quest for the perfect formula. Testing and releasing updates, until we find a truly indistinguishable coffee imitation. |
In each of these phases we will produce all usual coffee variants: espresso and filter grinds, compostable capsules, solubles and a range of specialties.
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careers
Join our quest for the perfect, harm-free cup of coffee.
Vacancies at our lab at the World Food Center, located in the Netherlands’ Food Valley.
Founders
meet our coffee-loving futurists
We’re four entrepreneurial food professionals, together with our team we sink our teeth into revolutionising the food industry. Leading up to our efforts to combat deforestation with Northern Wonder, we successfully launched Chikko; a single-source coffee substitute, made from roasted chicory. With Northern Wonder, we take it to the next level: investing in the long-term research and development of an indistinguishable coffee-like innovation.
David Klingen
CEO
Energised by his vision of a healthier planet, David spends his days reshaping our food industry’s unsustainable processes. After the worldwide success of his clarified butter brand Ghee-Easy, he now pours his energy into revolutionising the perfect cup of coffee: “The ultimate goal is improvement without compromising on taste.”
Onno Franse
Research & Development
With over 40 years of experience in the food industry, Onno is a walking encyclopedia with an incredible network in R&D. Besides his technical knowledge, he knows how to translate products into branding that resonates. Onno is always 10 years ahead of his time; with his clairvoyant vision of sustainability, he’ll lead Northern Wonder’s R&D team into the future.
Andreas Giel
Operations
Andreas and David are childhood friends and previously founded Ghee Easy together. Andreas’ passionate hands-on attitude led to multiple COO roles in the fields of food processing and R&D. With a wealth of knowledge about production, IT, supply chain and beyond – he makes sure all processes at Northern Wonder run smoothly.
Bas Franse
Finance
A true finance heavy-weight, Bas is responsible for all things money. After many years as Partner at PWC, he followed his venturous spirit out of the building, into a life of entrepreneurship. He’s passionate about Northern Wonder’s potential for growth and so these coming years, Bas will lead Northern Wonder’s fund raising to make that a reality.
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Northern Wonder
World Food Center
Nieuwe Kazernelaan 2, D85
6711 JC Ede
The Netherlands
+31 850 470 293
General inquiries
David Klingen
david@northern-wonder.com
Investment inquiries
Bas Franse
bas@northern-wonder.com