Ciao Coffee

Ciao Coffee, a Munich-based startup established in early 2024, is strategically positioning itself to redefine the coffee market by addressing the environmental and health concerns associated with traditional coffee bean cultivation. The company was founded by Tobias Hollaus, Felix Hellenberg, Dennis von Bismarck, and Anton Reich, a team of former executives from the successful food-tech company yfood. Their collective experience in the food and beverage industry, combined with a shared passion for coffee and sustainability, spurred the creation of a beanless coffee alternative.

The core of Ciao Coffee's business is the production of coffee alternatives that do not use coffee beans, thereby significantly reducing water consumption and CO2 emissions associated with conventional coffee farming. The company's products are crafted from a blend of locally and European-sourced ingredients, including roasted rye, barley, chicory, and dandelion root, which are selected to replicate the complex flavor profile of traditional coffee. This approach not only shortens the supply chain but also mitigates the price volatility and environmental impact of coffee bean importation. To enhance its products, Ciao Coffee adds functional ingredients like a vitamin B complex and iron, aiming to provide sustained energy without the common caffeine crash.

Ciao Coffee employs a B2C, omnichannel sales strategy, making its products available through both online channels and major retail supermarkets. The initial product line consists of ready-to-drink (RTD) iced coffee beverages, which have already secured listings in over 500 stores in Germany and Austria, including major chains like REWE, EDEKA, and Billa Plus. The company plans to expand its product portfolio to include instant coffee and filter coffee options in the near future. To fund its growth, brand building, and retail expansion, Ciao Coffee secured a mid-six-figure pre-seed funding round in 2024, led by the impact investor network better ventures and supported by several business angels from the consumer goods and retail sectors.

Keywords: beanless coffee, coffee alternative, sustainable beverage, functional drink, food-tech, European ingredients, ready-to-drink, RTD coffee, plant-based coffee, chicory coffee, barley coffee, rye coffee, omnichannel retail, beverage startup, healthy lifestyle, eco-friendly products, food innovation, German startup, Munich-based, low carbon footprint