Company: A Matter of Concrete

Position: Founder

In 2012, Rob Clarijs found himself in Copenhagen during an internship, where coffee was just a morning fuel. A memorable moment at a local cafe changed the course of his relationship with coffee. Walking in for the second time that week, the barista recognised him, remembered his order, creating a sense of warmth and welcome beyond the ordinary. In that seemingly small gesture, he discovered the profound value a cup of coffee could bring.

From that transformative moment, a passion for coffee ignited within Rob Clarijs. Over a decade has passed since, and his journey in the coffee industry has been nothing short of a thrilling ride. Venturing into launching numerous brands, establishing companies, and competing in various coffee competitions, he stood on the winner's podium on several occasions, with the pinnacle of his achievements being the honour of winning Coffee Masters London in 2019.

Eight years as a dedicated roaster and six years as a coffee entrepreneur paved the way for his ultimate dream— the inception of A Matter of Concrete. This roastery is a realisation of the inspiration and ideas he gathered from coffee cultures around the world throughout his extensive career.

Rob Clarijs's love for the boundless world of coffee knows no bounds. It's a realm where every day brings the opportunity to learn something new. For him, the key is to never stand still—always embracing the dynamic and ever-evolving nature of coffee.