A shared approach with JRE - Julius Meinl x JRE - Limited edition coffee blend
With over 160 years of heritage, Julius Meinl is one of the oldest coffee roasters in the world, deeply rooted in Vienna’s renowned coffee house culture. Founded in 1862, the family-owned company has built its reputation on a consistent dedication to quality, passed down through five generations. Today, its coffees and teas are served in more than 50,000 hotels, restaurants, and cafés across 70 countries.
From Vienna’s Coffee Houses to Modern Gastronomy
This long-standing expertise in sourcing, blending, and roasting continues to shape Julius Meinl’s approach today. What began in Vienna’s historic coffee houses has evolved alongside the expectations of contemporary gastronomy, where every element of the guest experience is considered with greater intention, including what is served in the cup.
On Stage at the JRE Congress
At the JRE Congress 2026 in Cologne, this perspective came to life through a masterclass led by Montse Rodriguez, Global Marketing Product Specialist and Global HoReCa Coffee Academy Manager.
The session explored how coffee and tea can move beyond their traditional role to become a memorable part of the fine dining experience. Through the live preparation of two signature serves, one coffee-based and one tea-based, the audience experienced how flavour, technique, and presentation can elevate these beverages within modern dining concepts.
The demonstration transitioned into an on-stage conversation, offering deeper insight into Julius Meinl’s heritage, current trends, and the evolving role of coffee and tea in shaping the overall guest journey.
A Shared Approach with JRE
This way of thinking is also reflected in the collaboration between Julius Meinl and JRE. Together, they developed a limited-edition espresso blend, roasted in Vienna and crafted with fine dining in mind.
Made from 100 percent Arabica beans, the blend brings together five distinctive origins, Ethiopia, Kenya, Colombia, Guatemala, and Brazil, each contributing to a balanced and layered profile. In the cup, it reveals notes of gentle spice, rich chocolate, roasted peanuts, and soft caramel with hints of malt, resulting in a smooth, full-bodied espresso.
Quality and Responsibility, Hand in Hand
The collaboration goes beyond flavour alone. It also reflects a shared commitment to responsible sourcing and long-term sustainability. The blend supports the Julius Meinl Generations Programme and aligns with the company’s broader approach, where quality and responsibility are closely connected.
This is further demonstrated through The Originals Bio Fairtrade range, a double-certified concept developed for the hospitality sector. Combining organic and Fairtrade certification, the range shows how sustainability can be integrated without compromising on taste, an approach recognised by the International Taste Institute with the Superior Taste Award in both 2025 and 2026.
Shaping the Future of Coffee in Gastronomy
At the JRE Congress, Julius Meinl contributed to a wider dialogue about how gastronomy continues to evolve. By bringing together heritage, craftsmanship, and a forward-looking perspective, the brand highlighted how coffee and tea can play a more deliberate role within the dining experience.
