ROTTERDAM, 24 September 2024 – An international journey led Rotterdam-based entrepreneur Hans Mosselman to discover a unique and sustainable ingredient: cascara. Now, he aims to introduce this little-known product to the Dutch market, beginning in the city he calls home.
A taste of Colombia in Rotterdam
Hans Mosselman’s venture, Zabroni, did not start as an idea for a new product. It began with a trip to Colombia and a chance encounter on a coffee farm. Initially interested in importing specialty coffee, Mosselman stumbled upon cascara, the dried skin of the coffee cherry, which is usually discarded or left on the ground by farmers. Intrigued by its distinctive flavour and sustainability potential, he saw an opportunity to bring a novel taste to the Netherlands.
“I came across cascara when I visited a coffee farm in Colombia,” Mosselman explains. “I was thinking about importing specialty coffee, but I found this product intriguing because it has a unique flavour, some health benefits, and it’s very sustainable.” Choosing Rotterdam as the launch city for Zabroni was a natural decision. “Not only do we live here, but Rotterdam is also very open to new products. There is already a lot going on in terms of sustainability, with companies like Blue City and Rotterzwam.”
Navigating challenges in a new market
Introducing a product that is largely unknown in the European market posed its own set of challenges. Mosselman notes that finding cascara with the right quality and flavour profile was difficult. The lack of familiarity with the product among suppliers meant that much of the sourcing and quality control had to be done independently.
“The first obstacle was to find cascara with the desired quality and flavour profile and a supplier who delivers on their promises,” he recalls. “We had to do that ourselves, mostly because nobody has experience with the product.”
Despite these challenges, Mosselman believes that Rotterdam's entrepreneurial ecosystem has been supportive. “Rotterdam is full of edgy entrepreneurs who like new things, and consumers here are ready to try something new,” he says. “We are confident that over time, Zabroni will find its way to businesses that appreciate natural products with great flavour.”
Aligning with Rotterdam’s values
Mosselman’s commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing has resonated well within the city’s culture. Rotterdam, known for its innovation and multicultural influence, is a fitting stage for Zabroni's debut. Mosselman explains that his journey into the world of cascara is deeply tied to his experiences in Colombia, where he witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by coffee growers.
“Once you have seen how tough the life of a coffee grower is, you realise how unfair the coffee chain can be and how little the farmer is paid for his hard work,” he reflects. Zabroni sources its cascara from suppliers who not only pay fair prices but also help farmers improve their businesses, making them more resilient and sustainable. This approach aligns well with Rotterdam's focus on sustainability and ethical business practices.
Mosselman finds inspiration in local figures like Mark from Rotterzwam, who champions circular economy initiatives. “We also worry about our planet and feel that there are many opportunities to add value to discarded products like cascara. It not only makes sense but also gives us motivation to overcome the many obstacles we face,” he adds.
Looking ahead: ambitions and advice
Zabroni's ambition stretches beyond just making a mark in Rotterdam. The goal is to create a meaningful impact by reducing waste and providing a sustainable alternative in the beverage industry. “Our goal is to make Zabroni as successful as we can. In Colombia alone, hundreds of millions of kilos of cascara are discarded each year. Every kilo we use means another kilo of product does not have to be grown,” Mosselman says.
While acknowledging the challenge of entering a market dominated by giants like Coca-Cola and Unilever, Mosselman remains optimistic. He encourages other entrepreneurs in Rotterdam to take the plunge. “Just do it! We started with the idea of making a fair trade coffee brand and ended up making syrups from the peel. If you just start, you may not end up where you envisioned, but if you don't start, you'll surely get nothing done,” he advises.
His final piece of advice? Find something that excites you. “If your idea doesn’t give you that 'butterfly in the stomach' feeling, it probably won’t excite others either,” he suggests. “And always talk with entrepreneurs who are a bit further along the road.”
Finding Zabroni in Rotterdam
Zabroni's cascara syrup can already be found in Rotterdam at the restaurant A La Plancha and is available for purchase through its webshop. As the brand grows, Mosselman hopes to see more local businesses experimenting with this versatile ingredient.
A La Plancha restaurant in Rotterdam is located in a vibrant area known for its waterfront views and lively atmosphere, perfect for enjoying a refreshing drink.
