ROTTERDAM, 29 October 2024 – Dutch spirits brand Rooster & Wolf is venturing further into traditional rum with its new Fine Rum, crafted after three years of development. Founder Rick van der Wolf’s journey highlights a dedication to reimagining classic spirits.

Rooster & Wolf's founder explores new horizons with Fine Rum

Dutch brand Rooster & Wolf, created by entrepreneur Rick van der Wolf, has announced a new Fine Rum after three years of dedication and experimentation. Known for its artisanal approach, the brand was founded as a tribute to Van der Wolf’s father and grandfather, both passionate spirits enthusiasts. His latest creation combines the art of blending with his appreciation for rich, spiced Caribbean rums, seeking to provide the Dutch market with a rum that stands out for its complexity and depth.

In keeping with his philosophy, Van der Wolf collaborated with a master distiller in Venezuela, ultimately developing a unique blend that merges Venezuelan and Dominican rum varieties. The Fine Rum is now available in stores, bars, and the Rooster & Wolf online shop.

Rotterdam welcomes Rooster & Wolf's Fine Rum launch

An entrepreneurial journey focused on flavour

Van der Wolf’s journey into rum was driven by a desire to bring Caribbean-inspired quality to the Dutch market. “I believe rum is a beautiful spirit that reflects the richness and spirit of the Caribbean,” he said, noting that many rums in the Netherlands are consumed in mixed drinks rather than savoured neat. His vision was to change that perception by crafting a rum that can be enjoyed on its own.

Van der Wolf’s dedication took him across continents, where he experimented with numerous blends and techniques before arriving at the current product. By combining a full-bodied South American rum with a spiced Dominican blend and allowing it to age in whisky barrels, Van der Wolf achieved a nuanced, layered flavour profile. The whisky barrels imparted a subtle smokiness, giving the rum an added depth that he believes will appeal to those seeking an authentic and refined rum experience.

A brand built on family tradition

Rooster & Wolf was created as a personal tribute to Van der Wolf’s family heritage. His father, Jacques, and his grandfather on his mother’s side, Bram den Haan, were both enthusiastic about quality spirits, inspiring Van der Wolf to start his own journey into distilling. The brand’s symbols, a rooster and a wolf, represent both family members and their shared values of tradition and craft.

Van der Wolf advises enjoying the Fine Rum at room temperature, remarking that this reveals its full complexity. “For me, it’s best savoured neat in a tumbler,” he shared, describing its flavour as “a spicy, complex experience that connects four centuries of Caribbean tradition with a Dutch touch.”

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.

ROTTERDAM, 14 September 2024 – PLUS Blijdorp supermarket in Rotterdam has been awarded the Super Supermarket Certification (SSK) for its commitment to sustainability and community engagement. Entrepreneur Marcel Schungel received the certificate on 13 September 2024, in the presence of the SSK chair.

PLUS Blijdorp, located at Stadhoudersplein, has been recognised with the Super Supermarket Certification (Super Supermarkt Keurmerk) for its dedication to sustainable business practices. The certification is given to independent supermarket owners who demonstrate significant contributions to their local communities and the environment. Schungel and his team were acknowledged for their efforts in energy-saving initiatives, waste reduction, and their focus on improving local engagement.

Sustainability and community at the forefront

The certification is an acknowledgment of the store's sustainable approach and its proactive role in the community. PLUS Blijdorp has made strides in areas such as energy efficiency, local involvement, and creating a safe and pleasant shopping environment. The team has implemented new sustainability measures following a significant renovation last year, which contributed to the achievement of the certification.

Evaluation criteria

The supermarket was evaluated based on seven criteria: local engagement, personnel management, distinctive product assortment, energy sustainability, community safety, waste reduction, and logistics optimisation. Bram de Jong, the chair of the Super Supermarket Certification Foundation, emphasised that the certification is not easily achieved, requiring supermarkets to meet high standards. Schungel expressed pride in receiving the certification, stating, "It’s a recognition of the things that set us apart. It’s also reassuring for our customers to know they are shopping at a store run by someone who is locally engaged and operates responsibly."

Of the approximately 4,400 supermarkets in the Netherlands, 42% are run by independent franchisees. More than 280 supermarkets in the country have received the Super Supermarket Certification, developed by the sector association Vakcentrum in collaboration with TNO, a research organisation.

Address and directions

PLUS Blijdorp is located at Stadhoudersplein in Rotterdam. The supermarket is situated in a vibrant residential area, easily accessible by public transport and car. It is just a short walk from the Diergaarde Blijdorp Zoo and other local amenities. Visitors can park at nearby car parks or take trams that pass through the neighbourhood.

ROTTERDAM, 7 August 2024 – Feyenoord Rotterdam has renewed its partnership with Atlas Safety Shoes, marking a return to a collaboration that dates back to the 2018/2019 season. This renewed relationship emphasises their shared industrial heritage and community ties.

Atlas Safety Shoes has announced the renewal of its partnership with Feyenoord Rotterdam for the 2024/2025 football season. This collaboration goes beyond mere sponsorship, representing a connection deeply rooted in the histories of both organisations.

A shared history and vision

Atlas Safety Shoes, a company with a longstanding tradition in the production of safety footwear, first partnered with Feyenoord during the 2018/2019 season. Now, the two entities are looking forward to building on this relationship once again.

Hendrik Schabsky, CEO of Atlas, commented on the renewed partnership: “Our companies share more than just a passion for football and quality. It is our mutual industrial background and the strong bond with the people involved that makes this collaboration special. By working with Feyenoord Rotterdam, we can strengthen our international partnerships and promote our shared values.”

A partnership rooted in resilience

Founded in 1908 during Rotterdam's industrial boom, Feyenoord Rotterdam is a football club with a deep connection to its community. The club's DNA is defined by its fighting spirit and determination.

Similarly, Atlas Safety Shoes, established in the Ruhr region in 1910, began by manufacturing safety shoes for the mining and steel industries. Today, with over 1,600 employees, Atlas focuses on sectors such as construction, logistics, transport, and the agricultural, metal, and offshore industries.

Directions to Feyenoord Stadium

Feyenoord Stadium (De Kuip) is located in the south of Rotterdam, easily accessible by public transport or car. The stadium is a key landmark in the area, known for its passionate supporters and rich football history. To reach De Kuip, one can take tram 23 from Rotterdam Central Station or use the A16 motorway if driving. For exact directions, use the shortcode below.