chicco di caffè strengthens its position with capital and know-how

„We are very pleased to have sustainably secured our future growth with Paragon. Beyond the capital provided, Paragon will accompany and support us with its experience in the further development of medium-sized companies,” says Ralf Meyer, co-CEO of chicco di caffè.

Founded in 2003, the company has grown steadily and today employs more than 300 people across more than 100 locations throughout Germany. The two founders and managing directors Christian Kohlhof and Ralf Meyer, together with the managing director finance Christian Fellerer, will continue to head the business with their heart and passion for coffee.

One of the key strengths of chicco di caffè is the consistent focus on superior quality and customer service by the best-trained baristas the company employs at every coffee bar. With regards to coffee quality, nothing is left to chance; already during the selection of the raw coffee, chicco di caffè considers the specific origin and knows many plantations from personal site visits. Exquisite varieties, special blends and the traditional roasting combined with professional preparation by the top-qualified staff make the small coffee breaks for chicco’s customers a pleasure with an Italian character.

Continouse expansion of the core business in Germany.

chicco di caffè considers itself as a catering specialist who brings the best coffee experience directly into workplaces. The customer always decides, which products and services chicco di caffè shall offer – apart from coffee in its variations, also various hot and cold drinks as well as healthy and sweet snacks can be selected. The coffee bars themselves are designed modularly and can be individually adapted to local conditions – including the respective corporate identity.

So far, there are about 1,000 barista-operated coffee bars in corporates in Germany; Chicco di caffè and Paragon see further growth potential. With additional financial resources and years of experience in the coffee bar business, chicco di caffè is now striving to expand its business in Germany. In this context, the company will strengthen its headquarters and invest in its core areas such as quality management, product management, recruiting, marketing and the in-house training academy.

“The existing team of Christian Kohlhof, Ralf Meyer and Christian Fellerer convinced us personally and professionally right at the first meeting. All three show a high passion for the business and live “coffee”. They combine emotion in an inimitable way with efficiency, “says Krischan von Moeller, managing partner at Paragon.

About chicco di caffè
chicco di caffè is the leading supplier of coffee-specialty bars in a corporate setting, offering its customers employees directly in their work environment what they appreciate most: the small, fine coffee break. Aromatic espresso with perfect crema, cappuccino with silky milk froth and all that served by a friendly barista with an open smile freshly prepared. The company is based in Grünwald near Munich.
For further information, please visit www.chicco-di-caffe.de.

About Paragon
Paragon is one of the leading independent private equity firms in Europe with approx. €650 million of equity under management. Paragon works closely with portfolio companies to achieve sustainable growth and operational excellence. The investment portfolio covers various industries and currently comprises 8 companies. Paragon was founded in 2004 and is based in Munich, Germany. For further information please refer to www.paragon.de.