Choosing a new bean - taste testing

Previous customer satisfaction surveys showed the coffee received only a modest pass. That had to change. That’s why Facility Services and supplier Maas organised a series of taste tests in MarchExternal link, inviting both students and staff to take part. 

Two new beans were tested, both responsibly produced and aligned with the organisation’s sustainability policy: 

• Blend A | Blendstar Premium Firmly Roasted - The favourite
• Blend B | Blendstar Single Origin Ethiopia - The former bean, now with an adjusted roast profile 

Blendstar Premium, Firmly Roasted

Blendstar Premium is a blend of 100% Arabica beans, roasted briefly but intensely. This preserves the beans’ fruity character while producing a smooth, mild finish. This new coffee is softer and more neutral in taste, with fewer acidic notes and less intensity than before, making it widely appealing. 

This coffee is produced locally: the beans are picked, processed and roasted in Ethiopia. This way, the value remains in the country of origin, contributing to a locally sustainable economy. The coffee is also certified by the Rainforest Alliance: a label that stands for good working conditions, environmental protection and nature conservation in rainforest areas.  

New settings for an optimal brew 

To bring out the full flavour of the new bean, all machines have been thoroughly cleaned and recalibrated. Over the summer break, 143 coffee machines at the UvA were updated. From setting the correct temperature to precisely adjusting the coffee dosage, so that every cup delivers the same consistent flavour.