Peet’s Coffee Acquires Stumptown Coffee Roasters

When Stumptown Coffee Roasters—once a defining name in Portland’s third-wave coffee scene—was acquired, many fans wondered what would happen to its identity. Founded in 1999 in Oregon, Stumptown had built a reputation for innovation and quality, so its takeover raised questions about independence, quality control, and future direction.

In short: Peet’s Coffee & Tea, founded in 1966 in Berkeley, California, acquired Stumptown Coffee Roasters in a deal confirmed in 2015. Peet’s, which itself was bought by German group Joh. A. Benckiser in 2012, stated that Stumptown will continue to operate independently and not be merged into the Peet’s brand.

Who Are Stumptown Coffee Roasters?

Founded in 1999 in Portland, Oregon, Stumptown Coffee Roasters quickly became a flagship brand for specialty coffee in the U.S. Known for its meticulous sourcing and roasting practices, the company played a major role in popularizing craft coffee culture outside of traditional coffee hubs. Its product innovations included the launch of a signature cold brew in 2013 and a coffee-milk blend designed to pair with breakfast cereal.

What Does the Acquisition Mean for Stumptown?

Despite the acquisition, Stumptown’s leadership has assured customers that the brand will remain autonomous. In a statement, Stumptown Vice President Matt Lounsbury confirmed: “Peet’s Coffee & Tea will not merge us or blend our brand into theirs. We will continue to operate our coffee business independently.” This means Stumptown will retain control over its retail operations, product development, and brand identity.

Where Is Stumptown Currently Operating?

As of the acquisition, Stumptown Coffee maintained 11 café locations across major U.S. cities including Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, and New York. The company also planned to expand through a hotel partnership in New Orleans and had outlined further expansion to Austin, Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago in 2016. These plans reflect Stumptown’s ongoing strategy to grow its physical footprint while maintaining its market position.

What Is Peet’s Coffee & Tea’s Background?

Peet’s Coffee & Tea was established in 1966 in Berkeley, California, and is widely credited with introducing specialty coffee to the American mainstream. The company was acquired in 2012 by the German conglomerate Joh. A. Benckiser (now part of JAB Holding Company), which has since made numerous investments in the global coffee sector. This latest acquisition of Stumptown is consistent with Peet’s strategy under JAB’s ownership to consolidate influence in the specialty coffee market.

Is Peet’s Entering the Chinese Market?

Yes. According to Roast Magazine, Peet’s Coffee & Tea is planning to expand into China. This move signals a strategic push to grow its international presence beyond its current markets. The report also noted that other major specialty players, such as Intelligentsia Coffee, are actively seeking private equity investment, suggesting a broader trend of consolidation and international expansion within the specialty coffee industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which company acquired Stumptown Coffee Roasters?

Stumptown Coffee Roasters was acquired by Peet’s Coffee & Tea. Peet’s, originally founded in 1966 in Berkeley, California, is now owned by the German investment group Joh. A. Benckiser (part of JAB Holding Company), which bought Peet’s in 2012.

Will Stumptown Coffee still operate independently after the acquisition?

Yes. Stumptown’s Vice President Matt Lounsbury confirmed that the brand will remain independent and will not be merged into Peet’s Coffee & Tea. Stumptown will continue to manage its own operations, branding, and product lines.

How many Stumptown Coffee locations were there at the time of the acquisition?

Stumptown Coffee had 11 café locations across the United States, including cities such as Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, and New York. The company also had plans for further expansion, including a hotel partnership in New Orleans and new cafés in Austin, Chicago, and elsewhere.

What products did Stumptown launch in 2013?

In 2013, Stumptown launched a signature cold brew product and developed a coffee-milk blend specifically designed to be paired with breakfast cereal, showcasing its focus on product innovation.

Is Peet’s Coffee expanding internationally?

Yes. According to reports, Peet’s Coffee & Tea is planning to enter the Chinese market. This follows a broader trend in the specialty coffee industry where major players are seeking growth through both acquisition and geographic expansion.

What other specialty coffee companies are involved in acquisitions?

Roast Magazine reported that Intelligentsia Coffee is also actively seeking acquisition by private equity firms, indicating a larger trend of consolidation among leading U.S. specialty coffee roasters.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Cold Brew

For fans of Stumptown’s cold brew innovation, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Yirgacheffe—bright, juicy, and perfect for extended cold extractions. Also consider the Colombia Huila, a balanced single origin with notes of caramel and citrus that holds up well in iced brews. For deeper profiles, the Indonesia Sumatra Gayo offers earthy, spicy complexity ideal for slow-steeped cold drinks. All beans are roasted in small batches for optimal freshness. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.