Meet Annika Taschinki and Thomas Kliefoth
Before founding Elbgold, Annika Taschinski and Thomas Kliefoth carved their own path, driven by a thirst for adventure and a deep fascination with the craft of coffee. Their travels through coffee plantations in Central and South America opened their eyes to the richness of terroirs and the expertise of local growers. From these encounters, a conviction was born: to bring exceptional, ethically sourced coffee to Hamburg while honouring the people behind every bean.
Annika Taschinski & Thomas Kliefoth: The adventurous minds behind Elbgold
There is something magical about he way Annika Taschinski and Thomas Kliefoth have transformed Hamburg’s coffee culture. The duo, founders of Elbgold, embody the essence of adventure, ambition, and a deep-rooted respect for nature. Their journey is a testament to how passion, relentless curiosity, and an appreciation for the art of coffee can shape a thriving brand that stands for both excellence and sustainability.
From wanderlust to coffee craftsmanship
Before they were the faces behind Hamburg’s most revered coffee roastery, Annika and Thomas were avid travellers, seeking authenticity in every corner of the world. Their travels led them through coffee plantations in Central and South America, where they witnessed first-hand the dedication and craftsmanship of coffee growers.
"We wanted to understand coffee's journey beyond the cup," Annika recalls. "Standing on these plantations, talking to the farmers and witnessing their dedication. It changed everything for us."
Their experiences sparked an idea: to bring high quality, sustainably sourced coffee to Germany, enhancing the experience of coffee drinking experience while ensuring fairness to the people behind the beans.
A vision rooted in sustainability
From the very beginning, Annika and Thomas envisioned Elbgold as more than just a coffee shop. They wanted a roastery that celebrated transparency, quality, and sustainability. “We knew that the only way to serve exceptional coffee was to respect every hand that touched it,” Thomas explains. “From the farmer to the barista baristas, every step had to be in line with our values.”
This philosophy led them to establish direct trading relationships with coffee producers, bypassing traditional middlemen and ensuring fair compensation for farmers. Today, Elbgold is known for its commitment to ethically sourced, single-origin beans, roasted meticulously to bring out their natural complexity.
The Story of elbgold
elbgold stands for high-quality, directly traded speciality coffees from Germany. The founders discover all elbgold raw coffees on their travels to the coffee-growing countries of the world and purchase them directly, fairly and sustainably from the producers. The direct trade coffees are roasted by hand and with great experience in the coffee roastery in Hamburg's Schanzenviertel.
Building a community through coffee
Hamburg’s coffee scene was still dominated by large commercial chains when Elbgold first opened its doors in 2004. The couple chose the industrial-chic district of Schanze for their flagship roastery, transforming an old warehouse into a warm, inviting space where coffee lovers could gather, learn, and indulge.
"Elbgold was never meant to be just about the coffee," says Annika. "We wanted to create a space where people could connect, exchange ideas and feel at home."
This sense of community is at the heart of Elbgold’s success. Whether it’s through cupping sessions, workshops or their emphasis on hospitality, Annika and Thomas have built a brand that feels personal and deeply human.
An ongoing adventure
Two decades later, Elbgold continues to set the standard for specialty coffee in Hamburg and beyond. With multiple locations across the city, each maintaining the same commitment to quality and atmosphere, the brand has proven that passion and purpose can create something truly lasting.
Despite their success, Annika and Thomas remain as curious and adventurous as ever.
“There is always more to learn,” Thomas admits. “Coffee is a journey, one that keeps surprising us, challenging us, and inspiring us every single day."
For those visiting Hamburg, stepping into an Elbgold café is more than just grabbing a cup of coffee, it’s an invitation to be part of a story. A story of passion, craftsmanship, and an unwavering love for coffee and the people behind it.
Discover more portraits
Meet Hankook Kim
Co-founder of Gentle Monster
Meet Kari
Funder of MINERALOSOPHIE
Meet Eftihia Stefanidi
Creative Director and Co-Creator of House of Shila
