Blue Bottle Coffee, Inc.

Who owns Blue Bottle Coffee?

Blue Bottle Coffee is owned by Centurium Capital, a private equity firm that acquired the brand from Nestle in the first half of 2026 for approximately $400 million.

Did Nestle sell Blue Bottle?

Yes. Nestle sold its majority stake in Blue Bottle Coffee to Centurium Capital in H1 2026 for approximately $400 million, ending nearly a decade of ownership that began with the 2017 acquisition.

Is Blue Bottle Coffee publicly traded?

No. Blue Bottle is a privately held company owned by Centurium Capital and does not trade on any exchange.

Where is Blue Bottle Coffee headquartered?

Oakland, California, United States, where founder James Freeman started the company in 2002.

How many Blue Bottle cafes are there?

More than 80 cafes across the United States and Asia, including locations in Tokyo, Kyoto, Seoul, Hong Kong, and Shanghai.

Is Blue Bottle still B Corp certified?

Yes. Blue Bottle maintains B Corp certification, reflecting its commitment to social and environmental standards.

James Freeman founded Blue Bottle Coffee in 2002 in Oakland, California, initially roasting coffee in a small shed and selling at farmers markets. The brand's obsessive focus on freshness, quality, and minimal intervention built a devoted following in the Bay Area before expanding to New York and other US cities.

Venture capital investment from True Ventures and other firms funded expansion through the 2010s. The company opened its first international cafes in Tokyo in 2015, building a significant Asian business that became a core part of its identity.

In 2017 Nestle acquired a majority stake for approximately $425 million, integrating Blue Bottle into its premium coffee portfolio alongside Nespresso and Starbucks by Nestle products. Under Nestle, Blue Bottle expanded cafes in Asia, launched ready-to-drink products, and scaled its subscription business.

Nestle's portfolio reshaping under new leadership in 2025 and 2026 led to the sale to Centurium Capital for approximately $400 million, slightly below the 2017 purchase price. The deal closed in the first half of 2026, returning Blue Bottle to independent, private ownership after nearly a decade under a multinational parent.

Blue Bottle emphasizes sustainable sourcing through direct-trade and certified coffee relationships, compostable and recyclable packaging initiatives, and carbon reduction commitments in operations and shipping.

The company holds B Corp certification, one of the few major coffee chains to maintain it, reflecting verified social and environmental performance standards.