113. Peet’s Coffee & Tea

Headquarters: Emeryville, California, USA
Bought By: JAB Holding Company
Headquarters: Luxembourg

Brewing a revolution in American coffee culture, Peet’s Coffee & Tea began in 1966 when Alfred Peet opened his first store in Berkeley, California. Introducing robust, dark roasted beans to a market accustomed to weaker blends, Peet’s quickly garnered a loyal following, indirectly inspiring other major coffee chains in the U.S. However, Peet’s ownership tale underwent an international twist in 2012.

Peet's Coffee & Tea ©Cassiohabib / shutterstock.com

JAB Holding Company, a German conglomerate known for its vast coffee portfolio, acquired Peet’s in a deal valued at approximately $1 billion. Under JAB’s stewardship, Peet’s has continued its commitment to deep roasts and high-quality beans, all while expanding its footprint both domestically and globally.