La Semeuse: The Premier Swiss Coffee Roaster Since 1900
A Heritage of Swiss Precision
The story of La Semeuse began in 1900 in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland – a city world-renowned for its watchmaking precision and now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Founded by Marc Bloch, our roastery was built on the same principles as the great Swiss horologists: meticulous attention to detail, consistency, and a relentless pursuit of perfection. For over 125 years, we have remained a family-driven Master Roaster, preserving the techniques that define high-altitude coffee excellence.
La Semeuse offers a wide range of coffee, from classic blends to single-origin specialties. Tradition and innovation, passion and expertise, are combined to create exceptional coffee for all taste and occasion. Guided tours and tastings at its roastery are organized for transparency and sharing expertise, and visitors can learn more about the history and secrets of coffee.
Some histories are more like legends. Over generations, they span centuries, remaining unchanged by the passage of time. In the world of coffee, the LA SEMEUSE legend dates back to 1900 and is built on the heritage of its visionary founder. It was his imagination and determination that formed the basis for the company’s remarkable success, which continues to go from strength to strength.
Nicolas Bihler
CEO
LA SEMEUSE
FUN FACT
How to pronounce “La Semeuse”
The 1,000-Meter Difference: Our High Roasting Process
What makes La Semeuse unique is not just how we roast, but where we roast. Our facility is located at an altitude of 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) in the Swiss mountains. This high-altitude environment is the secret to our trademarked “High Roasting Process.”
At this elevation, atmospheric pressure is significantly lower than at sea level. This allows us to roast our beans at lower temperatures – specifically between 210°C and 213°C.
Why this matters for your coffee:
Superior Freshness: Our mountain-air cooling process locks in flavor immediately after the roast.
Preserved Aromatics: Lower heat prevents the delicate essential oils from burning off, keeping the complex floral and chocolate notes intact.
Low-Acid Profile: The gentle heat eliminates the harsh tannins and irritants that cause bitterness, resulting in a digestible, stomach-friendly coffee.
The Gold Standard of Purity: Bio Suisse & Fairtrade
Sustainability isn’t a trend for us; it’s a legacy. We launched our first organic coffee in 1992, long before it became a global standard. Today, our BIO line adheres to Bio Suisse, the most stringent organic certification in Switzerland.
While standard organic labels focus only on the product, Bio Suisse requires a whole-farm approach, prohibiting synthetic fertilizers and ensuring 7% of every farm is dedicated to natural biodiversity. Combined with our Fairtrade partnerships, we ensure that every cup of La Semeuse supports both the planet and the producers.
Comparing Certifications
| Requirement | USDA Organic | EU Organic | BIO Suisse |
|---|---|---|---|
 |  |  | |
| Soil health | Standard crop rotation & composting | Specific requirements for manure & amendments | 100% organic fertilizers; minimum organic matter levels |
| Pest control / Permitted substances | Allows a wider range of synthetic substances | Highly limited range of synthetic substances | Zero synthetic substances permitted |
| Whole farm rule | Only the product must be organic | Only the product must be organic | Entire farm must be 100% organic |
| Biodiversity | Basic requirements | Enhanced ecological standards | 7% of farm must be dedicated to biodiversity |
| Certification level | Strict | More Strict | Most Strict |
Why These Standards Matter for Your Coffee
- Purity You Can Taste: By adhering to Bio Suisse standards, we ensure that no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers ever touch the soil where our beans grow. This results in a cleaner, more vibrant bean that reflects its true terroir.
- The Whole-Farm Approach: Unlike USDA or EU standards, Bio Suisse requires the entire farm to be organic. This prevents cross-contamination and ensures a healthier ecosystem for the farmers and the planet.
- Stomach-Friendly Quality: Combined with our high-altitude roasting process, these ultra-pure organic beans are lower in irritants, making them the ideal choice for sensitive coffee drinkers.
Experience the Swiss Tradition
Whether you are seeking the perfect non-oily bean for your automatic machine or a delicate morning cup, our collection represents the pinnacle of Swiss craftsmanship.
Mocca Surfin: Our signature 100% Arabica blend, defining the Swiss taste since the beginning.
Don Marco: Specifically engineered for Jura and Miele machines – intense flavor without the oily residue.
Il Piacere: The barista-favorite Italian roast featuring floral fragrances and milk chocolate pralines.
Our History
La Semeuse Swiss coffee has a long and rich history dating back to 1900. The company was founded in La Chaux-de-Fonds, Switzerland, by Marc Bloch, a grocer from Alsace, France. Bloch’s original goal was to import and distribute groundnut oil, but he soon began roasting coffee.
In 1916, Bloch died in battle during World War I. His wife, Hortense, took over the company and continued to grow it. She was a pioneer in the Swiss coffee industry, and she was instrumental in developing the company’s signature high-altitude roasting technique.
In 1938, Hortense’s two sons, Henri and Jean, joined the company. They continued to expand the business, and they also introduced a number of new coffee products, including decaffeinated coffee and flavored coffees.
Today, La Semeuse coffee is one of the leading coffee brands in Switzerland. The company’s coffee is known for its smooth, rich flavor and its high quality and is exported to over 50 countries.
FUN FACT
The logo of La Semeuse reflects the rich heritage and culture of its source.
- The bright yellow color represents the warm and sunny weather that is essential for growing the best coffee beans.
- The sombrero is a traditional hat worn by the farmers who harvest the coffee with care and skill.
La Chaux-de-Fonds, a UNESCO recognized Swiss “Watch Valley”
At an altitude of 1,000m (3,300ft), La Chaux-de-Fonds, which means “the pasture of the spring,” is a global “Watch Valley” hub, and it is home to some of the most prestigious watchmakers in the world.
In 2009, La Chaux-de-Fonds and nearby Le Locle are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List for their exceptional universal value.
A few watch companies in the city: Tag Heuer, Breitling, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Tissot, Omega, Patek Philippe, Corum, Audemars Piguet
