AN INSPIRING STUDY VISIT TO J.J. DARBOVEN IN RUMIA – PRACTICE, SCIENCE, PASSION AND… CAFËJNÔ THE FOAL

On Wednesday, 27 May 2026, a delegation from the Faculty of Economics at the University of Gdańsk and the German FernUniversität in Hagen had the pleasure of participating in a unique study visit to the headquarters of J.J. Darboven in Rumia. This event marked another instalment of the long-standing and fruitful cooperation between the Department of Marketing (ZPR) and J.J. Darboven, a company renowned for its consistent commitment to sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

The meeting was not only an opportunity to learn about the company’s strategy and its inspiring business model, but also to engage in in-depth reflection on contemporary challenges, particularly those related to the energy transition, sustainable development, and CSR. The researchers presented the assumptions and current status of the project funded by the Polish-German Foundation for Science entitled “Energy Transition and Society: Attitudes towards the Energy Transition in the Context of Changing Values in Poland and Germany” (No. 200-2025-00977). The substantive part was enriched by Dr Stefan Poier (FernUniversität in Hagen), who proposed a “2-in-1” format, combining a presentation of the research project with an interactive workshop. The discussion involved representatives of business, academia, as well as female and male students.

During the visit, the guests had the opportunity to tour the entire company premises, learn about production processes, and take part in a coffee tasting. Particular interest was drawn to the new brand Cafëjnô – Coffee from Kashubia, which through its name (meaning “a nice coffee” in the Kashubian language) and design (Kashubian folk patterns) refers to the local identity of the region. Moreover, the Hosts presented the three-star hotel owned by J.J. Darboven, as well as the pride of the company: a stud farm with 75 horses and an equestrian club.

There were also moments that gave the meeting an especially warm character. Participants were introduced to the living symbol of the aforementioned new brand: a foal born in May 2026, named… Cafëjnô. This unusual experience became a beautiful highlight emphasising the authenticity and rootedness of the brand in local tradition.

The meeting was hosted by:
– Mr Maciej Matynia, CEO, who accompanied the participants throughout the entire visit,
– Ms Dorota Krzyk-Kidybińska (Marketing & CSR Manager),
– Mr Dariusz Wasielewski (Coffee Quality Expert, Roast Master).

The academic side was represented by three researchers: Prof. Michael Bucksteeg (FernUniversität in Hagen), Dr Stefan Poier (FernUniversität in Hagen), Dr hab. Anna Maria Nikodemska-Wołowik, Professor at the University of Gdańsk, as well as female and male students from four programmes (International Business, Logistics & Mobility, Economics, International Economic Relations).

We would like to express our sincere thanks to the entire J.J. Darboven Team, led by CEO Maciej Matynia, for the exceptionally warm welcome, engaging discussions, 
and openness to further cooperation. 
It was a day full of knowledge, passion, and inspiring experiences.