In the world of coffee machines and vending machines, technological innovation, design, and sustainability have become key factors for market success. To understand how these trends are shaping the industry's future, we had the pleasure of interviewing some industry experts and clients: Juan Horta, Industrial Designer at Ascaso, part of the Azkoyen group, along with Lucas Dold and Iker Segura, Product Managers at both companies. From advances in machine automation to the growing focus on lighting and eco-friendly practices, here’s an in-depth look at how Ascaso and Azkoyen are responding to the demands of an ever-evolving industry.
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What are the key trends shaping the future of coffee machines?
The primary trends in the coffee machine sector focus on connectivity—integrating both the machines and their components—and extraction profile control, allowing users to manage the brewing process with greater precision.
Another key trend, now influencing the coffee industry globally, is sustainability: a focus on reducing environmental impact and waste. This approach is becoming increasingly central to industry strategies.
How is Ascaso addressing the demand for sustainable practices?
Ascaso is meeting the growing demand for sustainability through technological and design solutions, such as its Thermoblock technology. This innovation enhances thermal stability during coffee extraction while reducing water consumption, eliminating the waste typically found in many competing machines. This resource-efficient approach helps minimize environmental impact.
Another pillar of sustainability is product longevity. Ascaso designs durable, repairable machines to reduce electronic waste. The company’s modular components and smart assembly methods allow for part replacement or upgrades without discarding the entire machine.
What recent technological innovations have been implemented in your coffee machines?
Modern coffee machines are incorporating innovations aimed at enhancing both user experience and product quality. Digital screens, whether touch or compact, are among the key advancements. They provide an intuitive interface for monitoring machine parameters, adjusting settings, and ensuring consistent recipe replication.
However, this digital shift does not sacrifice the charm of traditional coffee machines. There is a delicate balance between innovation and tradition: while machines can automatically record and reproduce recipes, users still have the option to manually intervene, preserving the "romantic touch" that defines the art of coffee making. This hybrid approach allows experienced professionals to work traditionally while offering tools to support less experienced users in preparing quality coffee.
From a market perspective, the distinction between domestic and professional segments is evident. The domestic market focuses on ease of use and technological design for less experienced users. Meanwhile, automation is crucial in the professional market to streamline operations and maintain high standards, even with untrained staff.
This blend of tradition and innovation is shaping the future of coffee machines, making them versatile tools that cater to everyone—from home coffee enthusiasts to professional baristas.
How are innovations improving coffee machine performance?
Automation simplifies barista tasks, ensuring consistent quality, while advanced metrics provide greater control over coffee quality. Additionally, the sharing of data and knowledge fosters deeper collaboration between professionals and enthusiasts, enhancing the industry overall.
What are the future projections for the coffee machine industry, and how is your company preparing for them?
As mentioned earlier, the industry's future revolves around innovation, distinctive design, and sustainability. Ascaso and Azkoyen are addressing these needs by developing advanced technologies and attractive designs. Energy efficiency is becoming a decisive factor, with companies aiming to reduce operational costs while maintaining high product quality.
How do you approach the design aspect of your coffee machines?
Coffee machine design is evolving to meet the demands of an increasingly competitive market. Ascaso focuses on distinctive designs that combine aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability. The challenge lies in maintaining the brand’s hallmark durability and reliability while innovating to meet modern needs.
The use of high-quality materials and strategic lighting enhances user interaction and overall ambiance. Ergonomics and simplicity are central, ensuring intuitive, easy-to-use machines for both professional and domestic settings. The integration of digital screens and user interfaces simplifies parameter management and increases customization, boosting reliability and ease of maintenance.
In summary, the coffee industry aims to create machines that blend tradition, innovation, aesthetics, and practicality, with a particular focus on material quality and ergonomic functionality.
Do you believe lighting adds value to coffee machines?
Lighting plays a crucial role in modern coffee machines, enhancing both aesthetics and functionality. A well-lit workstation is essential for precise and comfortable operation, especially in low-light environments. Machines like the Baby T demonstrate how proper lighting in the work area can improve efficiency and comfort, benefiting both baristas and users.
Ambient lighting is also a growing trend, creating a welcoming and professional atmosphere. Warm lighting not only makes the space more inviting but can positively impact customer experience and brand image. Thoughtful lighting design thus enhances usability and adds elegance, making the overall experience more enjoyable for both baristas and customers.
Ascaso’s Collaboration with SLIM: what are the strengths of this partnership?
Lighting in coffee machines is becoming a key element for enhancing user experience and operational efficiency. For Ascaso, the partnership with SLIM represents a strategic step toward integrating innovative lighting solutions. SLIM’s expertise in custom lighting systems meets the specific needs of the coffee machine sector, where lighting is not only functional but also a market differentiator.
This type of signaling lighting is particularly valuable for traditional coffee machines and vending machines, offering benefits such as enhanced visibility, immediate visual communication, and personalized customer experiences. SLIM’s innovations, like configurable lights for specific visual signals, improve reliability and machine management. This partnership keeps Ascaso at the forefront, leveraging lighting technology to optimize both the visual appeal and usability of coffee machines across various sectors, from offices and vending to home use.
In conclusion, we extend our gratitude to Juan, Lukas, and Iker for sharing their valuable insights and perspectives on the future of the coffee machine industry. Their contributions have provided a clear view of how innovation, sustainability, and design are shaping this evolving sector.
