The Importance of Coffee in Hotels
Having high-quality coffee and accessibility to coffee options is an essential part of your caffeine-drinking guests’ experience during hotel stays. On the other hand, a poor experience with coffee will dissuade guests from returning to your hotel.
In a study performed by UCC Coffee of 1000 hotel guests, 75% confirmed that the coffee served in their rooms was poor or average and 30% confessed that if they had bad quality coffee in their rooms, they would not return.
The truth is the majority of guests who stay at hotels believe that in-room coffee should be a given and they want their coffee to taste good. And if not, they may not come back.1
About Hospitality Coffee Industry Trends
According to the National Coffee Association (NCA), coffee consumption has reached its highest level in the past twenty years. Their Spring 2022 National Data Trends Report found that since January of 2021, the United States populace has increased its coffee consumption by 8% away from home, and consumption of espresso-based beverages has shot up by 30%.
Moreover, approximately two-thirds of all Americans now drink coffee every day. This is more than any other beverage, including tap water.
Considering the high consumption of coffee and its growing popularity, it is no wonder that most guests expect coffee to be a basic amenity provided by their hotel.
Beyond just providing basic coffee, the quality and variety offered is also increasingly important to guests. Millennials are a growing customer base that are ethically concerned with where the coffee they consume is sourced and desire their coffee to be connected to the locality in which the hotel is located. In response to these desires, many national hotel chains have begun offering higher quality coffee, even specialty coffees, and access to premium machines, and cold-brew options. Meanwhile, mid- and upscale hotels are responding to their guests’ desire for a unique coffee experience by increasingly offering lobby cafés that serve ethically produced coffees, seasonal blends, and signature coffee drinks among other efforts.
Overview of the Structure of the Hospitality Coffee Market: Questions Answered
The number and variety of vendors who offer coffee and all its related products and equipment for the hospitality industry is substantial.
Typically, a hotel’s buyer picks a vendor and buys all the equipment and coffee through a single buyer. Frequently, the best hotel coffee vendors will put you on a maintenance schedule and stand behind the quality of their equipment and product.2
Is hospitality coffee and related equipment typically provided via specialized global, national or regional suppliers?
There are several specialized suppliers of hospitality coffee and its related equipment. These suppliers range from large-scale suppliers who serve their customers on a global scale to small, local suppliers that specialize in custom-made equipment and specially crafted coffee from a particular locality.
Is the coffee equipment included / not included in a coffee contract?
Whether coffee equipment is included with your hospitality coffee package depends on the supplier and your needs. Some suppliers offer an entire package, including coffee, related equipment, and 24/7 customer care service. Others have you order your coffee machines from the manufacturer directly but will advise you on specific manufacturers and models.
Is the equipment serviced by your staff / third parties / etc.?
Most hospitality coffee suppliers back up their equipment with a regular service plan and guarantee of operability. The services provided all depend on the needs of the hotelier and the contract with the coffee supplier. Some hotels prefer to simply buy the equipment without a service plan and require servicing by third parties, and in some cases, by their staff.
Is the product delivered by the company, or shipped to you, weekly or monthly?
Again, the product delivery schedule depends on the supplier and supply needs of the hotel. Your supplier most likely will offer you the option to have your coffee delivered on a schedule that best fits the demand of your business. Many companies will deliver the product through their own delivery service, guaranteeing a fresh product delivered straight to your hotel’s doors, whereas others use third-party delivery services.
Top Hospitality Coffee Vendors For Hotel Brands
Franke
Overview
Franke is based out of Aarburg, Switzerland and is reputed to be one of the top manufacturers of coffee machines in the world. They produce semiautomatic and automatic machines, both of which carry a reputation of efficiency and innovation due to the high standards that Franke sets. Currently, Franke has three divisions – Home Solutions, Foodservice Systems and Coffee Systems. In terms of coffee systems, Franke makes fully customizable modular coffee systems with a flexible configuration and a wide range of additional features. Franke stands behind their modular coffee systems and works to tailor the machine you purchase around your operation.
History
Franke carries the namesake of its founder, Hermann Franke of Rorschach, Switzerland. Founded in 1911, Franke began as a plumbing company that grew over the decades to become a global brand specializing in kitchen design and supplying coffee to large hospitality chains. Franke moved into the coffee business in 1984 when the company purchased the Swiss coffee machine specialist Augsburger AG. In 2011, Franke celebrated its 100th anniversary when it celebrated the existence of 70 companies in 40 countries globally with a grand total of 10,500 employees.
Products
Their coffee machines are split into three models, the FoamMaster, Evolution, and Flair series. All of their machines serve the typical coffee and espresso-based drinks (like lattes and cappuccinos). It is up to you to determine how simple or complex you want your machine to be. For example, the Franks Flair automatic machine is simple with few options while the Franke FoamMaster A800 comes fully equipped producing both cold and hot milk foam with a variety of flavors.
Service
Per Franke, the company offers industry leading customer support and after-sales services. Their customer service consists of a team who is readily available to support hospitality businesses, large and small, working to suit your hotel’s unique needs. If your machine requires service, Franke has over 700 partners globally that are available to guide you through any challenges you face or simply carry out regular maintenance checks. The company also works with certified partners and service providers who will promptly deliver comprehensive service for any replacements you require. Lastly, Franke trains your staff. They offer on-site training courses to empower your team to improve their machine servicing and understand the secrets of the coffee industry.
WMF
Overview
WMF Coffee Machines is the largest company-owned service manufacturer of professional coffee machines in Europe. The company is owned by WMF Group and is based out of Geislingen, Germany. WMF sells a wide range of products from filter coffee machines to fully automatic espresso machines capable of producing cappuccinos, macchiatos and beyond. Customer service is a central tenet to WMF’s business, with their first customer representative being hired in 1945 – a first for Germany’s industry. They are committed to their principles in offering excellent customer service, with a staff of over 300 employees ready to serve.
History
WMF made their first attempt at building a hotel coffee machine in 1899. Nearly 28 years later, the first large-scale WMF coffee machines were then manufactured in Göppingen, Germany by a small company. The production of these coffee machines was perfectly timed and the catering world considered them a technological revolution. The machines were made with a dual-boiler system and manufactured from a new material called “Cromargan”. Since that time, WMF coffee machines have become a permanent fixture in the coffee market.
Products
WMF designs and builds each of their machines to meet the highest standards striving for cutting-edge machinery. Each machine comes with a service guarantee throughout its working life. If you purchase a WMF professional coffee machine, the product will be installed by a qualified and experienced technician who will fine-tune the machine to meet your specific needs. Typically, anything that bears the mark “made in Germany” is known throughout the world to meet the highest standards of quality. WMF stands behind this reputation and is committed to delivering a reliable machine that leaves the factory in impeccable condition. In fact, each machine is put into operation and thoroughly checked before leaving the factory. Nonetheless, all machines may have a part that breaks. In the event that your machine needs to be repaired, WMF offers original parts and trained technicians who are ready to fix your machine quickly and efficiently.
Service
WMF is committed to supporting their customers. In Germany, WMF strives to provide their customers with the largest in-house service network for their commercial coffee machines. If your business is outside of Germany, the company assures their customers will be served by their own service terms or reputable third-party service providers. In terms of maintenance, WMF assigns a service technician to your coffee machine who will check your machine on a regular schedule, cleaning and descaling it as needed. The company also has a digital platform called WMF CoffeeConnect that provides extensive information about the service and maintenance of their coffee machines.
Eversys
Overview
Eversys is a Swiss company that is determined to brew the perfect cup of coffee with their professional coffee machines. A relatively young company, Eversys entered the espresso machine market in 2009 hoping to bring together the best of two worlds- traditional and technological. In the words of Martin Strehl, the CEO of Eversys Group, “We focused on combining two disparate worlds – the artisanal, in-cup high-quality coffee sphere, together with the technology arena incorporating internet of things (IoT) and sensors that promote ease of operations and control.” Their mission is to bridge the gap between these two worlds while increasing its relevance by creating a harmonious blend using authentic flavors, smells, and innovative technology.
History
In 2009, Jean-Paul In-Albon and Robert Bircher created Eversys in Switzerland in the heart of the Swiss Alps. The company was taken over by their Italian financial partner De’Longhi Group in March, 2021. Eversys is headquartered in Sierre, Switzerland with subsidiaries in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Ireland. Everysys has expanded their company on an international scale, opening branch offices in China and Dubai.
Products
Eversys furthers their vision and mission by introducing new technology and design aesthetics that create a more visually dynamic machine for their customers. This work has been brought to fruition in their new machine range known as Super Traditional. The Super Traditional machine has several attributes that bridges the gap between traditional and fully automatic coffee machines. Eversys designed ceramic blades that are driven by a quiet yet powerful motor. This electronic control maintains consistency of product and optimal extraction. The Super Traditional has several other qualities that promote consistent in-cup quality with every use. These include self-calibration capabilities, the ETC system, “automatic levelling”, and temperature control.
Service
Eversys works with a network of third party partners that act as national and regional distributors. These fully trained partners are available from the time of machine sales to servicing and user training.
Melitta
Overview
Melitta Professional is based in Minden/North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, but has 11 national subsidiaries and several other sales/service partners. Melitta sources gourmet coffees, filters and coffeemakers. The company employs over 3,700 employees worldwide.
History
Melitta carries the namesake of the founder of filters and drip coffee Melitta Bentz, an inventor, entrepreneur, and small business owner. In 1908, Melitta punched holes in the base of her brass coffee pot and used a piece of paper to filter coffee into a cup. Melitta patented her invention on July 8, 1908 and the company Melitta was born. Melitta continues to develop new technologies to perfect the filtration process and the production of automatic coffee machines.
Products
If you are looking to purchase fully automatic coffee machines, Melitta offers a variety of semi-automatic to fully automatic machines. For example, their “Clean in Place” coffee machine automatically cleans the brewing unit and milk system within closed systems while the coffee brews.
Service
According to Melitta Professional, “we support you with excellent service throughout the entire product life cycle. For maximum availability, consistently high beverage quality and long service life”. The company has over trained 400 technicians worldwide available 365 days a year. They offer “Life Cycle Service” to serve your needs during each phase of your coffee system, from installation, maintenance, repairs to recycling.
Thermoplan
Overview
Thermoplan AG manufactures a variety of kitchen appliances for the restaurant and hospitality sectors. Thermoplan’s coffee industry is purely focused on the production and development of fully automatic coffee machines. The company aims to offer coffee machines that are simple to use with the highest of quality standards. Currently, Thermoplan AG employs over 500 employees with the majority of the company still family-owned.
History
Thermoplan was founded in 1974 by Esther and Domenic Steiner to manufacture whipped cream machines and milk foamers. Within 20 years, the company expanded its industry to build a variety of kitchen appliances, especially the modular super-automatic espresso machines, Its first major breakthrough occurred in 1999 when Thermoplan became the exclusive supplier for an infamous American chain of coffee houses. Less than 10 years later, Thermoplan premiered the first fully automatic coffee machine with the capability of preparing cold milk foam with simply the touch of a button.
Products
Thermoplan offers a wide variety of automatic coffee machines, including vending machines that produce first-class coffee at the touch of a button. Automatic coffee machines range from large volume machines, to medium (50 to 150 cups a day) and low daily requirement fully automatic coffee machines (20 to 100 cups a day).
Service
The ThermoplanConnect telemetry system was developed so customers can monitor and analyze their coffee business from remote locations. This system allows the owner to remotely transfer recipes, perform software updates and customize user interfaces. If you are connected to this telemetry system, Thermoplan assures you will be informed at all times about the performance of your machine and allows you to communicate with your machine and vice versa.
Schaerer
Overview
Schaerer’s headquarters resides in Zuchwil (Solothurn), Switzerland where it employs 330 employees (450 worldwide). The company has a significant global presence with over 100 partners in Europe, America, Africa, Asia and the Pacific and subsidiaries in Germany, the USA and Belgium.
History
In 1892, Shaerer began in Bern Switzerland as a small retail shop. The shop, owned by Maurice Schaerer, sold highly technical medical devices. Maurice’s technical expertise and engineering skills set the standard for the future of the company as a premier manufacturer of fully automatic coffee machines. In 1924, Schaerer developed his first coffee machine, a high-volume coffee brewer, in response to the deprivation of luxury and enjoyment caused by the first World War. Since the invention of their first coffee brewer, Schaerer has continued its focus on superior technology to become a global leading provider of fully automatic coffee machines that integrate milk.
Products
In 1997, Schaerer launched the first automatic cappuccino system – much loved by customers worldwide. Currently, Shaerer produces a number of fully automatic machines, including vending machines that dispense coffee drinks brewed from freshly ground coffee beans and fresh milk. For resorts and hotels, Shaerer offers high performance machines for breakfast service and in hotel bars. For example, their fully automatic coffee machines give a barista feeling with a touch-service called TouchIT display that can be used by untrained personnel. These machines also offer flexibility from several different configuration and telemetric options that allow you to interact with your machine and vice versa.
Service
Shaerer will install your machine using trained professionals who will give you individual training and advice. Shaerer also uses preventive maintenance measures during the lifetime of your machine. This includes examining your machine and replacing any components that interfere with smooth operations. In the event your coffee machine needs repair, Shaerer offers telephone support, on-site technicians, and systematic checking, cleaning, and descaling.
Quality Espresso
Overview
Quality Espresso is owned by the EVOCA Group, an international manufacturer of professional coffee machines who own several other coffee machine product brands (i.e, Saeco, Gaggia, Newis, Visacrem, and Ducale). In Spain, Quality Espresso is known as the leading manufacturer of traditional coffee machines and grinders. The company employs over 120 employees exporting to 90 different countries worldwide from its factory headquartered in Barcelona.
History
In 1952, the company known as Gaggia arrived in Barcelona four years after the inventor of the espresso coffee extraction patented his method. The company’s rival Faema also moved to Barcelona in 1956- marking the beginning of a competitive relationship and the birth of espresso culture. In 2001, Quality Espresso purchased both brands and moved its headquarters to Faema’s factory built in Barcelona in the 1960s. Since purchasing these two brands, Quality Espresso sells its espresso equipment globally under several brand names. These include Futurmat, Visacrem, Italcren, Mairali, and Gaggia.
Products
A key component of espresso technology is the incorporation of vertical release electro-valves underneath the group heads. This technology was developed in Barcelona by Quality Espresso. This cutting edge company strives to be the leader in the sale, manufacture, and design of professional equipment for the production of a variety of premium quality coffee beverages.
Service
Quality Espresso offers full installation, first commissioning, preventative and corrective maintenance of their professional espresso equipment. The company even offers decommissioning of their espresso machines. Unfortunately, these offers only apply to customers from the Iberian Peninsula (Spain and Portugal) and the Baleriac and Canary Islands.
Bravilor
Overview
Bravilor Bonamat has been in the coffee business for over 70 years manufacturing espresso machines, filter coffee machines, fully automatic coffee machines, and hot water dispensers. Bravilor has grown from a leading wholesaler of catering and restaurant equipment to what is known in the coffee industry as a specialist producer- an international developer, manufacturer and supplier.
History
In 1948, Bravilor was founded in Amsterdam by A.J.M. Verheijen. Initially, Verheigen was a wholesaler who retailed coffee machines and catering equipment supplies to hotels and hospitals. His sons took over and within 10 years they began to produce commercial filter coffee machines. Their machines were engineered to froth milk, brew coffee and other hot drinks, and even hot soup. Curren Bravilor machines have the capability of storing fresh milk in an internal container, replacing the need for relying on powder.
Products
Bravilor Bonamat is one of the world’s leaders in filter coffee machines and fully automatic coffee machines. Bravilor has an extensive dealer network, with dealers from around the globe trained and ready to sell, install, and maintain their machines. They have factories in Poland and Mexico, as well as Italy, where they employ over 450 employees. Their offices can be found in Europe and the United States with dealers in over 100 countries.
Service
Bravilor Bonamat designed their machines to minimize the need to clean and maintain the equipment excessively. Nonetheless, all machines need preventative maintenance and regular cleaning. The company offers products that are specially formulated to breakdown deposits to descale your equipment and clean your machine. If you are in need of servicing and/or maintenance, Bravilor stands behind their quality and has an extended network of service providers worldwide.
La Cimbali
Overview
La Cimbali is owned by the Cimbali Group, an Italian company with production facilities in three cities; Milan, Bergamo, and Cremona.The Cimbali Group follows a global framework, with a distribution network that covers over 100 countries with 700 distributors. In 2012, Cimbali celebrated their 100th year anniversary and inaugurated MUMAC, the first museum entirely dedicated to the display of professional espresso coffee machines. MUMAC showcases 200 displays with 100 machines that showcase Caramili’s development from 1900 to the present, MUMAC is the world’s largest exhibition of professional espresso coffee machines.
History
In 1912, Guiseppe Cimbali opened a copper-processing shop in the center of Milan. WIthin 20 years, the company branded its coffee machine, calling it Rapida. This technology was based off of a vertically positioned boiler that became known as a column machine. As the decades passed, LaCimbali launched ergonomic and technologically-advanced coffee machines that allowed coffee makers to work efficiently at the front of the machine. One of the greatest LaCimbali inventions was the advent of a lever to produce coffee cream and create the necessary pressure to extract the aromatic body from the coffee bean. Cimbal’s techological ingenuity grew into the invention of their first superautomatic machine (1969) built specifically for use in bars. These machines allowed the inexperienced to prepare excellent cups of coffee cups with ease.
Products
Currently, Cimbali is focused on launching traditional machines with microprocessor technology that are energy-efficient and ergonomically sound. Cimbali’s most current coffee machine, LaCimbali S15, is a compact “super-automatic” machine that according to the company “can be used by people without barista experience”. For those in the hospitality business, La Cimbali S60 and M100 Attica range both are excellent choices with their superautomatic capabilities that are both agile and flexible while being easy to use for the untrained.
Service
La Cimbali is connected with several hundred coffee machine service techs who can repair and service any Cimbali make and model, including vintage machines. If you need support, Cimbali advises you to message or call their service number found on their website.
Carimali
Overview
For over 100 years, Carimali has manufactured professional coffee machines all over the world, offering a complete range of fully automatic and traditional machines, grinders and accessories. Their headquarters are based in Chignolo d’Isola in northern Italy. Caramel’s distribution network covers over 100 countries and involves 700 distributors. Since 2014, Caramali China (Suzhou, China) has served as the central distributor of Italian-made coffee machines throughout the Asian-Pacific region.
History
In 1919, La Caramali opened up their first location in Milan. About 10 years later, Caramali produced their first coffee machines that featured vertical boilers and gas heating. In 1940, Caramali developed their first horizontal “Liberty-style” machines – a model that later graduated to lever machines that made the espresso we know and love today. Following these horizontal models, Caramali moved into producing super automatic machines to the present day.
Products
Carimali produces fully automatic and traditional machines along with grinders and other coffee accessories. All Carimali machines are designed in Italy by the Carimali Technical Team in compliance with European quality and safety standards.For their hospitality customers, the company manufactures a number of models that are well-suited for both in-room coffee service to larger demands of up to 200-400 cups a day. For example, their fully automatic Optima Soft Plus is programmed to serve up to 400 cups per day and comes with a fully customizable touch screen display.
Service
Caramali has developed a new IT system as well as their own “Warehouse Management System, (WMS)” that assures their customers will receive their orders quickly. The sales and service division of Caramali is based in Lainate, Milan were they sell and provide technical support for not only the Caramali brand, but also the Elektra, Slingshot, and Marco Beverage Systems brands.
La San Marco
Overview
La San Marco are internationally renowned for their automatic and semi-automatic espresso machines, and are recognised as the leading producer of traditional lever-system machines. La San Marco takes extreme pride in the quality of their espresso machines. In fact, The company defines itself as “a synonym for espresso coffee machines” and “the worldwide standard bearer for the best from tradition and innovation.” The company is dedicated to taking care of the environment and showing corporate social responsibility.
History
La San Marco has produced espresso coffee machines since 1920 due to the innovative abilities of Giovanni Battista and Francesco Romanut. Their first steam-powered espresso coffee machines featured a dual heating supply. This espresso machine debuted as the 900 series and bore a mythical winged lion image (emblem of the city of Venice) and the La San Marco logo. In the decades to come, La San Marco would produce column coffee machines, the first horizontal coffee machine, and the patented lever espresso coffee machines.
Products
La San Marco manufactures traditional and capsule machines, doser-grinders and other professional equipment for bars, restaurants and hotels. They own the patent for an exclusive lever system known as CLASS (Controlled Lever Anti-Shock System). The CLASS patent makes the mechanical extraction of espresso coffee incredibly safe while meeting precise international standards. This patented design has a braking device that slows down the return speed of the lever under all operating conditions, thus making the barista’s job easier and safer. The lever also simplifies the job of purging the group head, reducing operator strain and eliminating any risk.
Nuova Simonelli
Overview
Nuova Simonelli is based in Belforte del Cliente, Italy. It is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of commercial espresso machines and grinders. Nuova Siminelli distributes its products all around the world, especially in the United States where they are the most commonly chosen brands by hotels. The Simonelli Group owns the brands Victoria Arduino and Nuova Simenelli. In 1993, Nuova Simonelli affirmed its presence in foreign markets and opened its USA division, founded in Ferndale, Washington state.
History
In 1936, Orlando Simoneli created his first espresso coffee machine in Cessapalombo, Italy. He named it ‘1936’ after the year it was built. Simonelli invented a quite innovative and technically advanced device for the time (a 2-group column with electrical heating and mains supply water pressure system). Almost 15 years later, Simonelli produced the first coffee machine in the world with continuous dispensing. He named it Selene. In the decades to come, Nuova Simonelli would produce their first super-automatic machine (Logica) and the only professional espresso machine of its kind, the Yacht Club (1990). The Yacht Club espresso coffee machine, with its tempered glass porthole and natural olive, elm, or olive-ash wood, was sought after by port bars, sailing clubs, beach resorts and seaside restaurants and hotels.
Products
Nuovo Simonelli offers a variety of professional and superautomatic coffee machines. These machines include the Aurelia Wave, Appia Life, Prontobar touch, and Prontobar silent. Its most current machine is known as the Aurelia Wave, offering the new technologies, “Smart Water Technology”, eco-sustainability, digital interface, among other cutting edge technologies (Pulse Jet ergonomics and technology, T3 technology and Pulse-Purge technology).
Service
Nuovo Simonelli offers extensive service and support. You can access technical support and customer service through their website. The company’s website offers access to all machine documents, maintenance videos, documents and forms, and technical training resources.
Rancilio
Overview
Rancilio manufactures and sells professional coffee machines in over 115 countries worldwide. The company headquarters is in Italy, holding seven branches, two research and development centers, and a global sales and service network. They are owned by the Ali Group, a Milan-based firm that owns several restaurant brands primarily in northern and central Italy. Since 1999, Rancilio has opened international branches in a number of locations- including Barcelona, Spain; Lisbon, Portugal; Chicago, U.S.A.; Dottikon, Switzerland; and Weikershem, Germany.
History
In 1927, Rancilio was founded by Roberto Rancilio in Parabiago, Italy. Rancilio’s first machine was called ‘La Regina’- an espresso machine that was a vertical boiler machine. Over twenty years later, Rancilio produced a horizontal boiler machine to feature a modern design that used forced-steam to brew the coffee. In 1953, Rancilio borrowed the lever piston technology from Gaggia that developed into an automated lever machine known as the H/L Automatica. Currently, the company produces a variety of machines – from small kitchen-sized espresso machines to super-automatics.
Products
The product range includes the traditional Rancilio espresso machines, the Egro fully automatic coffee machines, a “Home Line” and coffee grinders. For the hospitality and restaurant market, Rancilio offers highly technological traditional espresso machines that mimic smartphone technology and intense thermal regulation. For example, Class 11 USB XCelsius features “Xcelsius Temperature Profiling” technology that allows baristas to tightly control temperature to improve espresso quality. This class also has a smart interface with an on-board computer and menu system, allowing the user to control the quality of each cup of coffee.
Service
Rancilio offers a warranty that covers manufacturer’s defects only. If you have limescale buildup that causes your machine to operate improperly, your warranty will not cover repairs. Rancilio does offer educational opportunities to teach you how to prevent the buildup of limescale. All information can be accessed through their website.