How do you see the market for luxury coffee equipment evolving in the next few years? Are there any emerging trends that you find particularly exciting?
In a highly competitive, quickly changing and demanding environment -where consumers are more and more educated, sophisticated and interested in experimenting-, operators must look at maintaining their effectiveness and profitability. Speaking about coffee equipment specifically, IoT is already bringing value to the operators helping them to produce consistent quality drinks, making the cleaning process easier, analysing operations and knowing when maintenance and service are needed, eliminating downtown. These are just a few examples of what IoT brings effectively to the coffee operation and I’m sure it will bring much more in the future. When talking about automating routine tasks and integrating back of the house systems, always specific to coffee, these come into place to answer the need for a shrinking labor pool, along with the massive growth of coffee and its growing role in hospitality settings beyond restaurants, bars and cafes. So to replicate and scale the concept of quality coffee, operators look at machines that help standardising and easing part of the process (automatic tamper and cleaner, milk frothing solutions, etc).
Other key traits from current trends of course speak about heritage, authenticity, positive supplychain, organic products and health and wellness. From an operating perspective, sustainability is surely at the top of the trends to look out in the food service industry in general. For the operator becomes crucial to work with companies and suppliers who know the social part of what they produce and the story behind everything, and this for the equipment (and coffee machines manufacturers in particular) translates into a major focus on the choice of the materials, the supply chain, and the performance of the equipment itself.
The most exciting current trends to me are 2: a demand for a highly immersive customer experience and a fascinating channel blurring. Talking about the first one, the client needs to observe, nurture his/her interest to learn more, somehow “participate” into the show cooking, get absorbed into the ritual. This brings us back to a more significant attention to the aesthetic of the machine. Coffee equipment needs to “shine” in the middle of the coffee bar. Cafe owners place their espresso machine in the center of their business physically and emotionally connect. Hence top performance, consistency, and repeatability are not sufficient anymore. The eye wants to be a part of the experience. A coffee machine needs to work perfectly and to look beautiful and special too. La Marzocco has always put enormous attention into the quality, materials, functionality, design and aesthetic of its machines. And Modbar is probably the extreme example of that. An espresso machine must heighten the experience with great design and unmatchable technology. Channel blurring instead is defined as a phenomenon in which consumers are moving their purchases of a product category from channels or retail formats traditionally associated with a specific category (e.g., coffee shops) to alternative channels (e.g., shop in shop, showroom, bookstores, museums..) and in which retailers from one channel are selling items traditionally associated with other channels. Modbar has lots of best practices in that direction: while its origins lie in the coffee industry, its impact goes far beyond traditional cafes and traditional coffee transformation. The brand’s commitment to excellence and forward-thinking design has attracted innovators in various market segments, transforming spaces into extraordinary destinations for coffee and beyond.
We find examples of Modbar presence in the hotellerie where hotels strive to provide a premium experience for their guests, and Modbar helps them achieve just that. On the other hand, Modbar is also found in tea stores where its precise temperature control and customisable brewing options allow operators to showcase the full range of flavours and nuances in different tea varieties. From delicate green teas to robust black teas, Modbar ensures that each cup is brewed to perfection. Just as specialty coffee has its dedicated followers, so does the world of fine chocolate. Chocolate shops are known for their exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail, and Modbar fits seamlessly into this environment. In addition to its use in dedicated coffee shops, Modbar has also found success in the shop-in-shop concept. This innovative approach allows businesses to incorporate a coffee bar seamlessly into their existing space, creating a unique and engaging experience for customers. Lastly, Modbar has also become the go-to choice for cocktail bars, elevating the art of mixology to new heights and leaving guests with an unforgettable drinking experience.
Whether in a hotel, tea store, chocolate shop, showroom, or cocktail bar, Modbar is the perfect companion for those who value design, quality, and the art of hospitality Modbar’s design is distinct and innovative.
What was the inspiration behind the sleek, undercounter design? How do aesthetics and functionality blend in your machines?
Originally founded in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Modbar was born out of a desire to break down the barrier between barista and customer, offering full transparency in the coffee preparation process.
The sleek and minimalist design of Modbar equipment, moving brewing equipment under the counter, which seamlessly integrates with any space, elevates the aesthetics while guaranteeing the highest levels of functionality, turning each piece into a work of art. By directly influencing the flow of a cafe, this approach fosters a sense of community and enhances the overall cafe experience as customers can now observe the coffee preparation process, ask questions, and engage in meaningful conversations with the baristas.
What is the mission of Modbar, and how does it influence your product development and business practices?
With its commitment to excellence, design, and transparency, Modbar continues to be the first choice for those who desire to make a statement and create a unique space that goes beyond coffee. Modbar allows visionaries to transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary ones, where the customer is at the centre of a premium experience.
Our product development and business practices follow the same logic and the same philosophy. We constantly put our customers at the core of our decisions: we love learning, getting inspired, sharing and exchanging with our stakeholders. Growing for us means listening inspiring people with unique stories, innovative models and interactions who can elevate the businesses’ level of experience and brand perception.
As a brand, we stand for celebration of our customers and celebration of the craft of beautiful cafe design. Our attitude reflects this commitment to clarity, approachability and elegance.
What are the key technological features of your espresso machines? How do these features enhance the coffee-making experience for both baristas and customers?
Key features include optimal temperature stability, simple multi-position controls, easy programmability, and optional scales offering the most consistent and stable under-counter espresso equipment available on the market. Creating a space based on one’s needs, the Modbar heightens the coffee experience with its modularity, the great design and unmatchable technology.
At the heart of Modbar is its innovative design and state-of-the-art technology. Unlike traditional espresso machines, Modbar’s components are discreetly installed under the counter, leaving only the sleek faucets visible. This minimalist approach not only enhances the aesthetics of the coffee bar but also promotes a more open and engaging environment for both baristas and customers. The modular design allows for easy customisation, making it ideal for any coffee shop or hospitality setting.
Efficiency is crucial in any coffee shop, and Modbar streamlines the workflow for baristas. The intuitive interface and ergonomic design of the taps allow for effortless control and precise pouring. With Modbar, baristas can focus on what matters most – crafting exceptional coffee and engaging with customers.
