Coffee and tea throughout both Asia and Europe is a major commercial player from supply to manufacture. Both tea and coffee are an art form in taste.

Coffee is the most volatile of commodities. It attracts great attention in the beverage industry and modern technology has offered the producer many processing solutions. Coffee that is manufactured too bitter or made with inadequately roasted and ground beans can destroy the batch production which then becomes costly.

The production process is complex.

Coffee has endured a roller coaster of highs and lows of pricing and production in the market place. However, despite the rampant growth of fashionable coffee shops across the developed world, supply must be brought back in line with demand. Growers and roasters alike have been caught up in the price crisis and many coffee producers are moving downstream into processing and packing. This form of diversification can be a costly operation with the need to install roasting, grinding and packaging production facilities. Small coffee producers and exporters cannot always afford brand new machinery. But good quality refurbished machinery can often successfully fit the bill.

The coffee culture has been a huge influence in the processing industry. Roasters range from sample roasters up to commercial machines producing four tons an hour. As an example, the expansive equipment line features green bean and roasted coffee storage silos, grinders, coffee loading and de-stoning-systems, afterburners, roast profiling and control systems. Marketing, packaging and exporting is another equally important facet of the business. Packaging the product is an essential part of getting the product to market.

As purveyors of fine blends, the grower and producer have moved the commodity coffee bean as a brand on to the Asian and European supermarket shelves. Custom blending and roasting for specific requirements have created the development and marketing of specialty coffees which have also played a decisive role in the creation of gourmet beverages. Robusta and arabica blends are well known for distinctive taste and excellent aromas. Classic blends have fashioned the Italian espresso and Continental coffees which are enjoyed worldwide. 

Where does the refurbished machine fit in to a fast developing business? It may be a product extension, a quantity problem or a speed revamp. The new and established family business often takes on a different business perspective and requirements of existing machines may need updating or just changing. Sometimes it can be a complete overhaul, a partial one, or just replacing established lines. It has to be fit for purpose. A new style of packaging can create a stir in the world of competition. There is no hard and fast rule. But, every business has its own demands and ways of working. And whatever the need, it is best to speak to the professionals in the industry. 

The customer needs to satisfy himself that he is dealing with a reliable, friendly and knowledgeable refurbished machine company that produces and if necessary installs high quality machines and production lines that fit the bill – at a competitive price.

 “Blending, roasting and grinding processes require great care to ensure the end product meets the exacting standards of the manufacturer, exporter, customer and finally the consumer..” according to Sean Daffey, director of UK company Kaffina, which refurbishes tea and coffee machines. “Every batch has to be as good as the last and consistency of product is nothing but essential.” 

Buying the right kit for the job – be it development, production and installation is of key significance. The size and quantity of requirements is an obvious factor closely linked with the budget allocated. We know it in the industry as the price factor. 

Many new industry partners and colleagues join our industry every year. Some are novices but many are expanding family businesses that may further develop or diversify into the potential business of roasting, grinding, packing and exporting the coffee bean.

Consumer interest in health and nutrition has turned into a trend. Tea as an industry is full of variables. Black tea is hot and rooibos is still enjoying a strong fashion front. Organic and green teas, flavored and fruit teas are an all important part of the mix. Eco friendly, fair trade and top quality are the buzz words of a global economy which now create the concept of the booming tea trade.

Blending, mixing and packing form an integral part of the business. Once again, simplicity, high performance and cost effectiveness are key to a successful operation. And for packaging there is a myriad of style variables. Low- and high-speed machines can produce pyramid, square, rectangular, round, single chamber or double chamber string and tag teabags. IMA, Constanta. Perfecta, Tecnomeccanica, Maisa. Fuso and Universal are key manufacturing players. Loose tea packing, cartons, gusseted pouches and overwrappers also complete the tea production package. The list is endless. Again, there is a great deal of choice which requires buying the right machine designed to fit the right solution. 

Used or reconditioned machinery has long since lost its rather lackluster image as so many companies worldwide have changed direction, or rationalized their business assets. 

Tea and coffee is an industry full of tradition and innovation working to provide a cup of excellence.