Digital Coffee Lover - Between Tradition and Digital Innovation in Coffee Culture

Coffee – A (Love) Story

Okay, I admit it: when I learned that my next blog post coincided with International Coffee Day, the topic was a done deal.

And yes, this blog post has a lot to do with my love for my favorite beverage. Even writing this text is accompanied by a cup of coffee.

After all, coffee is one of the most traditional drinks in history and is indispensable in most households – whether as a morning pick-me-up or a relaxing afternoon beverage. Coffee is (almost) always a good idea – at least for me!

Legend has it that the Second Siege of Vienna in 1683 brought coffee to our country. Therefore, it's quite legitimate to say that the beginnings of Viennese coffeehouse culture originated in Constantinople. The first coffeehouse in what is now Istanbul, the capital of the Ottoman Empire, opened as early as 1554.

Our rich coffee culture owes much to Armenian traders, in part because Johannes Deodat, an Armenian, was the first to be granted the privilege of serving coffee in public (1).

According to the Austrian Coffee and Tea Association, cappuccino is the most popular coffee drink among Austrians, with 46.8% of consumers (2). While it was once often enjoyed with high-calorie whipped cream, the more figure-friendly version with creamy milk foam has now become the norm.

Coffee as a Trend Product

Ever since the world-famous actor George Clooney whispered the words, "Nespresso - what else?" into the camera, coffee has become far more than just a beverage. It can now be described as a trend product, appearing in a wide variety of forms and facets. Whether blue, red, green – yes, even white capsules – they all promise an unparalleled coffee experience. For a long time, it was considered essential not to own a machine from the company that Dr. Douglas Ross endorsed. However, numerous other trends have since emerged in the battle for coffee lovers worldwide. From cold brew coffee and the revival of filter coffee to bulletproof coffee, nitro coffee, and espresso (gin) tonic – the diversity of coffee enjoyment has taken on countless forms and flavors.

Digitalization of the Coffee Industry: Coffee 4.0

To meet the diverse demands of consumers, numerous companies are turning to digital solutions to respond even faster and more efficiently to consumer preferences and societal changes.

Digital twins allow for the simulation of different quantities (e.g., sugar or milk) and the analysis of their effects on costs or nutritional information (3).

3D models can also be used to vary and optimize various processes related to packaging and material selection. Consumers no longer simply want the best coffee; they also want to be able to consume it with a clear conscience. This means switching to more environmentally friendly materials, reducing the CO₂ footprint of production, and implementing the most environmentally sustainable supply chain possible. Additional information can then be accessed via QR codes—for example, the origin of the raw materials used in the beverage. Furthermore, customers can send direct feedback to companies – similar to common e-commerce platforms – thus enabling the digital networking of companies with end consumers (3).

Another trend is the digital networking of coffee machines in home use via telemetry (4). Using an app (and Wi-Fi!), the machine can be controlled and adjusted from almost any device. Depending on individual preferences, the coffee can be customized without having to be directly in front of the coffee machine. The intelligent networking of machines offers advantages in analyzing machine data and optimizing processes. Companies also gain important insights into customer consumption and purchasing behavior.

Digitalization is also impacting the time-honored coffee culture and will continue to advance in the future. Do we want our coffee a little stronger and more intense in the morning, or perhaps a little milder? Various settings can be adjusted with a click. And who knows – perhaps in the future, our coffee will be perfectly chilled and ready for us in our coffee machine as soon as we wake up. A thought that makes me wonder whether I should part ways with my still very much analog Bialetti. So far, making coffee for me is still a very traditional process.

Further links and information:

(1) History Wiki: Coffee House

(2) Austrian Coffee and Tea Association

(3) Handelsblatt: Digitalization in the food industry – When cold coffee becomes a trendy product

(4) Trading Twins: Coffee machine telemetry