The First 100 Years: The 2010s

The 2010s saw the explosion of social media, mobile apps, and the digital landscape, influencing everything from how we discover new coffee shops to how we engage with our favorite brews online. Coffee lovers increasingly turned to platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, where the visual appeal of coffee art, trendy cafés, and unique brews captured the world's attention. The decade also ushered in a new era of convenience with app-based ordering, subscription services, and even the rise of virtual coffee tastings, creating a more personalized, interactive coffee experience.

As the digital world expanded, so did the community of coffee enthusiasts. Coffee roasters and brands embraced technology to perfect their craft, while consumers enjoyed greater access to information about beans, brewing methods, and sustainable practices. The 2010s truly marked a digital awakening in the coffee world, blending tradition with technology but also created a digital ecosystem that connected coffee lovers across the globe like never before.

Mahlkönig Milestones:

For the second time, a grinder from Mahlkönig received the Red Dot Design Award. The ProM Allround grinder, launched in 2010, impressed not only discerning coffee enthusiasts but also the expert jury of the renowned Red Dot Design Competition. In the category Red Dot Award: Product Design 2010, the ProM was honored with an award for its outstanding design.

Philipp Baumberger has taken on the role of Managing Director. Since 2002, he had served as Head of Construction at Ditting Maschinen AG, a position he later held at Hemro AG. In 2013, Philipp Baumberger became CEO and co-shareholder of Hemro AG.

In 2015, the Peak espresso grinder made its debut, redefining the coffee experience. It was Mahlkönig's first espresso grinder to feature cast steel burrs, a revolutionary design that delivered unparalleled sweetness in every cup. Its exceptional performance quickly earned it a devoted following, and today, the Peak stands as a true cult classic.

A new burr production hall, boasting approx. 1,500 square meters of space, was introduced to enhance operations. This development underscored Mahlkönig’s commitment to growth and innovation, providing ample room for advanced manufacturing processes and improved efficiency.

Baristas worldwide fell in love with the EK43 grinder for its exceptional performance and versatility. However, some had one small wish: a shorter, more compact version to better suit their needs. Mahlkönig listened, creating a limited-edition espresso-focused model. With just 222 units made, this rare gem sold out instantly. The overwhelming demand inspired Mahlkönig to go further, leading to the creation of the EK43 S—a compact version delivering the same world-class performance.

In 2017, Dr. Marcel Lehmann initially took on the role of Head of Operations at the Mahlkönig factory. By 2018, he became the Speaker of the Management Board, before ultimately stepping into the role of CEO.

It all began at the "World of Coffee" event in Amsterdam, with the E65S, heralding a new era of precision and innovation. This sleek, modern line expanded to include the E80S, E65S GbW (the first espresso grinder ever, that features Grind-by-Weight technology), and E80S GbW, setting new standards for premium espresso grinders.

The E65S GbW was the first espresso grinder to feature grind adjustments based on the actual distance between the burrs. The DDD (Disc Distance Detection) function made achieving the perfect grind easier and more precise than ever before, with a remarkable precision of up to 0.001 mm, with a fine-tuning range spanning from 180 to 600 μm.

The Coffee Industry:

The 2010s saw the integration of technology into the coffee-making process, with innovations like smart coffee makers that allowed users to brew coffee remotely using apps, or even coffee machines that grind and brew automatically at the touch of a button.

With the rise in veganism and dairy-free diets, plant-based milk options like almond milk, oat milk, and soy milk became increasingly popular in coffee shops during the 2010s. Oat milk, in particular, had a major moment towards the end of the decade, praised for its creamy texture and ability to froth well for lattes and cappuccinos.

Instagram played a key role in promoting coffee culture in the 2010s. The "Instagrammable" nature of beautifully crafted lattes, artistic coffee pour-over methods, and unique coffee drinks contributed to coffee's rise as a social media trend.