With several new solutions set to be revealed at Host Milano in October, Eversys draws back the curtain on its product development process and the importance of input from its international distribution partners.
At the peak of European summer in a sun-soaked vineyard tavolata in Switzerland’s undulating Rhône Valley, the team at Eversys gathered about 100 of its key distribution partners for an alfresco meal. The event took place under glorious blue skies a stone’s throw from the super-automatic machine manufacturer’s headquarters and factory in Sierre – also known as the ‘city of the sun’.
“It was a beautiful day. There were people from all around the world gathered around one long table enjoying fantastic food and wine,” says Guido Bernardinelli, CEO of De’ Longhi Professional Division.
“It was a moment of cohesion I wouldn’t have expected from a piece of equipment that is supposed to be human-less. Coffee brings people together and establishes a sense of community, and it was amazing to share that with our partners.”
The family-style supper was the climax of the manufacturer’s Partner Day, which also featured a tour of its factory and the unveiling of several new products in its research and development (R&D) pipeline.
Due to be introduced at international tradeshow Host Milano in October, these unreleased solutions were so top secret that partners were asked to sign NDAs and hand over their phones before being introduced to the technology.
While these measures may seem extreme, for the team at Eversys, sharing developments with their distribution partners before launch is an essential step in their R&D process. According to Eversys General Manager Stefano Barato, their deep industry knowledge and market-specific feedback is invaluable.
“Sharing information about new products before they are released to market carries a bit of risk. Once distributors have seen the technology, they get excited about it, want to shout about it, and start selling it right away,” Barato says.
“However, sharing these solutions with distribution partners ahead of the launch is hugely important. We involve them from the early development phase so they can provide feedback and recommend additional improvements and ideas.”
Eversys’ super-automatic coffee machines are designed to be flexible to the specific needs of individual markets, with local distribution partners advising on the intricacies of their regions. Barato uses the preparation of chilled coffee as an example, with some areas requiring a tailored solution because water direct from the mains may not be safe to drink.
“From inception to the final machines, there’s a very long process that involves many people. Before taking a new product to market, we do a lot of field testing with our partners to see how the machines perform in the real world,” he says.
“For example, we’ll soon be delivering a new solution for Asia, which involved two years of field testing in different Asian locations before being approved by an important customer.”
The process starts with the careful study of market data and involvement in industry panels, which gives the Eversys team an indication of where the coffee machine market is heading. Distribution partners are also involved in this trend-identifying process, providing insights from their regions and customers.
“When we have permission from our customers to review the data from machines in the field, we can analyse the different parameters of the machines to drive development – especially in terms of sustainability,” says Barato.
“Performance and reliability are our main goals. The way in which the machines are developed creates an ecosystem that can keep them in the field for at least 10 years without compromising quality or consistency.”
Through research, the brand’s marketing team identified two main trends that are influencing its next era of super-automatic solutions.
“Chilled coffee beverages are very popular and there’s a desire to be able to extract cold coffee direct from the machine. This trend is huge in Asia, with many favouring chilled or signature drinks in place of traditional hot beverages,” says Barato.
“Another area of interest for us is the increasing issue of staffing. One of the big challenges for coffee chains is training personnel only for them to leave the job after a few months. Business owners are looking for automatic solutions that are efficient, deliver consistency, and reduce waste. They also want a sustainable machine with a longer lifespan to minimise the investment.”
In October, the outcome of this industry research, knowledge sharing with partners, and extensive field trials will be revealed at Host. Barato and team are tight-lipped about the specifics of the new products, but are excited to share what they’ve been working on with the wider coffee world.
“We have been working on the next generation of the Eversys Legacy machine, which will integrate a new system that can also brew cold coffee and tea. The original Legacy machine was designed for convenience stores, but we’ll also be introducing a new version with a boiler and steam wand for coffee shops and hospitality venues,” he says.
“Furthermore, drawing on the strengths of sister company La Marzocco, we’ll be presenting a solution for high-end coffee shops that will remove the barrier between the barista and customer to encourage conversation and elevate the experience.”
Eversys’ partners who joined the celebrations in June were given early access to these innovations. Ben Fenton, Chief Operating Officer of British café chain Black Sheep Coffee, highlights the importance of being part of the R&D process as a long-standing partner of the brand.
“Being involved early allows us to help shape the future direction of the equipment and ensures our voice is part of the innovation process. It also gives us a valuable competitive advantage as early insight means we can stay ahead of market trends and adapt faster than others,” he says.
“At the Partner Day, I really enjoyed meeting the senior leadership team and hearing directly from the people behind the product. Their passion for Eversys and their commitment to developing a world-class machine – from design aesthetics to coffee quality – was clear throughout.
“The factory tour was a standout moment: it brought to life the scale of the operation and underscored how far the business has come in such a short time. When combined with their impressive growth trajectory and rich history, it really leaves you wondering ‘where will they be in another 10 years?’”
Eversys will be showcasing its new technologies at Booth D12-E11 in Hall 12 at Host Milano from 17 to 21 October.
For more information, visit eversys.com
This article was first published in the September/October 2025 edition of Global Coffee Report. Read more HERE.
