The time has come to travel Down Under and test out the latest innovation in coffee equipment at the largest dedicated coffee show in the Southern Hemisphere.
Travelling to Australia is a commitment of time and travel for many international visitors. But when it’s for the purpose of uniting with top industry decision-makers, connecting with international suppliers and observing the innovation in the Australian coffee market after what will be more than two years since the global pandemic hit, then it’s time well spent.
“The Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE) is an anchor point for international guests to connect with the latest and greatest innovations taking place in the Australian market, and wider Asia Pacific. It was created in 2012 as a platform to connect buyers with sellers, and ever since, it’s been the industry’s annual go-to event to do trade under the one roof,” says Lauren Winterbottom, MICE Show Director.
“It’s clear international businesses recognise the strength of our market. They are curious, want to connect with our market, and certainly want to be involved at MICE2022, given more than a quarter of over 170 exhibitors are international brands and we expect an increased number of international visitors to come through the doors.”
This year, attendees to MICE from 27 to 30 September will have a range of international brands to peruse, including coffee processing technology company Probat; espresso machine manufacturer Rancilio Group, grinder manufacturer Eureka; and coffee equipment sales and service establishments Espresso Mechanics and Service Sphere, among many others.
Probat has been developing pioneering solutions for the coffee industry for 150 years. The company will be demonstrating its stature as one of the world market and technology leaders for coffee roasting plants and machinery. Its range of services includes the development, design and construction of roasters and grinders as well as the planning and implementation of industrial production facilities. Along with subsidiaries in the USA, Brasil, Italy, Scotland, India and Canada, Probat has agencies in more than 40 countries to assure that the age-long experience and know-how of Probat is being used globally.
Another international exhibitor attending MICE is Germany-based Espresso Coffee Machines (ECM) Manufacture, which will be making its exhibiting debut at MICE2022, showcasing its espresso machines range for home use, as well as grinders and espresso accessories.
“We are looking forward to presenting some of our products to the home barista. In our wide range there is something for everybody; single-boiler machines, heat-exchange, and dual boiler machines for every taste – all of them in a timeless classic design and handmade in Italy and Germany,” says ECM Manufacture Marketing Manager Chiara Willkens.
Australia has become an important global trade show for ECM Manufacture, which is seeking growth in the Asia-Pacific.
“We are very happy to be part of MICE and are excited to meet espresso enthusiasts from all over the world. As it’s our time visiting the show, we can’t wait to experience it and showcase our products on the world stage,” Willkens says.
Rancilio Australasia is also excited to return to MICE2022 and will present new and refreshed models from its portfolio that covers Rancilio, Rancilio Specialty and Egro brands, as well as its renowned Home Line range.
On display will be the Invicta, a completely new model from Rancilio’s Specialty range. Following on from the flagship RS1 machine, Invicta is a single boiler machine that uses advanced steady brew technology for the specialty market. It features a modern heat exchanger design that performs like a multi boiler machine without the cost or complexity.
Rancilio will also showcase the Classe 5, Classe 7, and introduce a new Classe 20. These traditional espresso machines have been restyled and updated with steady brew technology to modernise the brand’s biggest sellers.
Also joining the list of debutant exhibitors is Italian grinder manufacturer Eureka. Attendees can experience Eureka’s new generation of coffee grinders, such as the Mignon Libra, the latest innovation equipped with a new instant grind weighing technology.
“Both the Eureka 1920 and premium brand Eureka ORO will be present at our very first exhibitor stand, with respective top of the range products Atom Excellence by Eureka 1920 and Prometheus by Eureka ORO,” says Eureka Sales Director Luca Nunzi.
“It will be a unique opportunity to offer a direct Eureka experience to the many baristas and coffee shops owners of the Australian and southeast Asian market. They will be able to test innovative solutions for high-volume sales and discover the latest Eureka technologies, such as IoT connectivity, automatic tamping and filter holder selection systems.”
In what he describes as an “unmissable event”, Nunzi says MICE2022 has assumed a central role in the coffee community, not only in the Australian market but the international coffee scene.
“We could not be happier to celebrate our first direct participation in MICE. We have always been enthusiastic visitors over the years and are excited to be among the exhibitors this year. We are waiting for you at stand 69 – you can’t miss it,” he says.
From first timers to seasoned professionals, Espresso Mechanics will attend the show for its 12th year, featuring some exciting new machines from Nuova Simonelli and Rex-Royal.
“Nuova Simonelli’s new Oscar Mood is sure to be the talk of the town. Now equipped with PID technology, Oscar Mood has evolved into a stylish, ideal partner in the art of coffee and is perfect for small trade. A powerful ally of coffee lovers, this coffee machine offers a never-ending choice of taste to experiment with,” says Carly D’Agostino, Sales and Marketing Coordinator of Espresso Mechanics.
The equipment supplier will also showcase Nuova Simonelli’s Aurelia Wave UX and the Rex-Royal S1.
“The Aurelia Wave UX is a coffee machine that’s designed for places that have constant staff rotation. It’s extremely intuitive, simple to use, and requires very little time for staff training,” says D’Agostino.
“Whether you want to offer a classic coffee, espresso, or hot chocolate in a bakery, small restaurant, convenience store or office, the Rex-Royal S1 ensures perfect preparation of your beverages with its powerful and high-quality components.”
Fellow machine distributor Service Sphere will similarly represent international brands, including Eversys’ much anticipated Legacy machine, La Cimbali’s M26 and M200, which can be paired with the Elective Grinder, Faema’s one-group espresso machine Faemina, and more.
“The Service Sphere team is so proud to be the Australian representatives of some of the best espresso equipment available in world. In collaboration with our overseas suppliers we will have some of the latest machine innovations available on stand 311, and we can’t wait to welcome MICE visitors to explore our extensive range,” says Service Sphere Managing Director Maurizio Marcocci.
MICE Show Director Winterbottom says with such a full array of equipment on display for the global coffee audience, all that’s left to do is welcome guests and exhibitors to a truly inclusive, international show.
“Melbourne’s coffee culture is iconic within the international landscape and as a coffee destination, we take our coffee quality seriously. We look forward to welcoming the industry’s global leaders to MICE2022 and showcasing the best of what Melbourne has to offer,” Winterbottom says.
For more information, visit www.internationalcoffeeexpo.com
This article was first published in the September/October 2022 edition of Global Coffee Report. Read more HERE.