Swiss manufacturer Thermoplan shares an exclusive first look at the new equipment and technology it will be launching at Host Milano 2025.
As anticipation builds for Host Milano 2025, international coffee equipment manufacturer Thermoplan is preparing to showcase a new range of performance-based equipment. Built on Swiss precision, the equipment manufacturer aims to be a trusted brand for businesses, cafés, and coffee enthusiasts worldwide.
As such, it will present a suite of new technologies that reflect the dynamic evolution of the coffee industry at international hospitality tradeshow Host Milano this October.
“Alongside our established Black&White4 family of machines, we’ll be showcasing several exciting innovations,” says Sanela Kujovic, Thermoplan Communication and PR Manager.
“We have high-performance models that address some of businesses’ key concerns, such as limited counter space and efficiency. We’re also catering more towards different milk processing technologies.”
On the menu at Host Breaking new ground, the equipment manufacturer will launch its first compact tabletop coffee roaster, Mikafi. Designed for small-scale operations, the new addition is designed to deliver high-quality, fresh-roasted coffee in a format that fits into tight spaces without compromising performance.
The company is also branching into a new beverage category, with a focus on coffee’s main opposition: tea.
“Visitors can look forward to something new involving tea, a category we’re exploring with curiosity and innovation,” says Kujovic.
As an international brand with 98 per cent of its production exported globally, the innovations on display at Host 2025 are not tailored to a single region but are designed to meet the universal needs of hospitality operators in Europe, North America, Asia, and beyond.
“The challenges are global, and our solutions are built to address those shared operational demands,” says Kujovic.
As part of its continued development of the Black&White4 neo, the company will introduce the Black&White4 neo PX as an optimised configuration option. This model has been developed for operations with lower daily demand and introduces a dedicated milk-powder processing module.
“It’s a forward-thinking solution for venues where milk logistics are challenging or where operators want flexibility without relying solely on refrigerated fresh milk,” she says.
“The neo PX allows for more specific applications without compromising beverage quality. It’s all about adaptability.”
Built for today’s demands As well as introducing these novel innovations at Host, through a series of equipment and technology updates, the team at Thermoplan are aiming to address one of the most pressing issues for coffee machine operators: limited counter space. The Black&White4 machines enable the use of an under-counter milk refrigerator, placing it discreetly beneath the counter to free up valuable surface space for other operational needs.
“We’ve developed machines that allow operators to expand their menu offerings without expanding the machine footprint,” says Kujovic.
“Our focus is on combining high performance with flexibility and sustainability.”
In addition, Thermoplan has developed a dual milk system on various machine models, said to be a significant improvement on its previous single-milk limitation.
“Now, operators can offer both dairy and plant-based alternatives in a compact format,” she says. “This development supports not only variety in the beverage menu but also the increasing demand for plant-based milk in hospitality environments.”
The company is also keeping pace with consumer demand for cold beverages, integrating features that enable seamless preparation of both hot and cold drinks across different models. For high-volume settings, speed and reliability are essential.
Thermoplan has adapted its machines to deliver both. The Black&White4 can produce up to 500 cups per day, making it a top choice for busy cafés, hotels, and service counters. With modular components, maintenance is designed to be quick and doesn’t require full machine shut-downs, further boosting uptime and productivity.
“Our machines are designed to perform, even during the busiest times of day,” she says.
“From the neo PX for lower-output operations to the high-capacity Black&White4, our portfolio serves the entire spectrum of professional requirements. The machines can be configured for staff-operated cafés and restaurants, as well as self-service venues such as petrol stations, airports, and convenience stores.”
The products’ adaptability is further enhanced by modular construction, which allows each machine to be fine-tuned to the needs of a specific operational context. Improved user experience Recognising the growing trend of self-service, the brand is introducing a new graphical user interface (GUI) that enhances user interaction and brand engagement.
Built specifically for unattended environments, the GUI offers intuitive navigation, improved visual clarity, and a high degree of customisation, including branded backgrounds and themed icons. Kujovic says the new interface was developed with input from operators looking to better engage their customers through digital interfaces.
“It’s more intuitive than ever and supports promotional strategies through design,” she says.
“The performance of Thermoplan’s machines is elevated through the integration of advanced automation and intelligent brewing systems.”
The Intelligent Shot Quality (ISQ) system, for example, monitors and adjusts every espresso shot in real time. This was introduced to maintain consistent quality across high and low volumes, regardless of the operator’s experience, ensuring every beverage has the same quality coffee.
For milk-based drinks, the intelligent steam wand in the Black&White4 Competizione is designed to provide precise, automatic milk foaming that delivers the desired texture every time.
“Thanks to this automation, even beginners can produce barista-level drinks. It reduces training time and improves customer satisfaction,” she says.
Thermoplan at Host Thermoplan will offer live demonstrations of all its new and existing machines at Host Milano. Visitors will have the opportunity to see each machine in action, guided by its highly experienced technical team.
“We invite everyone attending to test their latte art skills with our intelligent steam wand, which automates precise milk foaming and helps deliver competition-level results,” says Kujovic.
“This hands-on approach ensures a personalised experience and direct interaction with our latest innovations.”
Thermoplan will be showcasing its new technologies at Booth B23-C24 in Hall 8P at Host Milano from 17 to 21 October.
For more information, visit thermoplan.ch/en/home
This article was first published in the September/October 2025 edition of Global Coffee Report. Read more HERE.