International Coffee Day: How Brew Machines Revolutionise Coffee Culture In India 

Whether it's a rainy morning, a busy afternoon, or a social gathering, coffee remains a great companion to many Indians. For most South Indians, especially in cities like Bengaluru, filter coffee or "filter kaapi" forms an essential component of their daily routine. Walk past any local breakfast joint and you will find people sipping strong, frothy filter coffee while they enjoy their idlis or dosas. But beyond that staple of traditional India lies a much more vibrant coffee culture - the artisanal coffee, single-origin beans, and brewing methods, slowly but surely making their way into popularity. But what’s the secret to this change? Coffee machines. On International Coffee Day, let's explore how these have had an important role in shaping the kind of coffee that has been brewed, from humble filter coffees to sophisticated espressos and cappuccinos. 

Also read: 6 Things To Know Before Buying Coffee Equipment For Home, As Per Experts

In the 1990s, automatic drip coffee makers entered Indian homes. These machines were very convenient, though the quality of the coffee often left much to be desired. Mathur elaborates, “The introduction of bean-to-cup machines in the 2000s marked a significant turning point. These machines, utilizing freshly ground beans and advanced brewing technology, resulted in a richer flavour profile and more consistent quality.” This period also witnessed the growth of national coffee chains like Café Coffee Day (CCD), which helped introduce many Indians to coffee beyond filter kaapi. 

Artisanal Coffee and the Role of Coffee Machines 

As India's coffee palate matured, so did its demand for artisanal coffee. Prime cities such as Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi found high-quality, speciality coffee shops sprouting everywhere. " Early adopters of advanced coffee machines, such as Café Coffee Day, played a pivotal role in popularizing coffee culture nationwide,  However, regional winners like Koinonia Coffee Roasters in Mumbai and Third Wave Coffee Roasters in Bengaluru quickly won popularity with their unique brews and embracing high technological coffee machines," says Mathur. 

These machines have entirely transformed the way coffee is brewed and consumed in India. Today, coffee enthusiasts are exploring single-origin beans, cold brews, French presses, and pour-overs, all made possible by modern brewing equipment. Even traditional Indian filter coffee is evolving, with some coffee houses using machines to enhance the consistency and richness of the brew. 

Coffee Machines in Corporate Spaces 

Besides cafes and homes, coffee machines have penetrated corporate offices in the country. With the rise of premium coffee demands, companies are investing in high-quality coffee machines for their employees. Mathur points out, “In recent years, the popularity of high-quality coffee has extended beyond cafes and into the corporate world. Offices and large corporations are increasingly investing in state-of-the-art coffee machines to meet the growing demand for premium coffee among employees.” 

“In this regard, offices can now offer their employees freshly made coffee through modern automated machines and provide them with the freshest coffee without the necessity of a trained barista. Such machines are not only highly efficient to be able to deliver a hot cup of coffee but also maintain the flavour consistently, which is exactly what busy workspaces demand", adds Abhinav.   

Technological Advancements in Coffee Machines 

Over recent years, technological advancements have stretched coffee machines to levels previously unimaginable. Smart coffee machines have also taken the world by storm, offering unprecedented convenience through a phone application interface. " This technology enables users to customize brewing settings remotely, ensuring consistency and precision in every cup," Mathur explains. Among the other features of smart machines are brewing time, temperature, and grind size, accessible with the mere touch of a button. 

Such precision in brewing has sparked innovation in the brewing of coffee. Suddenly baristas and home brewers alike find themselves experimenting to take the art of brewing into novel realms, inventing new flavours and textures that once were exclusive in the high-end coffee shops. 

Why Coffee Machines Matter in the Indian Coffee Scene 

The growth of coffee culture in India cannot be imagined without the contribution of the coffee machines. More so, as people explore different types of coffee, from cold brews to cappuccinos, the need for advanced brewing technology grows. Coffee machines have not only made high-quality coffee accessible to all but have also redefined the coffee-drinking experience for homes, cafes, and corporate settings. 

Mathur therefore states that smart machines would continue to gain popularity in the Indian market. "With smart homes and the Internet of Things (IoT), coffee machines will be even more connected and intuitive, making brewing up a perfect cup of coffee easier than ever for consumers. The quality of coffee will improve, and the experience will get better in terms of having coffee." 

From traditional brewing methods to modern smart machines, the focus has shifted from mere convenience to delivering superior quality. Today, the Indian coffee industry has traveled a long way, and the upgrading process of coffee machines became the requisite catalyst for this change. 

Future of Coffee Machines in India 

As the Indian coffee culture continues to evolve and shine bright, we can expect to see even more advanced coffee machines emerge. With increased awareness of specialty coffee and the growing demand for artisanal brewing methods, machines will continue to play a crucial role in shaping the future of Indian coffee. Whether it’s the latest smart coffee machine or a vintage-style manual espresso maker, the future of coffee in India looks bright and flavourful.