With over 20 years of experience in various roles within the fully automatic coffee machines sector, Roman Probst, VP of sales EMEA at Franke Coffee Systems, is a true industry veteran. In this interview, he explains what makes Franke Coffee Systems unique and talks about the expansion of their presence in the Middle East.
What can you tell us about Franke Coffee Systems?
Franke Coffee Systems, a division of the Franke Group, is a leading provider of advanced solutions for professional coffee preparation. Moreover, the company is headquartered in Switzerland and operates subsidiaries in Germany, the UK, Switzerland and the USA. Additionally, they have master distributors in China and Japan, supported by a global service and distribution network of over 300 partners. Furthermore, there are 17 partners in the Middle East alone, effectively covering eight countries in the region. Equally important, they are committed to delivering best-in-class in-cup quality, consistency and beverage variety for every customer. Through continuous innovation, Franke Coffee Systems ensures an outstanding customer experience that consistently meets the highest standards.
What have been the greatest highlights for Franke Coffee Systems in 2024?
After the successful launch of Mytico in Europe last year, we advanced further in 2024 by adding new features. Notably, we introduced PrecisionFoam and individual milk technologies, enhancing our innovative solutions for professional coffee preparation. Furthermore, our expansion into APAC, North America, and now the MEA region demonstrates our commitment to being a leader om coffee solutions globally.
How would you describe the current state of the market?
The MEA region boasts a rich coffee culture, deeply rooted in history and traditions that continue to influence its vibrant markets. In recent years, significant investments have been directed toward multinational franchises, as several countries aim to boost their tourism sectors. According to Allegra Project Café Middle East 2023, coffee quality is a highly valued factor of immense importance to consumers. At Franke, we closely monitor these trends and incorporate them into the continuous development of our products. The launch of Mytico in this region presents an exciting opportunity to showcase the versatility and performance of our coffee machines. We specifically tailor these machines to meet the diverse needs of our customers in the Middle East, reinforcing our commitment to excellence.
What are the firm’s expansion plans?
At Franke Coffee Systems, the customer remains at the core of everything we do, driving our commitment to excellence. Through innovation and precision technology, we continually strive to meet and exceed their evolving requirements. Our participation in GulfHost 2024 marks an important step in expanding our presence in the Middle East, a region full of potential. Furthermore, we are supported by strong partnerships and a well-functioning service network that ensures operational efficiency. To underscore this commitment, we recently appointed Anne-Marie Kutter as our business development manager, based in Dubai, to enhance and strengthen our MEA presence.
