| 30 mins

Episode 16: Barista vs. Machine


In today’s episode we’re exploring the world of espresso machine technology and the future of automation, and asking the question – will super-automatic coffee machines ever replace the barista?

To help answer this, we speak to leading manufacturers of traditional and super-automatic machines as well as a US Barista Champion to unpack how this technology is advancing, what that means for café owners, and how the role of the barista will evolve with the rise of automation.

We hear from Enrico Bracesco, Chief Commercial Officer for traditional and automatic coffee machine manufacturer, Gruppo Cimbali, who shares why he anticipates significant growth of the super-automatic segment within Cimbali’s portfolio. 

Kamal Bengougam, Group Commercial Director, Eversys, discusses the latest technology advancements in full automation and what the next generation of espresso machines might look like.

We also speak with Lem Butler, US Barista Champion, and co-founder of Black & White Coffee Roasters, to understand the spaces that super automation can fill throughout the coffee industry and the evolving role of the barista within the value chain.

Credits music: RIP by Matt Kent - former finalist of the Coffee Music Project New York.

Click here to read more on World Coffee Portal's latest market data and consumer research on the rapidly developing automated coffee market.

Guests

Enrico Bracesco

Enrico Bracesco

Chief Commercial Officer, Gruppo Cimbali

Enrico Bracesco is the Chief Commercial Officer for Gruppo Cimbali, overseeing the business strategy for the company’s four brands - Slayer, Faema, La Cimbali and Casa Dio. With a degree in industrial engineering, Bracesco has held senior management roles in various industries for multinational companies in Italy and abroad.
Kamal Bengougam

Kamal Bengougam

Group Commercial Director, Eversys

Kamal Bengougam joined Eversys in 2012 and is currently the Group Commercial Director, with Sales and Marketing as his primary focus. Bengougam is also a regular opinion writer and international speaker with a vision for developing people and products that make a genuine difference and serve the world of coffee.
Lem Butler

Lem Butler

Co-founder, Black & White Coffee Roasters

Lem Butler is a world-renowned barista, coffee trainer, competition MC and the 2016 US Barista Champion. Butler is the co-owner of Black & White Coffee Roasters, a specialty coffee shop and roastery in North Carolina, which he founded with his business partner and fellow US Barista Champion, Kyle Ramage, in 2017.
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