Schaerer coffee machines are celebrating their 100th anniversary in 2024! Maurice Schaerer launched the first coffee machine in 1924, laying the foundation for the company’s impressive journey. Today, Schaerer continues to set new standards in the industry with innovative technologies, consistent customer focus and a feel for trends in the out-of-home market. The driving forces are the same as they were 100 years ago: A tireless pioneering spirit, Swiss precision and a passion for the best coffee.
From medical devices to the first coffee machine
More than 30 years before Maurice Schaerer developed his first coffee machine, he opened a small business selling surgical instruments. Later he also developed operating tables as well as sterilisation and disinfection devices. This was not only Schaerer's international breakthrough. His expertise in working with steam and metal processing proved to be the basis for the development of the very first Schaerer coffee machine: The high-volume coffee brewer.
Innovation fuels growth
In the decades that followed, numerous innovations shaped Schaerer’s history and propelled its growth to become one of the world’s leading providers of fully automatic coffee machines. Key milestones include the development of the automatic piston machine in 1957, the first fully automatic machine with a dosing unit and integrated grinder in 1970, and the launch of the first cappuccino system in 1997. As early as 1993, Schaerer introduced a plastic brewer that continues to be a core component in many models today. Another technological leap came in 2015 with the launch of the Best Foam milk system. With this, Schaerer started a new era in the preparation of milk-based coffee specialities.
Shaping the Future of Coffee
Over the past decade, Schaerer has continued its success by focusing on individual customer needs and the evolving dynamics of the out-of-home coffee market, particularly within the HoReCa industry. Recent innovations have centred not only on delivering high-quality diverse beverages but also addressing customer challenges such as increasing cost pressures, staff shortages, the demand for greater automation and digitalisation of processes. Schaerer meets these needs with a holistic approach that combines advanced technology, market expertise, and in-depth coffee knowledge. This knowledge is shared through Schaerer’s Coffee Competence Centre in Zuchwil with employees, partners, and customers alike.
Forward-Looking Solutions
Examples of Schaerer’s innovative solutions include the digital platform Schaerer Coffee Link, the fully automatic cleaning system Schaerer ProCare, and the 30-gram brewing unit giving customers the ability to tailor speciality drinks on a single grind cycle and for quick preparation of larger beverages. Schaerer's Hot & Cold technology and Twin Milk system also help customers cater to their guests' individual beverage preferences with high quality and minimal effort. These features allow businesses to expand their drink offerings while maximising customer retention and driving growth in sales.
Flexible machine concepts like the Schaerer Coffee Soul are designed to quickly prepare coffee specialties with simple operation and automated processes, enhancing the guest experience by delivering top quality with minimal wait times.
Global player in the coffee business
Today, Schaerer ranks among the world’s most prominent providers of professional coffee solutions. Since 2016, the brand has been part of the French Groupe SEB, benefiting from the strength and global reach of this international group. As part of SEB Professional, Schaerer is well-positioned to continue growing in a globalised and dynamic environment.
