Hövelhof, 21 November 2025 – CUP&CINO is excited to announce the acquisition of the TONE brand. The global distribution network for TONE coffee systems will be fully integrated into the CUP&CINO GROUP. CUP&CINO, headquartered in Hövelhof for 30 years, is making a clear statement with this move: consolidating expertise and expanding its international distribution network. Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.
With the integration of TONE, the CUP&CINO GROUP grows to a total of four strong brands: CUP&CINO, Latte Art Factory, BaristaOne, and TONE. While CUP&CINO operates as a concept provider in Germany and Austria, Latte Art Factory, BaristaOne, and TONE form the International Division – focusing on technological excellence in the coffee industry.
Two Innovation Leaders Combine Their Strengths
Expanding the product portfolio is a strategic step to create targeted synergies for customers worldwide. TONE is known for its state-of-the-art, energy-efficient brewing systems and minimalist Swiss design, which combines functionality and sustainability. TONE machines set standards in precision, temperature control, and energy efficiency – making them a perfect complement to the milk and coffee systems from Latte Art Factory and BaristaOne.
“With TONE, we are expanding our portfolio with the leading brewing technology in the batch coffee segment – a missing puzzle piece that completes our vision of being a holistic solution provider for the coffee industry,” explains Frank Epping, Founder and CEO of the CUP&CINO GROUP. “Together, we will offer our customers everything from a single source – from the perfect milk solution and fully automatic machines to the most innovative brewers in the industry.”
Shared Values and a Common Vision
Both CUP&CINO and TONE stand for continuous technological innovation, the highest quality equipment, and a premium experience for their customers. The combination of these values forms the foundation for sustainable growth, expanded market presence, and the strengthening of existing partnerships.
“The integration of TONE in our portfolio fits perfectly in pursuit of quality, reliability, and innovation,” adds Sven Keysers, CEO of the International Division at CUP&CINO. “It’s not just about expansion, but also about building trust – cup by cup and relationship by relationship. Ultimately, it’s all about the customer experience: providing people worldwide with an exceptional coffee experience that combines technology, craftsmanship, and emotion.”
Holger Welz, founder of TONE, also emphasizes: “I am pleased that TONE technology and products can now be integrated into a larger portfolio of premium products and that the CUP&CINO GROUP shares our values and will consistently drive technological advancement and the international distribution of TONE products. This partnership opens up new opportunities for our customers worldwide.”
Continuity and Integration
The TONE team will be integrated into the CUP&CINO GROUP. Existing partnerships and business relationships will continue unchanged. Customers will also benefit from the expanded product portfolio and the global network of the Latte Art Factory and BaristaOne brands.
In the short term, the focus is on the seamless integration of the team and the successful continuation of ongoing projects with existing TONE partners. In the long term, the group aims to become one of the world’s leading providers of premium coffee technology with complete solutions from a single source.
At Latte Art Factory, innovation has never been about technology for technology’s sake. For Latte Art Factory CEO Sven Keysers, the true purpose of every advancement comes down to one principle: everything begins and ends with the customer’s experience.
Putting People First
Great hospitality is about feelings, not just functions. While our technology delivers precision in foam texture and milk temperature across dairy and plant-based milks, Sven emphasizes that this consistency isn’t the end goal. Instead, it creates the space for baristas to do what they do best — connect with guests, craft memorable drinks, and spark moments of delight.
“Technology should empower, not replace, craftsmanship,” Sven notes. “Our role is to give baristas more freedom to focus on creativity and customer interaction.”
Lessons in Leadership and Innovation
One of Sven’s core leadership philosophies is simple yet powerful: put people before cleverness, and fall in love with the shared problem.
For him, real innovation doesn’t happen through individual brilliance but through collaboration and incremental improvements. Small wins — like delivering consistent milk foam across different milks or introducing cold-foam options for creative cocktails — have a big impact when they solve real challenges for baristas and operators.
Staying Agile in a Global Market
With a presence in more than 60 markets, Latte Art Factory faces complex challenges — from regional power standards to shifting consumer preferences. Sven advocates for a lean, agile approach: observe, pilot, ship, and learn.
This mindset, supported by AI-driven processes, helps the company remain both entrepreneurial and scalable. It ensures LAF delivers not only consistent quality worldwide but also the flexibility to adapt locally.
Expanding the Possibilities of Coffee
Innovation at LAF doesn’t stop at traditional lattes or cappuccinos. By mastering hot and cold foams, the team has opened the door to entirely new beverage formats. From layered nitro cold brews to perfectly frothed Espresso Martinis, the possibilities for creativity in coffee and hospitality are constantly expanding.
Looking Ahead
For Sven and the Latte Art Factory team, the mission remains clear: combine craftsmanship and technology to elevate the coffee experience for everyone involved.
“Innovation is only meaningful when it creates better experiences for both baristas and customers,” Sven says. “That’s the balance we strive for every day.”
Read Sven’s full interview with World Coffee Portal here.
Unveil the secrets of milk frother vs. steamer technology with our comprehensive guide tailored for café owners. From deciphering the nuances between frothing and steaming to exploring automated frothing systems, discover how to enhance your café’s operations and elevate the coffee experience for your customers.
Any café owner who seeks to stay ahead in the bustling world of coffee knows the importance of optimizing workflows and embracing innovation. In this comprehensive guide tailored specifically for café owners, we embark on an exploration of the intricate world of milk frothing and steaming technology. From deciphering the subtle contrasts between frothing and steaming to uncovering the advantages of automated frothing systems, we navigate the possibilities to enhance your business operations.
Frothing milk is all about adding air, while steaming milk focuses on adding steam. Depending on your equipment, frothed milk can be hot or cold, while steamed milk is always hot.
Milk frothers infuse air into milk, creating dense foam ideal for cappuccinos and cold foam drinks. This foam maintains its texture and offers a creamy consistency with less water content.
Milk steamers heat and texture milk using steam infusion, producing “microfoam” with small, velvety bubbles. Steamed milk is often used in lattes, flat whites, hot chocolates, and more.
By incorporating both methods into your menu, you cater to a wider range of tastes, enhancing customer satisfaction and distinguishing your café.
Both milk frothers and steamers come in manual and automatic versions. Manual models require hands-on operation, while automatic models streamline the process, ensuring consistency in high-volume cafés.
Choosing equipment that covers all essential features is key. The Latte Art Factory stands out by offering everything needed for high-quality milk foam production in cafés.
With LAF, you get:
The Latte Art Factory (LAF) offers telemetry-based data insights, helping optimize workflows and enhance customer satisfaction.
LAF dispenses precise milk amounts, reducing wastage. With extra fridge space under the counter, batch frothing becomes unnecessary.
LAF requires minimal training, making it ideal for cafés with high staff turnover. Consistent results reduce wastage and training costs.
LAF’s cold foam capabilities allow cafés to create innovative menu options that attract customers seeking cold coffee drinks.
As technology advances, innovations such as AI-driven foam optimization and improved cold foam capabilities are expected to shape the future of cafés.
By assessing your café’s needs and keeping an eye on future trends, you can ensure long-term success and deliver exceptional coffee experiences to your customers.
Latte Art Factory’s commitment to delivering intelligent solutions to the coffee industry has been recognized through the Smart Label Host Innovation Award.
Latte Art Factory, the leading automated milk foaming solution, is proud to announce its recent recognition with the Smart Label Innovation Award, organized by Host Milano and Fiera Milano in partnership with POLI.design and sponsored by ADI – the Industrial Design Association.
This prestigious award celebrates innovation excellence within the global HoReCa industry, distinguishing the most intelligent and advanced solutions in the field.
The jury awarded the INNOVATION SMART label to just five products from a pool of 157 based on criteria like functionality, performance, usability, innovation, and user benefits. The LAF Bar Pro won based on its breakthrough technology, providing the utmost value for users.
Latte Art Factory improves the coffee-making process by guaranteeing the finest milk foam quality every time. With precise temperature control and fully customizable settings, it crafts perfect milk textures for any drink, hot or cold, using both dairy and plant-based milk.
Latte Art Factory’s mission is to empower baristas and café owners, enhance the overall coffee experience for customers, and contribute to the evolution of the coffee industry. The company is committed to continuing our journey of innovation and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the world of coffee.
The Smart Label Host Innovation Award is not just a testament to the cutting-edge features and capabilities of Latte Art Factory, but it also underscores the company’s ambition of creating a new standard for milk frothing technology, delivering unparalleled quality, consistency, and efficiency to cafés worldwide.
The team extends its heartfelt gratitude to HOST Milano for recognizing Latte Art Factory’s vision for excellence and innovation.
Host Milano is the world’s leading annual show for professional hospitality, which will be held at Fiera Milano from October 13th to 17th.
Latte Art Factory will be exhibiting in Hall 22 Booth K35 / L36 where ten LAF machines will be on display, showing the whole range of possibilities for café owners.
Latte art champions Dhan Tamang and Cabell Tice will also be joining the event and hosting a latte art throwdown where baristas can show off their free pouring skills using freshly foamed milk from Latte Art Factory.
You’re all invited!
Make the award-winning LAF Bar Pro yours.
With Xtracted Espresso Solutions’ passion for exceptional service and Latte Art Factory’s cutting-edge technology, we’re on a mission to elevate the coffee experience in Australia, for café owners, baristas and customers alike.
HÖVELHOF, GERMANY (28.07.2023) — Latte Art Factory is happy to announce another exciting partnership. The company is teaming up with Xtracted Espresso Solutions, a leading distributor of specialty coffee and coffee equipment in Australia. Together they are bringing the magic of automatic milk foaming technology to coffee lovers all across the country.
Get ready for quick and flawless milk frothing, consistent quality in every cup, and latte art that will leave your customers speechless. With Latte Art Factory’s cutting-edge milk foaming solutions, creating unforgettable coffee experiences has never been easier.
As the largest wholesaler of coffee equipment in the Australian market, Xtracted Espresso Solutions is always on the lookout for top-notch products to meet the diverse needs of the coffee community.
Owners Dean and Emma Slade have worked in the coffee industry for over two decades and are known as market leaders in the supply of coffee equipment for quality focused coffee retailers.
“We are excited to introduce Latte Art Factory to Australia. When sourcing equipment we are looking for efficiency, consistency, reliability and most importantly quality. Latte Art Factory is the perfect addition to our range of premium equipment,” said Dean Slade, Director of Xtracted Espresso Solutions.
The one-of-a-kind Latte Art Factory not only elevates consumers’ love for milk beverages with its impeccable milk foam qualities, but also streamlines café owners’ operations with its easy to use solution.
“We love the versatility and repeatability of Latte Art Factory! Whether it’s used to focus on dairy milk, plant-based alternatives or both, its intelligent on-board system allows for easy program sharing for consistencies across multiple sites.
Café owners in Australia are constantly re-evaluating their daily operational needs, while trying to optimise their workflow and keep baristas engaged with customers.
“[Latte Art Factory] creates consistency, no matter the operator! Less wastage and perfectly portion controlled milk means no milk or money being washed down the drain,” says Dean Slade of Xtracted.
With the rising costs in wages and the endless range of milk options, Latte Art Factory offers a completely innovative, automatic milk solution with its repetitive delivery of textured, temperature-controlled milk all at the push of a button! It creates consistency, no matter the operator! Less wastage and perfectly portion controlled milk means no milk or money being washed down the drain,” adds Dean.
So, get ready to level up your coffee business with Xtracted Espresso Solutions and Latte Art Factory. Catch us at the Melbourne International Coffee Expo from August 17th to 19th at booth E27, where you can see the 3x SCA award-winning Latte Art Factory in action and try the silkiest microfoam for yourself.
Xtracted Espresso Solutions is Australia’s largest, independently owned importer of coffee equipment. With a passion for delivering exceptional service and products, Xtracted Espresso Solutions is dedicated to elevating the coffee experience for coffee lovers and café owners alike. The ethos at Xtracted Espresso Solutions is to offer complete, tailored workflow solutions. Visit the Xtracted website for more details.
Frank Buna is shaping the future of coffee equipment by combining automation and the art of coffee making. As an innovation leader in a dynamic market, Frank Buna is a company to watch. Their LAF Bar Pro automatic milk frothing machine has received recognition for the third time as the best new product from the Specialty Coffee Association, a historic achievement in SCA history.
Want to learn more about the Latte Art Factory or purchase one for your cafe? Contact us today.
With Boncafe Thailand’s passion for exceptional service and Latte Art
Factory’s cutting-edge technology, we’re on a mission to revolutionize the
coffee scene in Thailand. Get ready to elevate your coffee game and delight
your customers like never before. </strong >
HÖVELHOF, GERMANY (07.07.2023) —
Latte Art Factory</a >
is thrilled to announce its partnership with Boncafe Thailand, the leading
distributor of specialty coffee and coffee equipment in Thailand, to bring the
innovative milk foaming technology to the country.
Picture quick and flawless milk frothing, consistent quality in every cup, and
latte art that will wow customers. With the Latte Art Factory’s innovative
milk foaming solutions, the power to create unforgettable coffee experiences
that keep your customers coming back for more is just a tap away.
As a market leader in Thailand coffee industry, Boncafe Thailand is actively
seeking for a top-notch innovative product to expand our offerings for the
extensive market needs. “With our mission to be a ‘Total Coffee and Beverages
Solutions Provider,’ Latte Art Factory, a world breakthrough automatic milk
frothing machine by Frank Buna, not only is a perfect match for our business
objectives, but it offers a distinct and incomparable solution to a whole new
level of beverage variety” said Usapun Inteevoravong – CEO of Boncafe
Thailand.
The one-of-a-kind Latte Art Factory can both uplift consumers’ appetite
towards milk beverages through the impeccable milk foam qualities that the
machine offers and also ease up the café owner’s burdensome operations with
its simple yet efficient solution.
“This partnership will not only benefit Latte Art Factory and Boncafe
Thailand, but I firmly believe that this innovation will extend to elevate our
coffee communities to a whole new level.” adds Usapun.
So, get your coffee cups ready, because the Boncafe Thailand and Latte Art
Factory partnership is set to take the Thai coffee scene by storm. Catch Latte
Art Factory with Boncafe Thailand at
Thailand Coffee Fest, from
July 13th to 16th</strong >
at Booth S1, where we’ll also be joined by the one and
only Jibbi the Littles for an action-packed
latte art smackdown on July 14th</strong >! There is a lot more Boncafe has planned for the coffee festival so be sure
to
check out the full schedule</a ></stron>
of workshops and menu tastings.
Boncafe Thailand is a business provider with the One Stop Coffee Solution; a
coffee manufacturer, distributor, and also the importer of many products
including top-notch coffee machine brands with more than 30 years’ experience
and over 24 branches across the country. Boncafe Thailand is currently a part
of the Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group; an Italian coffee company which is one
of the world’s largest coffee company. Visit their
Frank Buna is shaping the future of coffee equipment by combining automation
and the art of coffee making. As an innovation leader in a dynamic market,
Frank Buna is a company to watch. Their LAF Bar Pro automatic milk-frothing
machine has received recognition as the
best new product of 2022</a >and2023</a >
from the Specialty Coffee Association, an achievement the company sees as
validation of its forward-thinking approach.
Want to learn more about the Latte Art Factory or purchase one for your cafe?
Latte Art Factory’s innovative milk foaming machine is coming to Taiwan, enhancing the coffee-drinking experience with quick and flawless service for cafés across the country.
HÖVELHOF, GERMANY (30.06.2023) — Latte Art Factory, the milk foaming solution that has made history by winning the coveted SCA Best New Product award three times, is delighted to announce its entry into Taiwan through its partnership with CICA Enterprise Corp. With the expansion of Latte Art Factory’s presence in the Asia-Pacific area, this partnership represents a key milestone.
The partnership with CICA Enterprise Corp, a renowned distributor of professional coffee equipment in Taiwan, will allow cafés across Taiwan to experience the cutting-edge technology and exceptional milk frothing capabilities of the Latte Art Factory. By joining forces, CICA Enterprise Corp and Latte Art Factory aim to further elevate the coffee experience and set new standards in milk frothing and delivering a high-quality coffee drink.
“We are very excited to partner with Frank Buna to introduce their breakthrough Latte Art Factory into the Taiwanese market. With Latte Art Factory, we will be able to optimize our professional solutions, helping our customers elevate their coffee business and operation efficiency. Latte Art Factory provides consistent and premium milk quality through an innovative automatic solution. Furthermore, we believe it paths the future of coffee equipment. We are looking forward to growing the business together in Taiwan,” said Brian Chen, general manager CICA Enterprise Corp.
The Latte Art Factory is already available at Simple Kaffa in Taipei, a café owned by Berg Wu who won the World Barista Championship in 2016. The café has been awarded the World’s Best Coffee Shop in 2019 and 2020, as well as Asia’s Best Coffee Shop in 2019 and 2020. CICA and Latte Art Factory aspire to bring the exceptional milk foaming capabilities of Latte Art Factory to more renowned cafés in Taiwan.
You can see the LAF in Taiwan with CICA at the Taichung Intl Tea and Coffee Show, 7-11 July, and at the Taiwan International Cafe Show in Taipei, 17-20 Nov.
About CICA Enterprise Corp.
CICA is a 33-year-old professional coffee company, one of the market pioneers to serve coffee business solutions in Taiwan. It is committed to providing total coffee solutions, connecting industry value chain from green bean sourcing, roasting to coffee equipment, post maintenance service and coffee academy education. We are driven by passion, professionalism, innovation, and integration as our core values. Together with our clients, CICA aims to create wonderful coffee experiences, pursue excellence, and build a sustainable corporate. Want to learn more about CICA Enterprise? Visit their website to learn more.
About Latte Art Factory by Frank Buna
Frank Buna is shaping the future of coffee equipment by combining automation and the art of coffee making. As an innovation leader in a dynamic market, Frank Buna is a company to watch. Their LAF Bar Pro automatic milk-frothing machine has received recognition as the best new product of 2022 and 2023 from the Specialty Coffee Association, an achievement the company sees as validation of its forward-thinking approach.
Want to learn more about the Latte Art Factory or purchase one for your cafe? Contact us today!
Latte Art Factory has done it again! The revolutionary LAF Bar Pro has just won the Best New Product Award at the Specialty Coffee Expo in Portland for the third time.
No other product has ever achieved this feat before, making us extremely proud and honored to receive this level of recognition from the Specialty Coffee Association.
The LAF Bar Pro is the ultimate game-changer in the coffee industry by making it easier than ever to deliver the highest quality coffee drinks consistently.
With its patented steam-free microfoam technology, Latte Art Factory provides perfectly textured hot and cold milk foam in any texture imaginable from liquid to solid.
Latte Art Factory was created from the need to address challenges of cafe owners and baristas alike. Milk foaming in particular is often the biggest bottleneck when it comes to efficiency and consistency.
The LAF Bar Pro significantly improves baristas’ workflows, increases speed without compromising quality, is energy efficient, and reduces milk waste.
Furthermore, it can cater to all tastes by allowing the seamless introduction of plant milks and cold drinks like nitro cold brew to the menu. It’s a barista’s dream!
We’re thrilled to see that the LAF Bar Pro has been received so well in the US. We look forward to helping take businesses to the next level and enhance the overall coffee experience for their customers.
Thank you to the Specialty Coffee Association for this incredible recognition. It’s proving to be an incredible year for the team, and we are excited to see what else is in store.
We are now accepting orders for the US, so the LAF can soon be yours.
Our order forms are now open for resellers, cafes, roasters and retailers.
Not located in the US? See whether your country is listed in our international partner network.
Read more about the LAF Bar Pro or contact us today to purchase this award-winning machine for your café!
Latte Art Factory’s innovative milk foaming technology is now available in India through Benki Brewing Tools, offering café owners the opportunity to elevate their customers’ coffee-drinking experience with fast and perfect service.
HÖVELHOF, GERMANY (17.04.2023) — Latte Art Factory is thrilled to announce its latest partnership with Benki Brewing Tools, a prominent player in professional café equipment in India. The partnership aims to bring the revolutionary Latte Art Factory to the Indian market, offering café owners and baristas an innovative and efficient solution to enhance their workflows and their customers’ coffee experience.
India’s coffee market is ready for innovation thanks to the country’s growing interest in specialty coffee. The unique milk foaming technology developed by Latte Art Factory eliminates the inconsistencies that can occur when frothing milk manually. This ensures that each cup of coffee is of the highest quality, meeting the changing tastes and expectations of the Indian consumer base.
Benki Brewing Tools is well-known for its commitment to delivering premium equipment to customers such as Third Wave Coffee Roasters. The company’s core values of innovation, quality, and customer satisfaction align perfectly with Latte Art Factory’s ethos, making this partnership a strategic fit. By combining their expertise and strengths, both companies can tap into the growing demand for high-quality coffee solutions in India.
“At Benki Brewing Tools we are always on the lookout for products and brands in the specialty coffee space that push the envelope of quality and innovation. There are not many companies out there that are revolutionizing milk foaming and frothing that can revolutionize the milk frothing and texturing game”, said Suhas Dwarakanath, owner of Benki.
“We are excited to partner with Benki to bring the Latte Art Factory to the Indian market,” said Sven Keysers from Latte Art Factory. “This partnership is a testament to our commitment to innovate and enable baristas and café owners to elevate their businesses. We strive to provide the best possible experiences.”
These are just a few of the many things Benki love about the LAF:
The strategic partnership between Latte Art Factory and Benki Brewing Tools presents an exciting opportunity for mutual growth and success. With the Latte Art Factory’s innovative and cutting-edge solution, both companies can meet the needs of the Indian coffee market and set a new standard for quality and efficiency in the industry.
About Benki Brewing Tools
Benki Brewing Tools is one of the leading distributors of commercial coffee equipment in India. They are always on the lookout for products and brands for specialty coffee that push the envelope of quality and innovation and introduce it to the Indian market. Find out more about Benki Brewing Tools on their website.
About Latte Art Factory by Frank Buna
Frank Buna is shaping the future of coffee equipment by combining automation and the art of coffee making. As an innovation leader in a dynamic market, Frank Buna is a company to watch. Their LAF Bar Pro automatic milk-frothing machine has received recognition as the best new product of 2022 and 2023 from the Specialty Coffee Association, an achievement the company sees as validation of its forward-thinking approach.
Want to learn more about the Latte Art Factory or purchase one for your cafe? Contact us today!
Latte Art Factory is making its debut in the United States at the Specialty Coffee Expo in Portland from April 21-23. After successfully launching in several markets, the twice SCA award-winning milk foaming solution is arriving to make waves in the US. Don’t miss out on being among the first to experience the benefits it has to offer.
Latte Art Factory is a cutting-edge solution that empowers baristas and café owners to elevate their business, and enhance the overall coffee experience for their customers. This automated milk foamer offers a range of benefits that address problems often faced by coffee shops and baristas, such as consistency in temperature and texture, optimizing workflows even in busy periods, and allowing the seamless inclusion of cold and plant-based drinks to café menus.
With its unique patented microfoam technology, precise temperature control, and fully customizable settings, it makes it easy for baristas to create the perfect texture for any drink, hot or cold, using dairy or plant-based milk. Not to mention that it can dispense two liquids at the same time, meaning you can top your perfectly textured cold brew with some cold foam as well.
Stop by booth 653 to see Latte Art Factory in action and experience the difference for yourself.
But that’s not all! Latte Art Factory will be joined by 3x Latte Art Champion, Cabell Tice, who will be putting the smooth microfoam into action and sharing tips and tricks on how to nail your latte art design every time. Come and be amazed by Cabell’s incredible latte art skills, show off your own skills in our throwdowns, and see how this machine can level up your business.
While you’re at the booth, make sure to enjoy a variety of dairy and plant-based coffee drinks, made using the highest quality beans from Onyx Coffee. Great coffee starts with great beans after all.
Don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to experience Latte Art Factory and meet the team at the Specialty Coffee Expo. Book your meeting now and get ready to take your coffee business to new heights. See you there!
