Insights from Our CEO: Craft, Technology, and the Future of Coffee
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.”