Latte Art Factory
Latte Art Factory, a brand of Germany's CUP&CINO GROUP, makes patented steam-free automated milk-foaming machines (LAF Classic, LAF Bar, LAF Neo) for commercial coffee operators, sold via 60+ certified distributors across 64 countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1995
- HeadquartersHövelhof, Germany
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Latte Art Factory does
Latte Art Factory, a brand of CUP&CINO Kaffeesystem-Vertrieb GmbH & Co. KG (founded 1995 in Hövelhof, Germany), develops automated milk-foaming equipment for the commercial foodservice and coffee industry. The company's core technology is a patented steam-free airflow system that produces microfoam without steam injection, enabling precise temperature control from 4-75°C, compatibility with dairy and plant-based milks, and dispensing speeds up to 900 ml/min on Pro variants. The product portfolio spans the countertop LAF/LAF Pro, the under-counter LAF Bar/LAF Bar Pro, and the upcoming LAF Neo specialty beverage platform (Q4 2026) which adds three-liquid handling, integrated syrup dosing, and five programmable phases per recipe.
The hardware is supported by a patented NSF-certified automated cleaning cycle, full IoT telemetry for remote service and software updates, and a four-tier access control system for multi-site operators. Latte Art Factory generates revenue primarily through one-time hardware sales of these machines, supplemented by proprietary specialty beverage consumables, with pricing set on a quote basis through a network of 60+ certified distributors across 64 countries. Go-to-market combines channel-partner distribution, event-driven demand generation (60+ annual trade shows including World of Coffee and Specialty Coffee Expo), and enterprise field sales with dedicated quote flows for foodservice, reseller, roaster, and retail buyers.
The company targets busy cafés, coffee chains (e.g., 5 to go's 450+ locations), hotels, bakeries, mobile/event operators, and establishments with alternative/plant-based menus, with named customers including Lavazza, Sodexo, Van der Valk, Shell Café Croatia, Lindt, Onyx Coffee Lab, and Café Société. Customer-reported outcomes include a 30% revenue uplift and 50% wait-time reduction at 5 to go sites, up to 25% milk waste reduction, and approximately 4 hours per week labor savings. Latte Art Factory operates as part of the four-brand CUP&CINO GROUP (CUP&CINO, Latte Art Factory, BaristaOne, TONE), with founder Frank Epping as the driving force and no external PE/VC or public listing disclosed.
Latte Art Factory firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Latte Art Factory
- Legal name
- CUP&CINO Kaffeesystem-Vertrieb GmbH & Co. KG
- Website
- https://latteartfactory.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1995
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Latte Art Factory, a brand of Germany's CUP&CINO GROUP, makes patented steam-free automated milk-foaming machines (LAF Classic, LAF Bar, LAF Neo) for commercial coffee operators, sold via 60+ certified distributors across 64 countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Latte Art Factory industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Commercial Coffee Equipment
- NAICS
- Coffee and Tea Manufacturing (311920), Ventilation, Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing (33341)
- SIC
- Miscellaneous Food Preparations & Kindred Products (2090)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Coffee, Espresso & Tea Appliances Retail (CRACADAC)
Keywords
Where Latte Art Factory is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Hövelhof
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Latte Art Factory business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Personnel, Infrastructure
Revenue model
- Milk Foam Equipment Sales: Latte Art Factory generates revenue primarily through the sale of automated milk frothing equipment. Products include LAF Classic, LAF Classic Pro, LAF Bar, LAF Bar Pro, and the upcoming LAF Neo (Q4 2026). The machines are sold through certified distributors in 60+ countries.
- Specialty Beverage Consumables: The company also offers proprietary specialty beverage products/ingredients that work with their machines, allowing customers to order pre-formulated drink mixes for use with LAF equipment.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | LAF Classic / LAF Classic Pro - Countertop model with built-in refrigerator |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | LAF Bar / LAF Bar Pro - Under-counter model |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | LAF Neo - Fridgeless specialty beverage platform (Q4 2026) |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels8 records
Latte Art Factory product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Latte Art Factory designs, manufactures, and sells automated steam-free milk frothing machines that dispense consistent microfoam for hot and cold specialty beverages in commercial coffee establishments. Its hardware portfolio (LAF Classic, LAF Pro, LAF Bar, LAF Bar Pro, and the upcoming LAF Neo) is sold through certified distributors in 64 countries, primarily to cafés, coffee chains, hotels, bakeries, foodservice operators, and resellers. The company also offers proprietary specialty beverage ingredients/consumables that complement the equipment.
Product overview
Latte Art Factory offers an automated milk foaming solution for commercial coffee establishments. The product portfolio includes LAF Neo (complete specialty beverage platform launching Q4 2026), LAF/LAF Pro (countertop model with built-in refrigerator), and LAF Bar/LAF Bar Pro (under-counter design). All models feature patented steam-free microfoam technology that creates consistent milk foam from dairy and plant-based milks at temperatures from 4-75°C. The machines dispense up to 3 pre-defined foam textures per serving, operate with two liquid types simultaneously, and include full telemetry for remote support.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- LAF Classic / LAF Classic Pro: Countertop milk foam solution with built-in modem and refrigerator, designed for shops with minimal under-counter space.
- LAF Bar / LAF Bar Pro
- LAF Neo
Products and services
- LAF Classic / LAF Classic Pro Automated countertop milk-foaming machine with built-in refrigerator and modem, designed for commercial coffee establishments with limited under-counter space. The LAF Pro variant dispenses up to 900 ml/min of microfoam; the standard LAF dispenses 700 ml/min. Both support dairy and plant-based milks and integrate the patented steam-free airflow system.
- LAF Bar / LAF Bar Pro Under-counter automated milk-foaming machine with the modem and refrigerator concealed beneath the counter, designed for cafés with limited countertop space. The LAF Bar Pro dispenses up to 900 ml/min, supports up to 32 unique textures, and handles two liquid types simultaneously, including dairy and plant-based milks. Winner of three consecutive Specialty Coffee Association Best New Product Awards.
- LAF Neo Complete specialty beverage platform dispensing up to three liquids, an integrated syrup module, and a water dilution phase for coffee concentrates. Supports up to five programmable phases per recipe with four-tier access control. Fridgeless design, 18% smaller than LAF Bar Pro. Shipping expected from Q4 2026.
- Proprietary Specialty Beverage Consumables Pre-formulated proprietary beverage mixes and ingredients designed to work with Latte Art Factory milk-foaming machines, enabling cafés to expand their menu using consistent, machine-compatible drink formulations.
Quantifiable outcome
- 30% revenue increase for 5 to go outlets
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Latte Art Factory
Customer profileNamed customers11 records
Segments6 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
Latte Art Factory technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
Latte Art Factory partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Nine partnerships are on record, tiered flagship and core.
- Dhan TamangflagshipUK's 6x Latte Art Champion as official brand ambassador. Dhan Tamang promotes LAF quality for intricate latte art designs and participates in events including latte art throwdowns at HOST Milano 2023.
- Xtracted Espresso SolutionscoreAustralia's largest independently owned coffee equipment importer, distributing Latte Art Factory across Australia. Dean and Emma Slade's company serves quality-focused coffee retailers with complete workflow solutions. Partnership leverages Xtracted's two decades of industry experience and service reputation.
- Cabell Ticeflagship3x US Latte Art Champion featured at Specialty Coffee Expo Portland and other events showcasing LAF milk foam quality. Cabell Tice demonstrates latte art skills using freshly foamed milk from Latte Art Factory machines.
- Onyx Coffee LabcoreUS specialty coffee roaster partnered for Specialty Coffee Expo Portland, providing premium beans for LAF demonstrations. Represents enterprise customer and marketing collaboration.
- Caffè d'AutorecorePartnership with 30-year coffee expertise company to bring LAF to Spain's food service operators. Caffè d'Autore provides 360-degree coffee service with bespoke solutions. Partnership targets coffee chains and food service operators requiring consistent quality and reduced overhead costs.
- 5 to gocorePartnership with Romania's largest café chain (450+ locations) to deploy LAF equipment across their network. 5 to go achieved 30% revenue surge and 50% reduction in wait times using Latte Art Factory. Partnership enables consistency across hundreds of locations and supports 5 to go's expansion to 1,000 locations by 2027.
- Segafredo Zanetti AustraliacoreStrategic partnership with world's largest privately owned coffee company (Massimo Zanetti Beverage Group) to distribute LAF Bar Pro in Australia. Segafredo operates in Sydney, Melbourne, Sunshine Coast, and Perth with showroom displays. Partnership targets high-volume cafés seeking productivity improvements.
- BaristaOnecorePart of CUP&CINO GROUP's International Division alongside Latte Art Factory and TONE. BaristaOne focuses on technological excellence in coffee industry as part of parent company's brand portfolio.
- TONEcoreSwiss brand acquired by CUP&CINO GROUP as part of International Division. TONE contributes to premium portfolio alongside Latte Art Factory and BaristaOne, focusing on coffee industry technology excellence.
Scale indicators7 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Latte Art Factory competitors and assessment
Company assessmentBroad incumbents
- Jura (Jura Elektroapparate): Swiss prosumer and office coffee machine manufacturer with milk foam capabilities. Broader incumbent in automated coffee equipment with overlapping technology platform, though primarily targeting office and premium home versus LAF's professional café chain focus.
- De'Longhi: Global home and prosumer coffee equipment manufacturer. Comparable as a broader incumbent in coffee appliances with overlapping milk foam capability (e.g., LatteCrema systems), though primarily retail/prosumer versus LAF's professional focus.
Direct peers
- Marco Beverage Systems: Irish manufacturer of commercial coffee brewing equipment, including precision brewing systems for foodservice. Comparable as a specialist commercial coffee equipment supplier targeting cafés, hotels, and chains with B2B hardware sales.
- Wilbur Curtis: US manufacturer of commercial coffee brewing and dispensing equipment for restaurants, cafés, and foodservice. Direct competitor in commercial coffee equipment with comparable customer segments and channel-led distribution model.
- BUNN (Bunn-O-Matic Corporation): American commercial coffee equipment manufacturer serving foodservice, convenience, and QSR. Comparable as a long-standing commercial coffee equipment competitor with broader brewing portfolio and US foodservice distribution.
- La Marzocco: Italian premium espresso machine maker for cafés and specialty coffee shops. Direct competitor in professional coffee equipment, with broader espresso focus but overlapping customer base in cafés, hotels, and chains seeking premium beverage quality.
- Rancilio Group: Italian professional espresso machine manufacturer (Rancilio Classe and Egro brands). Direct competitor in professional coffee equipment for cafés, chains, and OCS operators, with comparable global distribution and multi-product portfolio.
- Thermoplan: Swiss manufacturer of professional automatic coffee machines used in cafés, chains, and foodservice. Most direct competitor to Latte Art Factory in commercial milk foam and coffee equipment, serving the same enterprise customer base globally with integrated brewing and steaming solutions.
Others
- Hemro Group (Mahlkönig, Anfim): German-headquartered group owning Mahlkönig and Anfim coffee grinder brands. Adjacent peer as a specialty coffee equipment ecosystem player serving the same professional café and roaster customer base where LAF machines are deployed.
Emerging players
- Cafection (Café Specialty): Canadian specialty commercial coffee equipment maker focused on fresh-brew and capsule systems for OCS and foodservice. Comparable as a smaller specialist in commercial coffee equipment targeting chain and foodservice operators with niche positioning.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Latte Art Factory social profiles
Digital presenceLatte Art Factory compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance6 records
Latte Art Factory financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Latte Art Factory leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
Latte Art Factory subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
Latte Art Factory funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Latte Art Factory M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Latte Art Factory
What does Latte Art Factory do?
Latte Art Factory designs, manufactures, and sells automated steam-free milk frothing machines that dispense consistent microfoam for hot and cold specialty beverages in commercial coffee establishments. Its hardware portfolio (LAF Classic, LAF Pro, LAF Bar, LAF Bar Pro, and the upcoming LAF Neo) is sold through certified distributors in 64 countries, primarily to cafés, coffee chains, hotels, bakeries, foodservice operators, and resellers. The company also offers proprietary specialty beverage ingredients/consumables that complement the equipment.
Is Latte Art Factory a public or private company?
Latte Art Factory is a private company. It is classified as family owned and is currently operating.
When was Latte Art Factory founded?
Latte Art Factory was founded in 1995. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Latte Art Factory based?
Latte Art Factory is headquartered in Hövelhof, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does Latte Art Factory make money?
Two revenue lines are on record. Milk Foam Equipment Sales are the primary driver. The others are specialty Beverage Consumables.
Who are Latte Art Factory's main competitors?
Broad incumbents on record are Jura (Jura Elektroapparate) and De'Longhi. Direct peers are Marco Beverage Systems, Wilbur Curtis, BUNN (Bunn-O-Matic Corporation), La Marzocco, Rancilio Group and Thermoplan. Hemro Group (Mahlkönig, Anfim) is listed as an others. Cafection (Café Specialty) is listed as an emerging player.
Does Latte Art Factory have an API?
No public API is recorded for Latte Art Factory.
What industry is Latte Art Factory in?
Latte Art Factory's product category is Commercial Coffee Equipment. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRACADAC, Coffee, Espresso & Tea Appliances Retail. Its NAICS code is 311920 and its SIC code is 2090.