PICTURED: Klaus Pfaller and Wolfgang Lobermeier of Suwelack
One of the pioneers in freeze drying instant coffee, Suwelack was founded in 1969, in the west German town of Billerbeck, close to the Dutch border.
‘We opened the first freeze drying ‘factory’ for coffee’, Wolfgang Lobermier told us at Vendex. ‘Freeze drying is better for one’s perception of coffee. It makes it longer lasting and the flavours are much better protected than they are under spray drying.
So, as it’s an exhibition, there’s a taste test – and very good it was, too. ‘We’ve made a lot of progress’, Wolfgang said. ‘People think instant is bad, but it isn’t! It’s about aroma and with our aroma protection system we protect all the aromas, so we’re as close as possible to fresh coffee.’
Asked about Suwelack’s objective in visiting Vendex? Well, ask a sily question… ‘Sales!’. Wolfgang says. ‘We produce 8,000 tonnes annually, but the UK is a major market for coffee and we’re intent upon increasing our market share.’
