The coffee niche market is constantly changing and growing. The first wave of coffee introduced the beverage to the majority of Americans and made it widely available thanks to innovations like instant coffee. On the other hand, the focus of the current fourth (some even call it fifth) wave of coffee is on quality. Hospitality also plays an important role. That’s why there are different types of cafes that suit the style and preferences of different customers. The common thing between the different coffee shops is that they all need reliable coffee equipment. This includes commercial espresso machines to make popular beverages like latte and cappuccino and pour-over coffee makers suitable for specialty coffee. In this post, we’ll share more about how coffee equipment suppliers operate and the main types of products they offer. We’ll also shed some light on the trends and innovations in coffee equipment. If you’re interested in coffee equipment, perhaps you’ll benefit from reading our posts on how to increase cafe sales or how to introduce a coffee shop reusable cup program.
Key takeaway: Distributors of coffee equipment offer brewing machines, accessories, and coffee supplies at wholesale prices. These wholesalers work with cafes, catering businesses, hotels, and businesses in the restaurant industry.
What Is Coffee Equipment
The term refers to machines, appliances, and tools used to prepare coffee. Coffee-brewing equipment is also used by individuals and many households have some type of coffee-making equipment. However, businesses are the primary purchasers of coffee high-end or commercial coffee bar equipment. There are various types of coffee equipment. They are used to brew coffee with different techniques. Espresso machines are the most popular variety. They are used to make the most popular coffee beverages in the US – latte, macchiato, cappuccino, and Americano. Besides a commercial espresso machine, many cafes also use drip coffee makers, a French press, an AeroPress, cold brew towers, or pour-over coffee makers. The coffee equipment category might also include tools and accessories such as tampers or milk frothing pitchers.
Products Sold by Coffee Equipment Suppliers
Some distributors specialize only in sales of coffee-brewing equipment. Others aim to be an all-in-one supplier for coffee shops. These wholesalers also offer products in other categories that are not strictly speaking coffee equipment but they are still essential in the day-to-day operations of cafes. Let’s examine them.
- Brewing equipment. Naturally, the main products offered by suppliers of coffee equipment are commercial machines or coffee makers. There are dozens of different brewing equipment types. Some distributors and importers also sell home-use models to electronics stores and eCommerce retailers that sell appliances and other electronics.
- Milk frothing equipment. Most espresso machines have integrated steam wands. However, baristas might also need manual or electric milk frothers. Milk pitchers are also necessary coffee equipment to make popular beverages like cappuccinos and lattes or delicious seasonal coffee drinks. Latte art tools also fall under this subcategory.
- Grinders. Different coffee grind sizes are necessary when using different coffee-brewing techniques. That’s why baristas need coffee grinding equipment that can quickly grind coffee beans into the right size.
- Storage and serving equipment. This subcategory includes products like wholesale reusable coffee cups and tumblers. Coffee urns and airtight containers for coffee bean storage are also important accessories that keep the coffee fresh.
- Accessories and tools. Tampers and tamping stations, coffee scales, gooseneck kettles, and measuring scoops are just some of the products in this category.
- Supplies and bulk coffee beans (not offered by all coffee equipment distributors). Many coffee equipment suppliers sell cups, napkins, straws, and other disposable goods. Distributors might also offer bulk coffee beans from different coffee-growing regions or other ingredients used by baristas such as flavoring syrups and condiments. Large coffee chains or businesses that wish to work with only one supplier might partner with broadline distributors. They can also offer wholesale pastries for coffee shops, plant-based milk varieties, and all other products sold or used by cafes. The disadvantage of working with broadliners is that they often have high MOQ (minimum order quantities).
Trends in Coffee Equipment
Technologies and innovations have changed the coffee industry throughout the years. Whether you operate a cafe or you’re planning to open а coffee shop, keep in mind that the following trends are likely to dictate the near future of coffee equipment.
- Smart devices. From IoT espresso machines to AI coffee makers, smart coffee equipment is likely to become more popular.
- Sustainability. This is a trend in various sectors of the economy. That’s why coffee makers with biodegradable or reusable pods are becoming more popular. Manufacturers have also introduced energy-efficient coffee equipment and appliances.
- Alternative brewing methods. Although we associate coffee brewing with espresso machines or pour-over coffee makers, new brewing methods have emerged. Nitro cold brew systems and siphon brewers are the popular ones.
- Portability. The growing number of coffee enthusiasts has led to the development of travel-friendly or rechargeable coffee makers. This trend is popular among retail buyers rather than wholesale sales.
- Better customer experience. Coffee shops can offer faster service thanks to automatic espresso machines or self-service kiosks. Latte art printers also improve the customer experience and the quality of the service.
Frequently Asked Questions about Coffee Equipment Suppliers
From guides on the latest restaurant industry trends to tips on how to find sustainable suppliers, you’ll find numerous valuable resources on our website. Below we’ve answered a few of the common questions regarding coffee equipment and supplies.
What Services Do Coffee Equipment Suppliers Offer?
It’s common for sellers of commercial coffee equipment to also provide various services to their customers. That includes primarily maintenance and repair services. Most distributors of coffee equipment also offer employee training services. Many suppliers of coffee brewing machines and tools also offer deliveries of various coffee shop supplies and accessories needed by the industry. That includes disposable goods such as bulk coffee cups, condiments, and packaging solutions. Some wholesalers aim to be the one-stop shop for cafes and other businesses. As such, they offer different coffee blends and single-origin specialty coffee.
What Coffee Equipment Do Coffee Shops Need?
A commercial espresso machine is the most vital piece of equipment needed by cafes. It allows them to make a variety of espresso drinks such as cappuccino, latte, and Americano. Supporting equipment such as coffee grinders and barista tools are also among the necessary pieces of equipment in coffee shops. Cafes need to answer the demand in the coffee industry. Customers want to try new flavors and brewing techniques. That’s why many coffee shops also buy a cold brew tower, pour-over coffeemakers, and other equipment that is suitable for specialty coffee.
Where to Buy Coffee Equipment?
Most businesses that need commercial coffee equipment or wholesale barista supplies purchase these products from distributors of coffee supplies. These companies offer a wide range of goods and can help both small cafes and businesses that require large quantities of coffee beans and disposable products. There are also physical coffee shop supply stores. Although a large percentage of B2B sales are done online, visiting a store gives managers the opportunity to get a consultation and inspect the equipment themselves. Platforms like BlueCart are a preferred alternative to many bulk buyers. Wholesale marketplaces allow business owners to compare prices and find suppliers in various fields.
BlueCart: The Wholesale Ordering Platform for Your Business
Whether you operate a coffee shop and wish to find reliable suppliers of coffee beans or you’re a fast-food restaurant manager and want to easily purchase wholesale tableware, BlueCart is the right place for you. Our wholesale ordering software connects distributors with businesses that purchase in bulk. From easy order management to hassle-free creation of eCommerce catalogs, suppliers have many benefits from using BlueCart. Schedule a demo and see how our wholesale marketplace can help your business.