An innovation center for the American coffee world

The scent of freshly roasted coffee is in the air as young coffee experts work on their creations. Melitta North America's new m-Lab in Cherry Hill, New Jersey – a 418-square-meter innovation center – has opened its doors and has already hosted its first trade event. 

There is an air of great concentration in the room as teams of coffee professionals under the age of 40 taste, blend and develop new coffee brands – from the initial idea to the finished concept. They are taking part in the National Coffee Association (NCA) Next Gen Coffee Challenge, the first event in the newly opened m-Lab. "This is a productive exchange," remarks one participant during the tasting of his coffee sample. "Melitta has created a space that promotes innovation and collaboration."

More than just a room – a centre of excellence

The m-Lab is more than just a physical space. It serves as a center for product and business development while showcasing Melitta's technical expertise in areas such as coffee, pour-over systems, coffee filters, and Melitta Professional equipment and expertise. With its arena and bleacher-style seating, it supports various group formats. As a research and development laboratory as well as a business incubator, it offers opportunities for product development and pilot roasting. The technical equipment includes Melitta Professional Coffee Systems (MPCS) for training and beverage development, fully automatic machines for espresso, a pilot production plant with a 60kg Probat roaster and a packaging area for product development. The offer is complemented by industry-certified educational programs for coffee lovers and professionals.

Promotion of young talent through practical challenges

The two-day NCA event challenges participants to develop coffee brands from scratch – from tasting, bidding and blending, to budgeting and presenting their final products to a jury. The teams create label designs and marketing strategies and address industry-specific challenges. "This event brings together the next generation of coffee professionals," explains one participant. "Here we can gain practical experience and network with like-minded people."

From idea to implementation

The m-Lab is the result of lengthy planning and collaboration. The project evolved from its original conception, starting with external meetings involving key stakeholders from Melitta, as well as participants from specialty coffee roasters and importers, who brought an outside perspective. "The center not only promotes Melitta's own development," observes one participant. "It also provides a space for industry-wide exchange and resource sharing."

Outlook: A centre with a future

The NCA Next Gen Coffee Challenge shows what kind of events the m-Lab will host in the future. By bringing together emerging professionals from the coffee industry, Melitta is positioning itself in the field of innovation while supporting the development of new talent. Although the m-Lab is already in operation, it is only at the beginning of its development. The facility will continue to serve as a hub for innovation, collaboration and education within the coffee industry and will play a role in Melitta's North America's growth strategy. As the participants present their concepts, it becomes clear that the m-Lab offers the coffee industry a new space for development and collaboration – with a focus on practical innovation and professional exchange.