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Hand-filtered Coffee? That's Also Possible in the Office

Interview with Katharina Roehrig, Managing Director of Central Communications & Sustainability at Melitta

Melitta Coffee

Many people worldwide drink a cup of fresh coffee every morning. How do you prepare your coffee – in a filter bag? The very first filter bag was invented by Melitta Bentz 111 years ago. This year, the Melitta Group is celebrating its 111th anniversary. We spoke with Katharina Roehrig, Managing Director of Central Communications & Sustainability at Melitta, and learned why the love for coffee is still as strong as in 1908, what kind of coffee making is suitable for the office, and how important the quality of the coffee bean is for good coffee.

Wirtschaftsforum: Melitta celebrates its 111th anniversary, it all started with a filter bag. Filter bag coffee is experiencing its renaissance today. What is the reason for this?

Katharina Roehrig: 111 years ago, Melitta Bentz revolutionized coffee enjoyment with her simple but ingenious idea: because she was bothered by the bitter taste of her coffee, Melitta Bentz perforated a tin can, placed her son's school notebook blotting paper on it, and let the coffee filter through. The world's first paper coffee filter was born, and the foundation for the brand Melitta® was laid. Today, we offer all variations of coffee and coffee preparation – from filter coffee to whole beans to fully automatic coffee machines.

The rediscovery of the love for manually filtered coffee - as in the year 1908 - today has to do with various social developments. One of these is certainly the return to the essentials and the desire for deceleration. When someone pours themselves a cup of coffee, they consciously take time for it, enjoy the process, and look forward to the drink they can then savor. The trend towards homemade matches hand pouring as well. By adjusting the amount of coffee powder, as well as by controlling the temperature and the manner of pouring, one can influence the taste of the coffee according to their own preferences.

Katharina Roehrig

Katharina Roehrig

"111 years ago, Melitta Bentz revolutionized the enjoyment of coffee with her simple, but ingenious idea."

Wirtschaftsforum: You have designed coffee pots and corresponding filters in retro style. Is this coffee-making method also suitable for the office and a replacement for fully automatic coffee machines?

shopping breaker

Katharina Roehrig: Hand-filtering coffee is generally suitable everywhere. You just need to take a little more time than just pressing a button on a fully automatic machine. Those who want to take this time can use it at work as a conscious break in between, to continue working afterwards with a fresh mind and coffee.

I would not, however, describe hand-filtering as a replacement for fully automatic coffee machines. The different methods of coffee preparation – from hand filtration, to using coffee filter machines, to making a Latte Macchiato from an automatic machine – each stand on their own and offer the right solution for every taste, preference, and budget.

Katharina Roehrig

Katharina Roehrig

"The fact that today the love for hand-filtered coffee - just like in 1908 - is being rediscovered, has to do with various social developments."

Wirtschaftsforum: "Nature makes the bean, we make the coffee!" The raw coffee bean is very valuable. How is this reflected in your coffee selection? Katharina Roehrig: The highest priority for us is the quality of our products. We can only ensure this by using raw materials of the highest quality. Therefore, we continuously conduct visits to the countries of origin and clarify our demands to the producers, which we have also contractually established in the Melitta Code of Conduct. Quality for us also means that the coffee is grown under conditions that are fair and sustainable for both the environment and the people. That's why for many years we have supported several internationally recognized sustainability organizations, which are committed to improving working conditions and promoting sustainable agriculture in coffee-growing countries. We will continue and expand this commitment in the coming years. Interview: Vera Gaidies | Photos: Melitta Group

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