Industrial News

On exhibit at the National Restaurant Association trade show in Chicago (booth 9450), the company's newest, countertop system replaces multiple machines. It features proprietary, patented infusion technology and adds multiple flavor options to Concordia's reliable and cost-efficient high-end configuration. Based on the company's very popular and successful model 2500 self-serve espresso system, the new IBS6 incorporates hundreds of design improvements and updates.

"Only Concordia users can offer their customers and employees an array of flavored, brewed beverages made with fresh ingredients at the touch of a button, without the necessity to create and staff a cafe or train baristas," said company president David Isett. "Over seventy percent of coffee drinkers who purchase hot beverages at cafes are opting for flavored drinks. Concordia's IBS6 is the only system of its kind that makes accommodating evolving consumer tastes and catering to diverse beverage delivery options as easy as pushing a button and waiting 20 seconds."

The IBS6 features two fresh espresso bean choices stored in high-capacity hoppers; and a solid-state, on-board refrigerator that holds two standard one-gallon containers of fresh milk. The system uses six, rich all-naturally flavored Torani(tm) syrups and sauces that are infused into the milk steaming process by the company's proprietary, patented EspressJet syrup system. Available flavors include: Chocolate, Caramel, Vanilla, sugar-free Vanilla, Hazelnut, Almond and Chai. Beverages are available in combinations like caramel hot chocolate.

Designed to be deployed in a wide variety of corporate, hospitality and restaurant environments, the Concordia IBS6 occupies a 2 foot by 2 foot counter space. Syrup boxes fit neatly beneath the counter. The system utilizes a wireless remote paging system to alert an operator when the unit requires support and an automated cleaning system.

"Asking restaurant employees to prepare brewed and flavored drinks can be a time-consuming and inconvenient interruption," noted Isett. We saw a need for this kind of easy-to-use and maintain automated system, and we filled it," he said. "Our existing customer base and targeted prospects are reacting very favorably to this enhanced, new configuration."

According to Isett, once the beverage type is selected, the machine automatically grinds fresh whole espresso beans and steams and froths the milk for a perfect drink every time. Concordia machines are noted for stringent quality control standards that also meet the safety requirements of international regulatory agencies.

Concordia Coffee Systems, Inc. is a U.S. corporation headquartered in the greater Seattle area specializing in automated self-serve and attendant-operated commercial espresso systems. The company was formed in September 2004 when key executives of Acorto acquired the assets of that firm. Acorto was a leading manufacturer of automated beverage systems that broke new ground in 1990 by incorporating the milk-steaming process with coffee bean grinding and brewing in a single machine. Now active in multiple worldwide markets, the company has inked substantial agreements with the U.K.'s Coffee Nation, Dubai based Coffee Planet, and serves gold customers like Compass, Sodexho, Harvard University, The Mayo Clinic, Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts, DreamWorks Pictures, U.K., and Google.

Concordia provides comprehensive customer service through a centralized call center and a national network of factory-certified field service technicians. The company is located at 1287 120th Ave. N.E., Bellevue, Wash. 98005. Telephone: 425-453-2800; toll-free 800-995-9019.