Migros unveils the first “Coffee Ball” capsule system without a capsule

September 7 - 2022

Coffee Geography Magazine

It is the biggest product innovation in the history of Migros and it promises to radically change the coffee industry: With CoffeeB, Migros is launching the world's first coffee capsule system that works entirely without a capsule. A small, fully compostable ball of pressed coffee makes it possible. CoffeeB has all the amenities of conventional capsule systems and guarantees the best coffee enjoyment - but does not cause any waste. The innovation is available from today from Migros, Melectronics and Digitec Galaxus throughout Switzerland and in France, and will be launched in Germany in spring 2023. Other markets will follow, because there is a lot of interest from abroad.

36 years after the launch of the coffee capsule, Migros and its subsidiary Delica are launching the next big revolution in the coffee market. With CoffeeB, the first coffee capsule system that works entirely without a capsule. The "Coffee Ball" makes it possible: a small ball of pressed coffee, which is only covered by a protective layer patented worldwide by Delica. This not only gives the coffee ball stability - it also forms an ideal oxygen barrier that protects against loss of aroma, as is the case with aluminium. Like the coffee itself, the protective layer is of natural origin and is therefore completely garden compostable. Within a few weeks, the coffee ball decomposes into valuable hummus. The system is completed by the CoffeeB Globe coffee machine with patented brewing technology. Coffee B offers an individual selection of varieties and different degrees of strength.

"With CoffeeB, Migros is combining what could not be combined before: a full taste experience, convenience and no waste," says Fabrice Zumbrunnen, President of the General Management of the Federation of Migros Cooperatives. “We are convinced that with CoffeeB we have developed a technology that meets the needs of today's consumers and will have a positive impact on the environment. The capsule system without a capsule fits 100% with Migros' sustainability strategy. It is the most important product innovation in the company's history."

Fabrice Zumbrunnen, President of the General Management of the Federation of Migros Cooperatives

CoffeeB is a "zero waste" system: By eliminating the aluminum or plastic capsules, enormous amounts of waste can be avoided. Worldwide, the amount of waste caused by coffee capsules is around 100,000 tons per year. Even if some of it is recyclable, a large part of it still ends up in the garbage.

The sustainability of CoffeeB goes beyond the garden compostability of the Coffee Balls. The machine consists largely of recycled materials and can be repaired by the Migros service points if necessary. The modular machine design and individual technical components can easily be exchanged. Furthermore, the entire system and all types of coffee are 100% CO2 compensated. The coffee beans come from sustainable cultivation and, depending on the aroma, are either Rainforest Alliance or Organic and Fairtrade certified. All packaging is recyclable.

Fabrice Zumbrunnen added “The simplicity of CoffeeB hardly gives an idea of how much internal development work and team effort went into the technology. It took five years from the idea to the launch and during that time there were numerous failures. But the vision of developing a waste-free capsule system was always stronger. The interest from abroad shows that it was worth it: CoffeeB will be launched in France at the same time as Switzerland, followed by Germany in spring 2023. Further markets are planned.”

In Switzerland, CoffeeB is available from today, in all Migros branches, at Melectronics, Digitec Galaxus, on migros.ch and coffeeb.com. The Coffee Balls are available in eight different flavors. Delica AG, based in Buchs AG, has over 60 years of experience with innovative technology in the field of sustainable production and processing of food and beverages. With around 25,000 tons of green coffee processed each year, Delica AG is one of the largest and most successful coffee roasters on the Swiss market.