The coffee industry in the 1940s experienced a significant transformation, marked by resilience and innovation despite the challenges of World War II and its aftermath. This decade saw significant shifts in coffee production, consumption, and marketing, driven by wartime shortages, technological advancements, and changing consumer behaviors.
Amidst the many challenges of the 1940s, Mahlkönig proudly marks its 25th anniversary in 1949. A testament to the hard work and resilience of our team and the loyalty of our customers.
The German Bauhaus school has emphasized the importance of functionality and a user-friendly design “Form Follows Function". Drawing inspiration from this philosophy, we paired this design ethos with a strong drive to innovate, culminating in the distinctive and today well-known shape of the EK43.
Instant coffee, which became popular during World War II, revolutionized the industry by making coffee more accessible and convenient for consumers. Soldiers relied on instant coffee for a quick and easy caffeine fix, leading to its widespread adoption even after the war.
In the United States and other countries, coffee was rationed to ensure enough supply for soldiers and civilians. The U.S. introduced coffee rationing in 1942. Each person was limited to one pound of coffee every five weeks, significantly reducing consumption.
The volatility in coffee prices during the 1940s led to discussions about international agreements to stabilize the market. While comprehensive agreements were more fully developed in the following decades, the groundwork was laid during this period.
The coffee industry experienced a boom as economies recovered and consumer demand increased. The prosperity of the post-war era led to greater disposable income, allowing more people to enjoy coffee as a daily indulgence. This period also saw the expansion of coffee varieties and blends, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.
Mahlkönig announces additional summer dates on the Grind 'em All Tour hosted by Counter Culture Coffee! We’ve been on the road taking our newest espresso grinders across the United States to showcase great coffee, connect with the community, and deliver...
2025 marks a remarkable milestone: 35 years of the Mahlkönig EK43 – The grinder that revolutionized the coffee industry and became a legend. Since its debut in 1990, the EK43 Allround Grinder has gone from a multi-purpose grinder, also meant...
What an incredible day at the Mahlkönig Grind-by-Sync Launch Event in Bangkok! Hosted at the Banpuen BKK Live House, this event was a true celebration of coffee excellence, innovation, and community. The day kicked off with the Mahlkönig Barista Championship, where...