The First 100 Years: The 1950s

The 1950s were a transformative decade for the coffee world, marked by increased consumption, technological advancements, and a deepening cultural significance. The groundwork laid during this period set the stage for the further evolution of the global coffee industry in the decades to follow.

Mahlkönig Milestones:

Mahlkönig relocated to a new facility at Tilsiter Straße 142 in Hamburg. This move marked an exciting new chapter for our company, allowing us to expand our operations.

After the war, new areas of innovation were explored as part of the reconstruction efforts. Among these advancements was the introduction of the electric paint mixer, MIXOCOL, as seen here. This invention was reflecting the spirit of progress and the drive to rebuild and improve upon the past.

At that time, the apprentices at our factory diligently and meticulously wound the motors by hand. Only proven electric motors from our own production have been used.

With the Mahlkönig 4 DSR, the inscriptions were hand-carved, showcasing an incredible level of craftsmanship. Even at this early stage, one can discern the distinctive design language that would once come to define these iconic grinders.

Mahlkönig presents itself at one of its earliest exhibitions in the city of Cologne, Germany.

The Coffee Industry:

The concept of the "coffee break" became institutionalized in workplaces. It was seen as a brief respite from work, promoting social interaction among colleagues and boosting productivity.

Countries in the Middle East continued their tradition of brewing strong, spiced coffee known as Arabic coffee, often served in small cups as a gesture of hospitality.

In countries like Japan, China, and India, coffee consumption varied widely. Japan, for example, had a growing interest in Western-style coffee shops, while in India and parts of Southeast Asia, tea remained more popular, but urban centers began to adopt coffee as well.