Explore the fascinating evolution of office coffee, spanning from the humble communal pots of the early 20th century to the convenience of vending machines in the 1950s to the future of AI generated brews. Read below for a journey through time and taste as we uncover the changing landscape of workplace coffee culture.

Early 20th Century - your coffee is from another era

In the early 20th century, coffee was often made in percolators or urns and served in communal pots. This coffee was typically low-quality, over-brewed and stale.

Is the coffee in your office served in communal pots?

Then your workplace is something out of a Dicken’s novel.

Early 20th century

1950s and 1960s - the rise of machines

In the 1950s and 1960s, coffee vending machines were popular in offices and factories. These machines dispensed instant coffee, which was convenient but often lacked flavour and quality.

Is your coffee at work from a vending machine?

Then your coffee is from the 1950s.

1950s coffee vending machines

1970s and 1980s - coffee as a service

In the 1970s and 1980s, office coffee services emerged as a popular option for workplace coffee. Providers would bring coffee and brewing equipment to the office, providing a more convenient and enjoyable coffee experience for employees.

Does your office have a portable coffee machine?

Then you might be in the 80s.

Coffee as a service in the 1970s

2010s - coffee gets real

In the 2010s, demand for specialty coffee in the workplace grew. Many offices started to offer high-quality, single-origin coffee beans and a variety of brewing methods, such as pour-over and French press, to provide employees with a more artisanal coffee experience.

Does your office have a hipster barista on staff?

Then you’re in the 2010s.

Office coffee in 2010

The Future - enter the Ai robots

In the future, offices could be equipped with advanced coffee machines that use AI algorithms to provide employees with the perfect cup of coffee on demand. These machines would be connected to a network of sensors that track employees' caffeine intake, heart rate, and other biometric data to ensure that they are getting the optimal amount of caffeine to keep them alert and focused.

Does your office have a hovering AI robot to brew on-demand, at your desk?

Then you are living in a Netflix sci-fi series.