Because coffee culture and espresso drinking have developed into more recent phenomenon, people tend to think it is only a modern trend – that espresso didn’t appear until perhaps a decade or two ago. The truth is the first espresso machine came into being well before most espresso drinkers were born. In 1933 the world first saw the espresso machine (not the Expobar espresso machine, it would come later with the trends) and people ever since have been discovering and rediscovering the riches of concentrated coffee. It has taken a while before items like home machines to slip onto countertops around the world, but now that they have, it’s a surprise to look at one and know that the concept returns to the Old World where things were made by hand and coffee took time.
These days coffee and espresso makers have taken on a look far beyond anything even considered aged. Sleek, streamlined, stainless steel, machines of the future. Offering multiple options all while remaining easy to use make these creations exciting to own. With their digital readouts and clocks, eye-popping designs, and styles that make people lean forward to gather more of the details, products like Expobar espresso machines leave everyone wanting more. Or perhaps not once they drink the perfect cup of coffee and find themselves completely satiated.
Expobar History
It is impossible to mention Expobar without including Crem International, for without Crem, Expobar espresso machines would not exist. Likewise, one cannot start with Crem. The company got its start when Spain experienced a sudden tourist invasion from all parts of Europe in 1964 and 1965. The abrupt challenge had to be met in some way – especially by hotels and restaurants. A man by the name of Rafael Olaso Peirò realized this sudden upsurge in tourism and looked to help accommodate it. He understood how both trades worked both separately and together and began to import various products from Italy. He searched out items that were not only exclusive, but also original and valuable to the trade. Using these tools, he worked on developing the hotel/restaurant market within Spain and in 1985 decided the time was right to develop an espresso machine in order to bring the culture of opulent coffee to outside visitors. He named the product after his company and the Expobar espresso machine was born three years later. At the same time he began to export to Europe – if you couldn’t experience the taste of Spain by visiting, then you could always experience it through the espresso available for purchase in the nearby shops and take it home with you.
Rafael Olaso Peirò’s business steadily grew over the next several years. He continued to export throughout Europe, slowly expanding his business until finally in 1993 he founded Crem A. Cafexpress, S.L. At this point he was ready to take the company to an international level. With a sales volume of 650 machines in a single year, the company realizes newer models and varying products should be available in order to increase sales. Continuing to ride the wave of their success, after research and renovation, in 1998 Crem showcased a new model by the name of Elegance. The response from consumers was positive and sales increased as expected.
A year later, Crem’s name changed to Crem 1. Situated in Gandia’s industrial sector Crem 1 became one of the largest plants in the area. However, this space was not enough. Crem was expanding much too quickly for the area to contain its necessary growth. Production numbers were so high they relocated and changed the name, this time to Crem 2. In 2001 they brought out a new model called Megacrem which then shot the company into the highest class of espresso and coffee machine producers. The annual sales volume has almost doubled by this point, reaching numbers as high as 8,000 machines per year.
Unable to continue production without another expansion phase, Crem adds on two more departments designated Crem 3. The increased production matches well with sales and in that same year, 2003, the sales volume has reached over 12,000 units. Keeping one eye on production and the other eye on the market, Crem realizes that consumers are requesting Expobar espresso machines and other products that are in a more competitive price range. They develop the Monroc and again, the response is good.
They realize that the United States is a good outlet for the Expobar espresso machine and coffee makers and in 2005 and 2006 they expand into the United States market, creating two companies and within those years and the next, continue to develop new ideas and models. With such success, Crem began to deal with Coffee Queen of Sweden and together they create a factory in Shanghai, looking to present machines and coffee within the Asian marketplace. Crem finally merged with Coffee Queen in 2008 to become what it is today, Crem International.
What Expobar is Known For
Just when you think you can’t get any more high-end, you take one look at Expobar and realize you were wrong. Made for over 20 years, these machines continue to impress and quench the desire for espresso or coffee ever since their conception. Models like the Monroc, Elegance (now New Elegance), and Megacrem are still available along with several new models like the Markus, Ebica, and the shockingly made Athenea. Every model comes in slightly different styles and colors, allowing for every customer to choose the details that best match what he or she is looking for. Every model is enough to make any barista or office worker envious and the Athenea is truly a work of art done in brassy colors and with a sculpted eagle perched atop in mid-landing, wings out and eyes sharp.
Expobar is a brand that is certainly worth looking into. Professional grade machines that allow for multiple cups or just a single serving will brew that perfect serving of coffee or espresso are hard to look away from and definitely hard to ignore.
