Challenge
- High traffic at trade shows makes it difficult to quickly and consistently serve drinks.
- Manual pouring methods can be imprecise and visually unappealing.
- The limitations of existing equipment make it hard to diversify drinks or flavours.
Solution
- Flo-Smart dispenses drinks in six seconds to reduce wait times and increase efficiency.
- Its sleek, professional appearance enhances the company’s image at events.
- Flo-Smart’s multi-tap system allows for the simultaneous dispensing of a number of drinks, ranging from espresso to iced coffee with various milks.
In June 2025, Guatemalan Coffees collaborated with Flo-Smart at World of Coffee in Geneva, Switzerland. As part of this, a Flo-Smart system was present on the booth, dispensing high-quality Guatemalan cold brew, as well as a signature “Icepresso” – made with espresso, Geisha cascara syrup and oat milk.
To learn about how it benefited Guatemalan Coffees at the show, I spoke to Andrea Vergara Fernandez, the Marketing and Promotion Manager at Anacafé. Read on for her insight.
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How Guatemalan Coffees uses Flo-Smart to promote its unique origins
A key element of Guatemalan Coffees’ marketing strategy is its presence at trade shows, coffee expos, and events. Not only are these key educational and commercial opportunities for smallholders, but they’re a chance to demonstrate the quality of Guatemalan coffee.
“The speed that Flo-Smart adds to the workflow is truly impressive, especially in high-traffic events such as expos,” Andrea says.
Flo-Smart systems are especially useful for high-volume scenarios such as trade shows, where you need to quickly and efficiently serve drinks to prospective customers. It can serve drinks ranging from iced coffee to matcha in just six seconds, approximately 10% of the time required for manual methods. With hundreds of customers walking the show floor, those time savings are essential.
“It has greatly improved workflow and service speed for us,” she adds. “It has even enhanced the visual appearance when serving drinks.” With its sleek countertop design and ability to dispense different drinks simultaneously, it can also catch a potential client’s eye and spark curiosity.
That said, the visual appeal and speed of Flo-Smart machinery are just one side of its benefits for Guatemalan Coffees. The association’s goal is to spotlight the quality and uniqueness of Guatemalan specialty coffee, with a focus on single-origins. Attending events such as World of Coffee provides producers with a platform to forge business relationships with roasters.
To get those conversations started, Guatemalan Coffees needed equipment that does the coffee justice. Flo-Smart’s versatility was particularly useful for these needs, as it can dispense a wide range of non-carbonated chilled beverages with ease.
Coming in two- and four-tap models, each tap works independently to pour several different liquids at once. Therefore, it means they can serve espresso concentrate or iced coffee made with a range of milks, all at the same time.
“Having the ability to customise our beverages, highlighting the complex flavours of Guatemalan coffees, is essential,” Andrea explains. “The multi-pouring and precise system contributes to a sustained consistency in the flavour of beverages delivered.”
Thanks to Flo-Smart, Guatemalan Coffees can serve drinks quickly at events without compromising on quality. With its versatile settings and simultaneous pouring, it allows the team to focus on the coffee’s quality rather than spending time dispensing each drink.
What other benefits have Guatemalan Coffees found since using Flo-Smart?
Alongside its utility for promoting Guatemalan Coffees at trade shows, Andrea has seen plenty of other benefits from Flo-Smart systems.
One example is the savings on waste and over-pouring. Manual dispensing methods for coffee and other non-carbonated drinks can be imprecise. Holding a tap down for too long can cause spillages or inconsistent serving sizes across drinks. For businesses with a high volume of customers, these bottlenecks can increase wait times or leave customers unsatisfied.
Flo-Smart technology addresses these concerns with a state-of-the-art jug sensor. These components are built into the base of the system and automatically determine the size of the jug or glass you place under it. Then, it will fill that container accordingly, removing any concern around human error.
It’s more than just removing human error from the equation, though. This is just as important for eliminating spoilage and preserving your bottom line. “It helps decrease the waste during dispensing by having greater control over quantities when serving,” Andrea adds. That means less spillage, less wasted product, and more efficient inventory management.
It’s incredibly easy to harness these benefits, as well. Once you’ve set the system up alongside a bladder or our bespoke 18-litre container, it’s as simple as choosing your pour setting and allowing the machine to work. You can choose from three settings: fully automatic for hands-free dosing, semi-automatic one-touch dispensing, or manual press-and-hold pouring. Each gives you the agency to pour drinks of your choice exactly as you like.
Equally, visually distinctive and sleek equipment can help businesses convey a reputation for quality. It’s something Andrea specifically notes about Flo-Smart: “It’s so discreet once installed,” she tells me.
Studies show that customers are willing to pay more for premium beverages, so investing in equipment that can dispense them reliably and efficiently is crucial for driving profits. In this sense, Flo-Smart equipment can help a range of businesses attract new customers and foster a reputation for excellence.
Guatemalan Coffees’ use of Flo-Smart demonstrates the importance of efficiency and consistency for drink dispensers. The fast pouring times and multi-tap setup make it easier than ever to showcase regional coffee at trade shows and beyond, expanding the nation’s profile in the specialty coffee scene.
To get a quote on your own Flo-Smart beverage dispensing system, visit our website or get in touch with us directly.
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