When Ripple Makers first went on sale a decade ago, our entire world was coffee. The original printer was too short for pint glasses because we only had eyes for lattes. The only print cartridge we had available was coffee extract. Our website was even coffeeripples.com.
A lot has changed since then, but one thing has remained absolutely set in stone: our dedication to enhancing the barista’s craft.
We are thrilled to share that Ripples is featured in the newly released June/July issue of Barista Magazine, highlighting exactly how technology and specialty coffee culture work hand-in-hand.
Automation for the People
For her article “Automation for the People,” Ripples CEO Yossi Meshulam spoke to editor-in-chief Sarah Allen about how the Ripple Maker helps extend the coffee experience beyond the cup itself. Yossi shared that baristas use Ripples to express creativity in ways they couldn’t before.
The article argues that technology and automation are no longer seen as an efficiency-driving compromise for specialty coffee shops. They are a way to help baristas do their best work yet.
That’s been our philosophy since the very beginning.
I Love Stuff
We were also featured as a Product We Love by our customers at Astro Coffee in Colorado. Co-owners Lisa Huron and Steve Schillaci shared how Ripples completely changed how they approach service at events, calling it a game-changer for brand activations, and describing Ripples drink prints as a fun layer that “enhances the experience without compromising quality.”
Lisa and Steve are traditionally trained baristas, so it’s especially gratifying to hear how they use their Ripple Maker to add a fun, interactive experience to their activations without detracting from their craft.
Thank you to Barista Magazine, and to Lisa and Steve at Astro Coffee for including us in the conversation this month.
The entire magazine is available to read for free online.
The Ripple Maker is a commercial drink printer that prints images, logos, photos, and personal messages directly onto foam-topped drinks and desserts in under 10 seconds. Originally built for coffee drinks, it now works across lattes, cappuccinos, cocktails, beer foam, cold foam drinks, macarons, and other flat-topped desserts. It uses food-safe, plant-based extracts with no impact on flavor or aroma.
No. The Ripple Maker adds an experience layer on top of quality coffee, not instead of it. Baristas still dial in espresso, steam milk, and build balanced drinks. The printer extends what they can offer, it doesn’t replace their skill.
Baristas and operators can print a customer’s name, a selfie, a brand logo, a seasonal design, or a personal message directly onto the foam of any compatible drink. Customers can scan a QR code to access a fully branded, customizable app to upload photos or select designs themselves, creating a self-serve experience that can be tailored to the venue or event. Operators manage all content through Ripples’ content management tools, which support design libraries, campaign scheduling, customer upload moderation, and multi-location management.
The Ripple Maker was first unveiled at CE Week in New York City in June 2015 and began rolling out to its first beta customers, NYC specialty coffee shops, in early 2016.
