Brewing Innovation: A South African First in Home-Grown Espresso Coffee Machine, By: Salman Khan

At the recent Specialty Coffee Exhibition, I was delighted to encounter a groundbreaking innovation — AI-assisted, barista-first espresso coffee machine proudly designed and manufactured in South Africa. As a long-time supporter of locally produced products, this discovery was not only exciting but also deeply inspiring.

The creator behind this remarkable achievement is Henlo, a designer, engineer, and entrepreneur whose journey is as compelling as the product itself. From Johannesburg to Stellenbosch, Henlo transformed a bold concept into reality: evolving from a mere idea on paper to a working prototype, and ultimately to a fully functional, world-class coffee machine.

What sets this machine apart is its cutting-edge technology and competitive performance. Far from being a compromise, it is a highly advanced espresso system equipped with AI-driven features and Wi-Fi connectivity. This allows owners to remotely monitor and manage their machine from anywhere in the world — overseeing not only the technical performance but also barista efficiency, with access to real-time qualitative and quantitative business data. More impressively, the machine assists baristas with self-correcting techniques, raising the standard of coffee preparation while streamlining operations for café owners.

I had the privilege of sitting down with Henlo over a cup of coffee, where he shared his journey, insights, and ambitious vision for the future. His story is not just about innovation in coffee; it represents a broader South African success story — one that offers hope in the face of our nation’s pressing challenges.

South Africa currently faces an unemployment rate of 33.2 %, with 7.5 million people out of work, and alarmingly, 60% of these are youth. These numbers highlight the urgent need for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable solutions to combat inequality and poverty. Henlo’s journey demonstrates that with creativity, resilience, and determination, we can unlock opportunities and build world-class products right here at home. This story serves as a ray of hope, reminding us that by leveraging our strengths and investing in innovation, South Africa can turn the tide.

I invite you to read more about this inspiring journey and share your thoughts on what it means for the future of South African entrepreneurship.

Personal Journey & Early Life

Could you tell us a little about your hometown and how it shaped your outlook on life and business? I grew up and matriculated in Johannesburg, then went on to study in Stellenbosch and later worked out of Johannesburg — places that couldn’t be more different, but both shaped my thinking. Stellenbosch, with its wine estates and café culture, instilled in me an appreciation for quality, aesthetics, and hospitality. Coffee wasn’t just a drink there; it was part of daily social life. Johannesburg, on the other hand, has that “make it happen” energy. It’s fast-paced, entrepreneurial, and resilient. Together, those environments gave me a balance: the craft and detail of Stellenbosch, and the grit and execution of Johannesburg.

What are some of your earliest memories from school that influenced your interest in technology or innovation? I was the kid who took things apart — radios, computers, old appliances — just to see how they worked. At school, I gravitated to subjects that mixed logic with creativity. I spent hours building PCs, experimenting with mechanical parts, and later using CAD software to visualise designs. Those years taught me never to take systems at face value. I wanted to understand the “why” and the “how” — which became the foundation of my engineering journey.

Was there a defining moment in your youth when you realized your passion for building machines? Yes. Around age 13, I built a my very first gaming PC. It was basic, but it worked, and that feeling of turning an idea into something tangible was unforgettable. Later, while studying mechanical engineering at Stellenbosch University, I began drafting the first business plan for a new kind of espresso machine. I realised then this wasn’t just a hobby — building and improving machines was gateway to what I wanted my life’s work to be.

Passion & Inspiration

What inspired you to create a coffee machine, specifically, and how did the idea evolve into reality? Coffee is one of the world’s most universal rituals, but I kept noticing inconsistency, with no real drive to solve it. As an engineer, that problem frustrated me. Most commercial espresso machines were still based on technology from the 1980s, and none were made in South Africa.

The idea started with curiosity about espresso mechanics, and grew into frustration at the lack of a local alternative. From there, I began exploring how data, automation, and data could support baristas instead of replacing them. By the time I partnered with suppliers and design specialists, the vision was clear: build South Africa’s first locally manufactured premium espresso machine, blending precision engineering with smart technology.

How has your personal love for engineering and coffee come together in Henlo Coffee Machines? Henlo Coffee Machines sit at the intersection of my two passions. Engineering gives me the precision — pressure dynamics, thermodynamics, system integration. Coffee gives me the culture and human connection. Our machines bring those together: every shot is technically consistent, and every feature is designed to add value to both barista and customer.

Challenges & Opportunities

What were the biggest challenges you faced in developing South Africa’s first data-enhanced premium coffee machine? The first challenge was credibility. Many people asked, “Why buy South African when you could buy Italian?” We had to prove that local doesn’t mean second best. In fact, it can mean faster service, better customization, and even higher quality — especially since about 80% of our components are locally manufactured.

The second challenge was technical. Adding data and telemetry is one thing, but making them intuitive for baristas is another. We didn’t want a machine only an engineer could operate — we wanted one that supported baristas in real time, while protecting the café’s brand.

The third was financial. Developing an espresso machine from scratch requires massive upfront investment — tooling, prototyping, testing. For a South African startup, that was no small feat.

How did you overcome financial or technical hurdles while bringing the product to market? Financially, we stayed disciplined. We reinvested early revenue, secured support from partners, and kept operations lean. We also introduced a rent-to-own model, which gave cafés access to premium machines without heavy upfront costs, while giving us a recurring revenue stream.

Technically, we used rapid prototyping and simulation software to cut development time. We also worked closely with baristas — testing and refining the Barista Assist feedback system so prompts felt natural and useful. Their input was crucial in making sure the machine solved real café challenges.

What opportunities do you see for innovation in South Africa’s manufacturing and coffee industries? South Africa has world-class talent, but we’ve often relied on imports. There’s a huge opportunity to change that. Local manufacturing reduces costs and lead times, but more importantly, it allows faster innovation and customization. In coffee, the demand for quality and consistency is only growing. Customers won’t settle for average anymore. By combining engineering expertise with coffee culture, South Africa can move from importer to innovator.

Business & Financial Model

Could you share some insight into Henlo Coffee Machines’ financial model and how it supports sustainable growth? Our model has three main pillars:

• Direct sales, for customers who prefer outright ownership.

• Rental and rent-to-own options, making our machines accessible to smaller cafés while giving us predictable monthly revenue.

• Service and maintenance plans, ensuring machines perform at their best and building long-term client relationships.

  
  

This mix creates both stability and scalability. We’re not dependent solely on new sales — our recurring revenue supports R&D and fuels expansion.

How do you balance affordability for customers with maintaining quality and innovation? By manufacturing locally, we avoid import duties and long lead times, which keeps pricing competitive. At the same time, every component is chosen for durability and performance. We don’t cut corners on quality. Instead, we look for savings in smart design, streamlined production, and local sourcing. The result is a premium product without a “global import” price tag.

Product Differentiation & Growth

What makes Henlo Coffee Machines unique compared to other global coffee machine brands? Firstly, we’re the only premium commercial espresso machine manufactured in South Africa. But more importantly, we’re not just about hardware. Our Barista Assist software scores every shot, provides real-time feedback prompts, and links to live dashboards for owners. That combination of precision engineering and data-driven insights is what sets us apart.

How does data integration set your machine apart from traditional coffee makers? Traditional machines rely entirely on barista skill, which means inconsistency is inevitable. With Henlo, every shot is benchmarked against a “perfect profile.” The system gives real-time feedback — too fast, too slow, too coarse, too fine — like having a trainer built into the machine. Owners get consistency across staff and locations, protecting their brand reputation.

What are the key selling points (USPs) that customers appreciate most?

• Consistency across baristas and locations.

• Reduced training time with Barista Assist prompts.

• Live dashboard visibility across multiple stores.

• Auto shut-off steam wand for perfect milk texture.

• Local service, fast support, and customization option

What are the key benefits for coffee shop owners over other brands? For owners, it’s about reputation and revenue. Inconsistent coffee costs customers — we eliminate that risk. Training costs are lower, dashboards give owners real-time quality control, and machine customization creates a branding edge. It’s a complete performance and business solution.

Where do you see the company in the next five years, both locally and internationally? In five years, I see Henlo as the standard for premium cafés in South Africa — firmly established in hospitality, specialty shops, and high-end chains. Internationally, our focus is niche markets in Africa, South America and Asia, where people value innovation with a strong story. My goal is for “Made in South Africa” to be recognised globally as a mark of world-class coffee technology.

Advice & Vision

What message would you like to share with young entrepreneurs and inventors who are just starting out? Start before you feel ready. Perfect conditions never arrive. Test your idea, gather feedback, refine it, and keep moving. Don’t fear failure — fear standing still. Every version gets you closer to something real.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to turn their passion into a successful business? Passion is powerful, but it needs direction. Align it with solving a real problem for others — that’s how you make it sustainable. And surround yourself with people who complement your weaknesses. I’m an engineer, but I needed designers, financial minds, and baristas to make Henlo a reality.

Finally, what legacy do you hope Henlo Coffee Machines will leave in South Africa’s innovation landscape? I want us to prove that local can be premium. South Africa has the creativity and skill to compete with global brands, but too often we doubt ourselves. If Henlo can inspire young entrepreneurs to believe in their ideas and build them locally, then we’ll have left the right mark. Our legacy should be about more than coffee — it should be about possibility.

In conclusion:

Henlo’s journey proves that world-class innovation doesn’t have to be imported — it can be proudly South African. If we invest in ideas, nurture entrepreneurs, and back local talent, we can brew a stronger future together. This story isn’t just about coffee — it’s about possibility. Let’s back our innovators, celebrate local excellence, and create opportunities that put South Africa on the global stage.

From Johannesburg to the world — innovation is alive in South Africa. Let’s turn challenges into opportunities and transform ambition into impact. I can see the massive future for Henlo coffee machine empire in near future and I a must investing into this start-up will yield gigantic return and before Henlo Coffee Machine Company get floated on Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) it is time time to invest into its share ):

Written by:

Salman Khan is a Barista judge, social entrepreneur, food and drink anthropologist, researcher and culinary educator.

For more information or purchase these Coffee machine please contact via email: salkhan1@yahoo.com

To access 2024 coffee consumer survey report in South Africa please send an email to by a copy of it.

Salman Khan, Paul Harris Fellow, T.I.

salkhan1@yahoo.com  WhatsApp 082 691 6048