From the Idyllic Swiss Town of Weggis to the SCA World: Thermoplan's Black&White4 Competizione
Sponsored Content by Thermoplan AG : Swiss Quality Coffee Equipment
In January 2024, Thermoplan’s Black&White4 Competizione made history by becoming the 2024-2027 World Latte Art Championship Qualified Espresso Machine Sponsor. It was a groundbreaking moment as the first fully automatic machine to take on this prestigious role. Initially, many from the barista community were skeptical, questioning how a fully automatic machine could possibly meet the high standards of artistry and precision demanded by competitive coffee. But, in just a year, the BW4 Competizione has not only won over the skeptics, but it’s also poised to return for its second year at WLAC 2025 in Geneva, following a successful debut in Copenhagen in 2024.
The Black&White4 Competizione’s role at the World Latte Art Championship is a game-changer for both the competition and the specialty coffee world. It’s a perfect fusion of cutting-edge technology and artisanal coffee craftsmanship, and it highlights Thermoplan’s dedication to revolutionizing coffee preparation. In this article, we’ll explore the significance of this collaboration, how Thermoplan’s machines are pushing the boundaries of competitive coffee, and why the Black&White4 Competizione is perfectly suited for the world’s most prestigious coffee competitions.
Thermoplan’s Black&White4 Competizione at WLAC 2025
What makes the Black&White4 Competizione stand out in the world of competitive coffee? For one, it is a machine that delivers precision, consistency, and speed – qualities that are essential in a high-stakes environment like the World Latte Art Championship. However, what truly sets the BW4 Competizione apart is its intelligent steam wand system, which has revolutionized milk texturing.
The BW4 Competizione offers two key features for creating perfect milk foam: the AutoSteam function for manual milk frothing and the AirSteam® function for fully automatic milk frothing. This dual functionality allows baristas to craft beautiful latte art while maintaining consistent, high-quality foam. The result is flawless microfoam every time—a critical component for achieving intricate and precise latte art.
The unique ability of the BW4 Competizione is that it caters to all skill levels. Whether you're an experienced barista or a newcomer to the competition scene, the machine is a powerful tool that allows competitors to demonstrate their creativity and skill while removing the need for constant manual adjustments. The machine’s automation ensures a consistent quality of coffee and milk foam, giving every competitor a fair chance at success, regardless of experience level. In a competition where precision and consistency are paramount, this combination of innovation and artistry makes the BW4 Competizione an essential part of the event.
Partnership with the SCA and New Insights into the Coffee World
Thermoplan’s partnership with the SCA has been pivotal in our journey into the specialty coffee industry. While we have a long-standing relationship with the SCA, our sponsorship of the World Latte Art Championships marked a deeper, more integrated involvement with the global coffee community. Through this collaboration, we’ve gained valuable insights into the specific needs of coffee professionals, which has, in turn, influenced the way we design and refine our machines.
One of the most surprising takeaways for us has been the reaction from many baristas regarding the performance of the Black&White4 Competizione. Upon testing the machine, many were amazed at how well it could brew exceptional specialty coffee with the proper recipe settings. This has proven that fully automatic machines are capable of delivering high-quality results, even in a space traditionally dominated by manual machines. We understand that the demands of the specialty coffee community are high, and we are committed to designing machines that meet those expectations.
For example, the BW4 Competizione is highly customizable, allowing users to adjust recipes, milk texturing, and even temperature settings to suit the specific needs of their coffee. This flexibility ensures that professionals can use the machine to create the highest quality beverages, whether for competitions or daily service in a café. It’s not just about brewing coffee—it’s about elevating the entire experience and allowing the artistry of coffee to shine.
Thermoplan’s Growing Relationship with the Global Coffee Community
Since our first participation at World of Coffee in Copenhagen in 2024, our relationship with the global coffee community has grown exponentially. We’ve formed closer ties with roasters, baristas, and coffee lovers from all corners of the globe. It has been incredibly rewarding to see how the Black&White4 Competizione has been embraced by the global community.
The positive feedback from competitors who have used our machine has been overwhelming. Many have told us that they were initially skeptical about a fully automatic machine, but after experiencing the BW4 Competizione, they were surprised by its ability to brew excellent specialty coffee. This success has encouraged us to continue refining our technology and working closely with coffee professionals to meet the ever-evolving needs of the industry.
What to Expect at WLAC 2025 in Geneva
Looking ahead to WLAC 2025 in Geneva, we are thrilled for the opportunity to showcase our innovations once again. As a Swiss manufacturer, this event holds a special significance for us; it feels like a home race. Geneva is not only a global hub for coffee professionals, but it’s also the perfect backdrop to demonstrate the potential of Swiss engineering in the world of specialty coffee.
We’re excited to engage with the global coffee scene, showcase the capabilities of our machines, and continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in latte art. This year’s event will give us an opportunity to see how our technology has evolved, as well as how the specialty coffee industry has shifted since our debut in Copenhagen.
Thermoplan’s Role in Advancing Professional Coffee Standards
At Thermoplan, we believe that precision and consistency are key to advancing the standards of professional coffee preparation. In the world of latte art, small inconsistencies can have a significant impact on the final product. Our BW4 Competizione ensures that every shot is brewed with the same level of accuracy and quality, so baristas can focus on their artistry without worrying about the technical aspects of brewing.
Our role in the coffee world goes beyond just making machines; we’re actively shaping the future of coffee by creating equipment that helps baristas refine their skills and elevate the overall coffee experience. With each innovation, we strive to make coffee preparation more efficient and accessible while maintaining the highest standards of quality.
The Impact of SCA Events on the Global Coffee Industry
Events like WLAC, organized by the SCA, are critical in shaping the future of the coffee industry. They provide a platform for baristas and coffee professionals to push the boundaries of what’s possible in espresso and latte art. For Thermoplan, these events offer a unique opportunity to showcase the abilities of our fully automatic machines, proving that automation doesn’t have to come at the expense of quality or creativity.
By supporting events like WLAC, we’re helping to foster a community of coffee professionals who are committed to innovation and excellence, and we’re proud to be a part of that journey. It’s not just about showcasing our machines—it’s about being part of a vibrant, passionate community that shares our dedication to the art of coffee.
As we look forward to the WLAC 2025 in Geneva, taking place from June 26 to 28, we’re thrilled to invite you to our booth, where you can experience the Black&White4 Competizione on site and put your latte art skills to the test. We’re excited to see you there and share this exciting journey with the global coffee community!
About Thermoplan
Thermoplan develops and manufactures fully automatic coffee machines of the highest Swiss quality for professional use in the hospitality and commercial sectors.
Operating globally, Thermoplan supplies customers in over 80 countries through a worldwide network of distribution and service partners. In 50 years, the company has grown into a market leader in fully automatic coffee machines, driven by innovation and entrepreneurship. Headquartered in Weggis, Switzerland, Thermoplan employs over 500 people. In addition to its global dealer network, the company has subsidiaries in Germany and the USA. Follow on Instagram at thermoplan_ag or LinkedIn at Thermoplan AG.