Post by Minnie Rous

Have you heard of Melitta Bentz, the German entrepreneur who invented a new method for coffee filtration and founded her own company over 100 years ago? Let me share with you another story from the #beverageindustry in honour of #nationalwomenshistorymonth. Much like tea consumption at the time, the process to brew a cup of coffee was often laborious and messy: scrubbing over-boiled grounds from copper pots or linen bags. In addition, the quality of the coffee was often bitter and still left coffee sediment in the cup. To solve this problem, Bentz placed some blotting paper from her son's school book inside a proliferated brass cup and after adding coffee grinds and hot water created a vastly superior tasting coffee. The benefits of the paper filter as a more hygienic - and less messy - method of making drip coffee appealed so much to consumers, it didn't take long for Bentz to patent her design and start her own company: Melitta. Bentz was not only an inventor but also a successful businesswoman. Melitta was one of the fastest-growing companies of its time, survived two world wars and continues to operate in multiple countries around the world. Her invention revolutionized how coffee is consumed - and enjoyed - throughout the world. #packaging #innovation #entrepreneurship