GEA constructs instant coffee plant in Vietnam for Tata Coffee

Tata Coffee Vietnam Company, a subsidiary of Tata Coffee, has opened a new instant coffee plant in Vietnam following a collaboration with GEA.

Located in the Binh Duong province, the facility will produce 5,000 tons per annum of freeze-dried coffee and represents Tata Coffee’s third manufacturing plant, after Theni and Toopran in India.

Germany-headquartered GEA supplied the entire production line, from roast bean treatment to the packing of the freeze-dried powder. GEA also built a complete pilot plant, providing Tata Coffee with facilities where it can develop exclusive blends for customers. 

“This type of project is ideal for us at GEA because our expertise and scope of supply allows us to build the entire coffee line using our own resources,” said Kim Knudsen, head of sales, coffee and freeze drying at GEA. “This means we can maintain control and take responsibility for the entire project from start to finish.”

Sanjiv Sarin, managing director and CEO of Tata Coffee, said: “The Tata Group already has a close relationship with Vietnam in various sectors – including automobiles, steel, trading, energy and watches. While our products are already exported to over 40 countries across the globe, our instant coffee has so far been produced only in India.

“Globally, freeze-dried coffee is a growing segment and Tata Coffee Vietnam marks our first foray beyond Indian shores as a manufacturer of premium freeze-dried coffee – and is a significant milestone in our journey to becoming a global coffee major. Tata Coffee Vietnam will endeavour to bring best-in-class manufacturing, with a focus on sustainability and safety.”

Earlier this year, GEA secured a contract to build a new infant formula plant in China for Shijiazhuang Junlebao Dairy, with production expected to start in 2020.