Schaerer Easy Access is one of the most innovative solutions for accessible coffee enjoyment in the out-of-home market, demonstrating how modern, inclusive coffee enjoyment can be achieved today. Its nomination for the INTERNORGA Future Award 2026 in the ‘Technology & Equipment’ category highlights the importance of this service concept for the industry. The jury recognised the inclusive product design, which makes self-service at fully automatic coffee machines easily accessible to wheelchair users and people with limited mobility.
The Schaerer Coffee Soul with Easy Access, nominated for the Internorga Future Award 2026.
L. to R.: Hansjürg Marti, Ina Vogelgesang and Axel Fähnle are proud of the nomination although it didn't win in the end
Since 2011, the INTERNORGA Future Award has been one of the most prestigious accolades for forward-thinking business models in the out-of-home market. It recognises companies that combine commercial viability with a commitment to the environment and society, thereby setting an example for the whole industry. In the 'Technology & Equipment' category in 2026, the focus was on solutions that transform digitalisation, smart processes, and accessibility into added value for guests and staff. SEB Professional Beverage's Schaerer Easy Access is a prime example of this, turning accessibility from a 'nice-to-have' into the new standard for coffee machines.
Controls at eye level
How Easy Access works
Schaerer Easy Access was developed specifically for wheelchair users and people with reduced mobility, with one clear aim: to ensure that enjoying a coffee is not hindered by accessibility issues or counter height. The enhanced control concept for the Schaerer Coffee Soul relocates the machine’s controls to a button panel on the drip tray, making them easily accessible to everyone. The touch display can be fully operated using just a few clearly labelled buttons. Much like using the arrow keys on a computer keyboard, users can navigate through the menu, select their coffee speciality and customise or cancel the brew.
With WMF Barriere-free by QR-Code, beverages can be selected independently and accessibly via QR code and smartphone.
Automation with a human touch
Putting technology at the service of people
Schaerer Easy Access demonstrates how SEB Professional Beverage understands automation: as the foundation for standardised, reproducible processes that enable people to enjoy coffee independently and safely.
In combination with other accessible solutions, such as the digital accessibility feature WMF Barriere-free by QR-Code, it creates a coffee culture that strengthens community and wellbeing – especially in environments where accessibility has often been limited.
In practice, this means that by tapping a specific button, a QR code is displayed on the machine screen. This code can be scanned using a smartphone, with no app required, and opens a browser page where all available beverages can be viewed and a drink selected, along with various options where available, such as coffee strength, bean type or different kinds of milk.The page layout, navigation and use of smartphone accessibility features comply with the requirements of the EN 301 549 standard.
More than just a product
Easy Access as an ESG-compliant solution
At SEB Professional Beverage, technologies such as Schaerer Easy Access and WMF Barriere-free by QR-Code are considered key components of its ESG strategy and inclusion agenda. A new standard for modern coffee culture is accessibility for all, regardless of physical ability, life circumstances, or the machine’s location. The ESG roadmap to 2030 anchors this vision in a comprehensive sustainability agenda featuring durable, recyclable products; responsible supply chains; and socially conscious business models. Easy Access adds an important, emotionally resonant element to this agenda and shows how inclusion can be achieved at the coffee machine.
