History of Decaffeination and Infré SA

Discover the fascinating evolution of coffee and tea decaffeination, from 20th-century accidental discoveries to modern, sustainable processes. This series explores how science and consumer trends shaped the industry, while highlighting the unique entrepreneurial journey of Infré SA since 1946. Dive in to see how a seemingly simple product became a decades-long story of innovation.

How coffee decaffeination started

In this chapter, you will learn how Ludwig Roselius accidentally discovered decaffeination in 1903 after seawater stripped caffeine from coffee beans. It covers the historical "Roselius process"—which used steam and benzene to extract caffeine—and explains why this once-popular method is banned today.

How tea decaffeination started

In this chapter, you will learn how Dr. Theodor Grethe pioneered tea decaffeination in 1923, adapting coffee methods with gentle solvents. In 1935, he partnered with tea broker Carl Ferdinand Ellerbrock. By 1939, Infré tea reached Switzerland, where production rights were later sold.

Details about Infré SA

In this chapter, you will learn how Infré SA optimized its methylene chloride process and modernized caffeine recovery. Driven by growth, the company moved from Vevey to a high-capacity plant in Semsales in 2007. It successfully integrated its supply chain and expanded to 24/7 operations during Covid.

Zwei neue Projekte in Kenia: Stärkung des Gesundheits- und Bildungswesens in Nandi Hills

Infré SA unterstützt in Zusammenarbeit mit unseren lokalen Partnern in Kenia zwei neue Infrastrukturprojekte in Nandi Hills. Gemeinsam mit Taylors of Harrogate Ltd werden gezielte Investitionen in den Bereichen Gleichstellung der Geschlechter, Gesundheitsversorgung und Bildung getätigt.

Projekt Lacto +

Infré beteiligt sich am Projekt Lacto +. Ziel des Projekts ist die nachhaltige Nutzung von Laktoseserum, einem Nebenprodukt der Käseherstellung.

Projekt Kipkimba

Nach dem er­folg­rei­chen Pro­jekt­ab­schluss des Neu­baus ei­nes Che­mie­la­bors für die Kip­kim­ba Pri­ma­ry School freu­en wir uns, ge­mein­sam mit Tay­lors of Har­ro­gate und Nan­di Tea Plan­ta­tion an ei­nem Fol­ge­pro­jekt im Jahr 2024 mit­zu­wir­ken