Cafe total solutions provider HeungKuk F&B announced a strategic push into AI-automated beverage manufacturing equipment and collaborative robots, targeting full-scale equipment supply next year to secure new revenue streams.
The Bottom Line
- HeungKuk F&B is rolling out IoT-based “Smart Barista Stations” and collaborative drink systems to tackle staffing and training bottlenecks in cafes.
- The company is currently testing equipment with four to five franchise operators ahead of a commercial rollout slated for next year.
- Overseas operations are expanding, with subsidiary Taylor Farms doubling projected export values and extending retail channels across Japan, North America, and Europe.
Expanding Beyond Beverages Into Automation
Founded in 2008 and listed on the KOSDAQ market in 2015, HeungKuk F&B has long relied on its high-pressure processing (HPP) technology to manufacture fruit concentrates, smoothies, juices, and coffee bases for major coffee franchises and restaurant chains. The company is now pivoting to supply hardware alongside its proprietary ingredients and recipes. Park Chul-beom, the representative of HeungKuk F&B, outlined the strategy during an interview with NewsPim on November 13, 2026.
“Existing businesses focused on beverages and foods, but going forward, AI and robot technology will be introduced to the cafe market in earnest,” Park told NewsPim. “We plan to create a new market by supplying equipment and premium ingredients together.”
The company’s new hardware lineup centers on two distinct systems. The "Smart Barista Station" uses load cell weight sensors and automatic calibration to minimize ingredient discrepancies. Its IoT connectivity allows for centralized franchise oversight. The second system, “Robista” (a tentative name), is developed in partnership with Plate Robotics to split drink preparation duties between human staff and robotic arms during business hours while enabling unmanned sales overnight.
Collaborating on Hardware and Recipe Systems
HeungKuk F&B is collaborating with Chinese automated beverage equipment maker Henglang to source the hardware for its Smart Barista Station while tailoring recipes and layouts to individual client needs. The systems are designed to eliminate the operational friction of employee turnover and training.
“One of the hardest parts for cafe owners is employee management and training,” Park told NewsPim. “When the headquarters inputs a new recipe, each store can make the exact same beverage without separate training, raising quality control and operational efficiency.”
Smart Barista Stations are undergoing trial runs across four to five franchise operators. Following a two-to-three-month test period to verify manufacturing quality and workflow efficiency, the company expects to accelerate full-scale deployment.
| Metric / Category | Previous Scale / Status | Current / Projected Target |
|---|---|---|
| Taylor Farms Export Value | $1.5 million (approx. 20 billion KRW in 2021) | $3 million (approx. 40 billion KRW projected for 2026) |
| Taylor Farms Export Reach | 6 countries | 13 countries |
| Domestic Cafe Automation Tests | None | 4 to 5 franchise brands testing Smart Barista Stations |
Global Expansion Through Taylor Farms and Japan
Beyond domestic automation, HeungKuk F&B is targeting overseas markets by aligning with Korean coffee chains expanding into Japan. The company is currently discussing local production agreements with Japanese firms to manufacture and supply beverage ingredients on-site, starting with licensed recipes before weighing direct investments.
Subsidiary Taylor Farms, acquired in 2021, is driving export growth. Annual export figures have climbed from $1.5 million to approximately $3 million, while the footprint expanded from six to 13 nations. Products such as Deep Water have entered major Japanese retail chains including Don Quijote, Matsumoto Kiyoshi, and Welcia. Next year, the company plans to target North American and European markets with low-sugar and functional formulations.
Addressing Domestic Stagnation With Shareholder Focus
While domestic cafe market contraction has dampened earnings expectations for the year, executive leadership views the downturn as a catalyst for structural diversification into automated equipment and convenience store channels.
To maintain investor confidence amid the strategic pivot, HeungKuk F&B intends to continue its history of consistent cash dividends, targeting a 20% payout ratio. Park said that management plans to execute year-end dividends and weigh interim payouts as retained cash flow permits, while majority shareholders steadily accumulate stock to reinforce market value.
