Wilbur Curtis Co., an industry leader in the design and manufacturing of coffee-brewing equipment, has pledged $250,000 to the University of California, Davis, to support the university’s expanding Coffee Center. The donation is the first by Wilbur Curtis to a major academic institution.

“We are very grateful to Wilbur Curtis for their vision in supporting the Coffee Center,” said William Ristenpart, professor of chemical engineering at UC Davis and co-founder of the center. “We intend to make UC Davis the world’s leading source of expertise in coffee science and education, and support from forward-thinking companies like Wilbur Curtis is instrumental in making that vision a reality.”

Led by Ristenpart and Professor Tonya Kuhl, Department of Chemical Engineering, and sensory scientist Jean Xavier Guinard, professor of food science and technology, the Coffee Center will be the first multidisciplinary university research center in the world devoted to post-harvest research of coffee. The team expects the Coffee Center to elevate the coffee industry by applying a rigorous academic framework to research and education in coffee science.

Investment in the future of coffee

For Wilbur Curtis, which has created coffee-brewing systems that are now standard in coffee houses, convenience stores, hotels and restaurants around the world, an investment in support of coffee research is an investment in the company’s future.

“With over 75 years of coffee knowledge under our belts, we know that, with the help of UC Davis, the next 75 years will bring us an enhanced understanding of coffee that will continue to revolutionize the industry and benefit our customers,” said Patrick Curtis, the company’s business development manager. “We are excited to partner with the UC Davis Coffee Center to help advance our knowledge of the most popular beverage on the planet.”

The gift from Curtis will contribute to the renovation of a 6,000-square-foot building for the new Coffee Center, which will include a pilot roastery, an experimental green bean storage facility, a sensory analysis laboratory, advanced analytical labs, as well as classroom and office space. An outdoor patio event space, intended to host coffee tastings and coffee-industry events, will be named in honor of the company.