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Bodum
Bodum
from Wikipedia
Coffee brewing in a Bodum French press.

Key Information

Bodum, Inc. is a Danish-Swiss kitchenware manufacturer headquartered in Triengen, Switzerland. Founded in Copenhagen, Denmark, in 1944 by Peter Bodum, the company was moved to Switzerland in 1978 by his son, Jørgen, who continued to run the company as chief executive.[2][3]

Among the products Bodum markets are French presses,[4] vacuum coffee brewers (the "Santos" and "Pebo"), and double-walled beverage glasses made of borosilicate glass.[5][6] Their products are advertised as BPA free.[7] The company has tried to register "French Press" as a trademark in several territories, but failed in the U.S., and had the trademark expunged in Canada in December 2012.[8]

Bodum entered into a partnership agreement with American coffee company Starbucks in November 2016 to sell their French presses. In January 2019, the partnership agreement ended as Starbucks recalled defective presses.[9][10][11]

Their kitchenware featured on the set of Star Trek: The Next Generation, most notably a glass mug with black handle from which Captain Picard drinks his signature Tea, Earl Grey, hot.[12][13][14][15]

The company remains family-owned under Jørgen Bodum's leadership, co-owned with his sister, Pia Bodum.[16]

History

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Bodum was founded at the end of World War II, in 1944,[17] by Peter Bodum in Copenhagen, Denmark, as a family-owned business.[16] In the 1950s, Martin S.A., a company later acquired by Bodum, introduced the MELIOR coffee press, which became popular in the 1960s.[18] In the mid-1950s, Bodum introduces its first vacuum coffee maker, the MOCCA, followed by the SANTOS in 1958, which gained international acclaim.[18]

In 1974, Jørgen Bodum, Peter Bodum's son, assumed leadership of the company and launched the Bistro, Bodum's first French coffee press.[16] The Bistro was internationally recognised for its environmentally friendly design and won several design awards.[16] The business relocated to Lucerne, Switzerland in 1978.[18]

In 1986, Bodume opened its first store in London, marking its first store in an international retail network.[18] 1991, Bodum acquired Martin S.A., integrating the MELIOR into its product line.[16][18] The same year, Bodum collaborated with the British Tea Council to develop the ASSAM teapot, utilising a brewing system similar to the French press to enhance control over tea steeping.[16] By 1996, Bodum was operating in 9 countries including the United Kingdom, France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Japan, USA, New Zealand, and Australia.[18]

The following year, in 1992, Bodum introduced the e-BODUM line of electric appliances, beginning with the IBIS water kettle and expanded its portfolio to include items such as juicers, coffee grinders and blenders.[18]

Bodum continued to diversify its offerings, including kitchenware, cookware, cutlery, storage solutions, textiles, and other home and office products[16] and, in 2001, added a new store in Birmingham, United Kingdom, and a flagship store in New York City.[18]

Products

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The Bodum product line includes stainless steel cutlery,[19] mixers, coffee makers, blenders and other plastic and electronic goods.[20][16]

Coffee Pots

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Their plunger coffee pots feature glass cylinders with filters made from materials such as plastic, nylon, or metal, depending on the price range.[21]

Chambord French Press Coffee Maker

In the early 1980s, Bonjour Imports, Bodum's predecessor, acquired the design rights to the Melior coffee pot, designed by Martin S.A., and launched the 'Cafetière Chambord,' named after the Château de Chambord. Bodum purchased the rights to 'Cafetière Chambord' in 1983, registering the trademark.[22] In 2003, the American Culinary Institute awarded the Chambord Coffee Maker the Gold Medal Americal Culinary Award.[23]

Melior Coffee Press

The press pot, or "cafeolette," became a popular coffee-making method in the early 1900s. In the 1930s, the company Martin S.A., introduced a coffee pot model with a stainless steel filter, metal frame, and tempered glass beaker. Bodum integrated this model into their product line after acquiring Martin S.A., in 1991.[16][18]

Vacuum Coffee Pots

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The company has manufactured vacuum coffee pots since the mid-1950s, when Peter Bodum introduced them to Denmark. Bodum continues to produce stovetop vacuum coffee makers and has developed electric models with features such as programmable timers and dishwasher-safe carafes.[21]

Stoneware

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Bodum collaborated with the British Tea Council to develop the ASSAM teapot, which utilises a brewing system similar to the French press, allowing tea enthusiasts to control the steeping process for their beverage.[16][24][18]

Bodum collaborated with the British Tea Council to expand their collective product range, with the creation of the Eileen teapot.[25]

Additionally, Bodum introduced the Osiris kettle, designed by Carsten Jørgensen.[26][27] This kettle features a polished stainless steel body and a durable black nylon handle.[28]

Glassware

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Most glassware is typically crafted from silicate fused with soda and lime. Bodum, however, incorporates boron oxide as a binding agent, resulting in glassware that is clearer, stronger, and lighter than conventional designs.[29]

Manhattan line

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This line of glassware features a double-wall insulation design.[29]

e-BODUM Range

[edit]

The e-BODUM range refers to Bodum's line of electric appliances, which began with the introduction of the IBIS water kettle in 1992. This product was part of Bodum's expansion into electric kitchen gadgets and was followed by other items like coffee grinders, blenders, and juicers.[30]

Company Financial Data

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Bodum is a private limited company incorporated in 1984. Its registered office is located in Telford, England, with correspondence handled from Switzerland. Key personnel include CEO Joergen Bodum and CFO Ulrik Krebs Justesen, both residing in Switzerland.[31]

The profit for the year of Bodum Land A/S fluctuated from 2012 to 2020. In 2015, the operating profit peaked at nearly 1.4 million Danish kroner and decreased to about 1.1 million Danish kroner in 2020.[32] The company’s next accounts are due by September 2025, with its last statement made on May 1, 2024.

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Bodum is a family-owned Danish-Swiss housewares company founded in , , in 1944 by Peter Bodum, renowned for its innovative and affordable coffee and tea makers—particularly the iconic Chambord —and its signature aesthetic that emphasizes functionality, simplicity, and environmental responsibility. Under the leadership of Jørgen Bodum, who became CEO in 1974, the company pivoted from importing goods to designing its own products, launching the that year as its first major original creation, and relocated its headquarters to in 1978. Key milestones include the introduction of the Santos vacuum coffee maker in 1958, the Assam teapot in 1991, and the Ibis electric water kettle in 1992 as its debut electrical product, followed by the e-Bodum line of electric kitchen tools in 2010. Bodum's product range has expanded to include borosilicate glassware, milk frothers, pour-over coffee makers, mugs, and household accessories, all crafted for durability and ease of use while prioritizing through recyclable materials and long-lasting designs. The company has sold over 100 million French presses and 30 million teapots since 1974, establishing itself as a global leader in the category. As of 2024, Bodum remains family-owned under CEO Peter Bodum (grandson of the founder), who succeeded Jørgen Bodum that year following the company's 80th anniversary; it operates numerous stores worldwide (approximately 20 dedicated stores as of recent reports) with products available in over 55 countries, continuing its mission to deliver high-quality, innovative kitchen solutions at accessible prices.

History

Founding and Early Operations

Bodum was founded in 1944 by Peter Bodum in , , as a family-owned import business aimed at supplying affordable glassware from to address the acute post-World War II demand for basic during Europe's economic reconstruction. The company emerged in a period of severe shortages, where everyday items were scarce and expensive, prompting Peter Bodum to focus on practical, cost-effective solutions for Danish consumers rebuilding their homes. The early revolved around sourcing and distributing functional kitchen essentials, including and items, with a core emphasis on democratic design—principles that prioritized accessible, high-quality products for widespread use without compromising on or utility. This approach allowed Bodum to differentiate itself by offering mass-produced goods at lower prices, appealing to a broad market in the austerity of the late . In the , Bodum marked its entry into equipment through the introduction of the MOCCA , its first original product, which produced a cleaner brew without sediment and aligned with the company's commitment to practical innovation. This device addressed the fragility and high costs of earlier vacuum-style alternatives while navigating competition from established European manufacturers amid ongoing economic recovery challenges.

Key Product Innovations

Bodum's early innovations in centered on or systems, which emphasized clarity and flavor extraction through controlled heat and immersion. In the mid-1950s, the company launched the MOCCA, its inaugural original product—a manual designed to improve upon existing methods by producing a cleaner brew without . This device laid the groundwork for Bodum's focus on practical, user-friendly tools that elevated everyday . A pivotal advancement came in 1958 with the introduction of the SANTOS vacuum coffee maker, co-developed by founder Peter Bodum and Danish architect Kaas Klaeson. This manual siphon brewer featured a patented filter and improved seal for precise control, utilizing heat-resistant that enhanced both durability and visual appeal during the brewing spectacle. The SANTOS quickly became Bodum's first major commercial success, popular across and beyond for its elegant, functional design that made sophisticated brewing accessible to home users. Underpinning these products was Bodum's commitment to functional modernism, a design philosophy that prioritized simplicity, affordability, and quality materials to democratize high-end . By employing for thermal resistance and for robust components, the company created durable alternatives to disposable paper filters, promoting sustainable and aesthetically pleasing kitchen tools without compromising on performance. This approach not only addressed practical needs but also aligned with mid-20th-century ideals of form following function. In 1974, Jørgen Bodum introduced the French press, marking a significant refinement in plunger-style brewing and the company's first original French press design. This model optimized extraction through a fine mesh plunger that eliminated the need for paper filters, yielding a full-bodied while minimizing waste and environmental impact. Bodum's es, starting with the Bistro, have seen over 100 million units produced since 1974, solidifying the company's reputation for innovative, eco-conscious appliances. Key expansions in the included the teapot in 1991 and the IBIS electric water kettle in 1992 as the debut electrical product.

Global Expansion and Leadership Transition

In 1974, Jørgen Bodum, the son of founder Peter Bodum, assumed the role of CEO at the age of 26, marking a significant leadership transition for the company. Under his guidance, Bodum shifted focus toward principles and expanded efforts, prioritizing materials and innovative functionality in its product development. This handover built on the company's Danish roots while steering it toward broader international ambitions. By 1978, Jørgen Bodum relocated the headquarters from , , to , , to position the company more strategically in for improved access to key markets across the . The headquarters has since moved to Triengen, , where it remains today. This relocation facilitated operational efficiencies and supported the company's growing export activities. A key milestone in 1991 was the acquisition of Martin S.A., the producer of the MELIOR coffee press, which strengthened Bodum's portfolio and manufacturing capabilities. The push into retail began in 1986 with the opening of Bodum's first flagship store in , designed to showcase its product range and establish a physical presence in major markets. This initiative expanded rapidly, with stores established in nine countries by 1996, reflecting the brand's increasing global footprint. Further growth in the early included new outlets in Birmingham, , and a flagship store in in 2001, enhancing visibility in both European and North American markets. Into the , Bodum has maintained its status as a 100% family-owned business, co-owned by Jørgen Bodum and his sister Pia Bodum, with leadership passing to Jørgen's son, Peter Bodum, as CEO in January 2024. This continuity has sustained the company's emphasis on family-driven global expansion as of 2025.

Products

Coffee and Tea Brewing Devices

Bodum's and brewing devices emphasize manual, eco-friendly methods that prioritize flavor extraction without paper filters or disposable capsules. The company's lineup, a cornerstone of its offerings, utilizes an immersion technique where coarsely ground steeps in hot water before a separates the grounds, yielding a full-bodied brew rich in oils and aromas. The Chambord model features a classic with a shiny frame that encases a heat-resistant , available in capacities from 3 to 8 s (12 oz to 34 oz). Its ergonomic handle and plunger ensure precise control during the 4-minute , preventing grounds from entering the while preserving the coffee's natural essential oils. In contrast, the Brazil variant offers a more affordable, colorful option with a , BPA-free body and handle surrounding the same , also in 8- (34 oz) size, ideal for everyday use and easy cleaning. For portability, the Kenya provides a compact, travel-friendly with a durable and plunger, holding 3 to 8 s (12 oz to 34 oz), and is constructed for quick setup on the go without compromising the immersion method's flavor profile. Bodum's vacuum brewers employ a siphon action for clean, oil-rich extraction, drawing water through grounds via heat-induced before returning it to the lower chamber. The Santos model, a stovetop manual version, uses two heatproof bowls connected by a tube, with an integrated cloth or metal filter that allows full aroma development in 5 to 11 minutes for 4 to 8 cups (up to 34 oz), all while maintaining a sealed system to avoid bitterness. Similarly, the Pebo vacuum brewer features stacked components powered by a simple burner, complete with a soft rubber and eco-friendly filter, brewing 4 to 8 cups (34 oz) through the same mesmerizing process that highlights the 's clarity and depth. For tea enthusiasts, Bodum offers specialized that adapt the plunger mechanism to loose-leaf brewing, enabling controlled to avoid over-extraction. The teapot consists of a 1-liter (34 oz) carafe with a infuser and plunger topped by a rim, allowing users to add 2-3 scoops of , steep for 3-10 minutes in hot , and press to halt brewing, serving up to 8 cups with pure flavor intact. The series complements this with stoneware-insulated pots in 1.5-liter (51 oz) capacity, featuring a spacious or filter within a protective frame for free-swirling leaves, promoting even and thermal retention for optimal taste without removing the infuser. In recent years, Bodum expanded into pour-over methods with the Caffettiera Filtro, a dripper using a fixed mesh filter for single-serve brewing up to 0.5 liters (17 oz). Users add medium-fine grounds, pour hot water in a circular motion to saturate evenly, and let it filter through in about 4 minutes, delivering a clean, bold while eliminating paper waste through its durable, dishwasher-safe construction.

Tableware and Dinnerware

Bodum's tableware and dinnerware offerings emphasize functional, aesthetically pleasing designs crafted from durable materials like and , ideal for serving and storage without electrical components. These products reflect the company's Scandinavian roots, prioritizing minimalist forms that enhance everyday dining experiences while ensuring practicality for both hot and cold beverages or meals. The Manhattan line features double-walled borosilicate tumblers designed for superior insulation, maintaining the temperature of hot or cold drinks without external condensation. Available in capacities ranging from 8 to 16 ounces (approximately 0.25L to 0.45L), these tumblers embody a sleek, minimalist Scandinavian aesthetic with clear, mouth-blown construction that highlights the beverage inside. The borosilicate glass provides resistance to thermal shock, allowing safe transitions from refrigerator to microwave or dishwasher. Complementing the glassware, Bodum's items include the collection of mugs and bowls, finished in matte or glossy surfaces for a modern, tactile appeal. These pieces offer excellent heat retention for prolonged enjoyment of soups, cereals, or beverages, while their durable, non-porous composition ensures easy maintenance and resistance to staining. Fully suitable for and use, the promotes an eco-friendly approach through its sustainable material properties and long-lasting build. Additional serving pieces expand the range with the Pavina double-wall glasses, specifically tailored for cocktails or shots in smaller 8-ounce sizes, utilizing the same insulating borosilicate technology as the line for elegant presentation. The series provides plates and cups suited for everyday dining, featuring simple, stackable shapes in neutral tones that prioritize versatility and robustness for family meals. These items maintain non-porous surfaces akin to , facilitating hygienic storage and serving.

Kitchen Appliances and Accessories

Bodum's kitchen appliances and accessories extend beyond its core coffee and tea focus, offering electric tools and practical add-ons designed for efficient food preparation and serving. The e-BODUM line emphasizes modern convenience with powered devices that streamline daily tasks, such as water and grinding beans, while maintaining the brand's commitment to durable, user-friendly designs. These products integrate seamlessly with manual , enhancing overall workflow without replacing traditional techniques. Central to the e-BODUM range is the cordless electric kettle, featuring a 1.7-liter (57-ounce) capacity and a heating element that enables rapid in approximately four minutes. Its cordless design allows easy removal from the base for pouring, with an automatic shut-off for safety and a concealed element for simple cleaning. This kettle supports quick preparation of hot beverages, aligning with Bodum's emphasis on functional elegance in everyday appliances. Electric coffee grinders in the lineup, such as the BISTRO Burr Coffee Grinder, utilize conical burr mechanisms to produce uniform grounds, preserving flavor and aroma through 12 adjustable settings ranging from coarse to fine. Unlike blade grinders, the burr system crushes beans evenly, making it suitable for various styles and appealing to users seeking consistent results. This grinder holds up to 1/2 pound of beans and includes a clear catcher for mess-free operation. Blenders from Bodum, including the BISTRO Electric Stick , provide versatile options for creating smoothies, purees, and spice blends with a powerful 18,000 RPM motor and multiple attachments like knives, whisks, and beaters. The immersion-style design allows direct blending in pots or bowls, facilitating tasks from making to foaming , and it disassembles easily for cleaning. This tool expands kitchen prep capabilities, supporting both sweet and savory applications. Among other appliances, the 2-Slice features adjustable-width slots to accommodate various thicknesses, ensuring even toasting with five browning levels, a defrost function, and a cancel button for precise control. Its compact footprint and cool-touch exterior enhance safety and countertop usability. Complementing coffee routines, electric milk frothers like the model offer three programs for hot frothing, heating, and cold foam, ideal for lattes and cappuccinos, with automatic temperature regulation to achieve optimal texture. Additionally, the Automatic Pour Over Machine automates the pour-over process with programmable settings and a stain-resistant , delivering consistent brews up to 12 cups. Bodum's accessories include sustainable cutting boards, such as those in the NISSEN series, valued for their lightweight strength, natural antibacterial properties, and eco-friendly sourcing, which make them ideal for daily chopping without dulling knives excessively. The Knife Block provides storage for up to a knives, featuring ergonomic handles on compatible blades and removable, dishwasher-safe plastic rods for secure, rust-resistant organization. For on-the-go use, insulated travel mugs, like the 0.35-liter (12-ounce) double-wall model, maintain beverage temperatures for hours with a grip and leak-proof lid, constructed from durable materials for repeated portability. Bodum also offers practical lunch boxes, such as the model with and tray for meal storage. Introduced in 2024, the Chambord Electric Espresso Maker is a 6-cup (17 oz) programmable countertop appliance with connectivity, LED touch controls, and components for automated electric brewing in under two minutes. As of 2025, Bodum introduced new accessories including the CHAMBORD Vacuum Thermo Jug (1.1 L), CHESNA , DOURO BAR SET, and CHAMBORD Teapot (1 L).

Corporate Profile

Ownership and Headquarters

Bodum has remained a privately held, 100% family-owned company since its founding in 1944 by Peter Bodum, with ownership continuing under the Bodum family to maintain a consistent focus on principles. As of 2025, the company is led by Peter Bodum, grandson of the founder, who assumed the role of CEO in January 2024, while his father Jørgen Bodum serves as chairman, preserving generational continuity in strategic direction. The company's primary headquarters is located in Triengen, , at Kantonsstrasse 100, following a relocation from in 1978 to position operations centrally in . Bodum maintains additional offices, including its subsidiary, Bodum (U.K.) Limited, incorporated in 1984 and based in , , at Unit F, Halesfield 10, to support regional operations and distribution. Bodum operates over 50 dedicated retail stores worldwide, with locations in major cities such as London, Paris, New York, Tokyo, Zurich, and Lucerne, complemented by an extensive e-commerce platform at bodum.com for global accessibility. Manufacturing occurs primarily in Europe, including facilities in Tondela and Aveiro, Portugal, and through partnerships in Asia to facilitate worldwide distribution. The employs approximately 300 staff globally, with specialized design teams housed at Pi-Design AG in , an in-house unit established in 1980 that drives product innovation through collaboration among designers, engineers, and architects.

Financial Performance

Bodum operates as a private without a public stock listing, with key entities incorporated in (Bodum Holding AG) and the (Bodum (U.K.) Limited). The UK subsidiary files annual accounts with as a small ; the most recent accounts, covering the period to 31 December 2024, were submitted on 23 May 2025, while the next filing is due by 30 September 2026. Financial data for the Danish entity, Bodum Land A/S, indicates fluctuating profitability from 2012 to 2020, with the annual profit peaking at 1.4 million DKK in 2015 before declining to 1.1 million DKK in 2020 amid broader market shifts in the housewares sector. No public profit figures are available beyond 2020 due to the company's private status, though industry estimates place overall annual turnover in the range of $45–75 million USD as of recent years. Post-2020 recovery appears supported by expansion, with the company's primary online store generating $24 million USD in revenue in 2024, though projections suggest flat or modest growth into 2025. For the operations specifically, turnover fell to £4 million in 2024 (a 28.61% decline from 2023), while gross profit rose to £2 million (up 14.5%), and profit after tax stood at £2,920. Global supply chain disruptions following 2020 impacted the housewares industry, including manufacturers like Bodum, but e-commerce channels helped mitigate effects by boosting online accessibility and sales.

Sustainability and Ethical Practices

Bodum's eco-design philosophy centers on resource-efficient production and innovative technologies to minimize environmental impact, a commitment pursued for over three decades. At its production facilities, the company generates 70% of its energy through renewable sources, including and photovoltaic panels, with goals to achieve full self-sufficiency. This approach supports broader objectives, such as a 20% reduction in water consumption across manufacturing processes. In material selection, Bodum favors durable and recyclable options like and for its products, complemented by 100% recyclable and SAN plastics. The company designs items to avoid single-use components, such as coffee capsules or paper filters, promoting reusability and waste reduction from the outset. By 2025, packaging efforts emphasize recyclable materials to further eliminate non-essential plastics. Bodum holds ISO 9001 certification for quality management and targets ISO 14001 for environmental standards, alongside aspirations for B Corp certification to validate its social and environmental performance. Central to its goals is long-life , encouraging to extend product lifecycles and decrease overall waste generation. Recent initiatives underscore these commitments, with the 2025 product catalog promoting zero-waste lines under the "Make Taste, Not Waste" banner, focusing on sustainable , , and outdoor solutions. Bodum achieved carbon-neutral production by 2023 through emission reductions and offsets, extending its environmental focus across operations.

References

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