Kewaskum-based Regal Ware has acquired the remaining shares of ESPRO, a brand of premium coffee and tea presses and accessories it took
a majority stake in in April 2018.
Bruce Constantine, founder of ESPRO and president of the company since the acquisition, will leave the company. Constantine said he is proud of where the brand has gone since joining Regal Ware, noting the launch of three new products.
“The groundwork for a world-class brand has been laid. Now, it’s time for someone whose passion is growing the business to take it to the next level,” Constantine said. “For me, I’m an innovator. I’m ready to take some time off and break some new glass.”
ESPRO’s first products included a calibrated tamper and controlled-flow milk-steaming pitcher and the ESPRO Press, a French press device that removes grit and automatically stops extraction.
Since the initial acquisition, ESPRO has launched cold brew, tasting cups and a bloom pour over coffee brewer.
“We’ve delivered a tremendous amount of innovation in a very short period of time. The foundation is in place,” Constantine said.
Dave Lenz, chief operating officer of Regal Ware, will serve as interim president of ESPRO while the company conducts an executive search.
“ESPRO is an important, high-quality and relevant brand for Regal Ware and we will continue to invest in its growth and expansion,” Lenz said. “There are compelling opportunities to grow the ESPRO brand within our existing channels and geographies, while also deepening the relationship of the products and the brand with our targeted consumer segments and seasonal opportunities.”
