Fracino founder and ‘oracle of espresso’ wins lifetime achievement award

Fracino founder Frank Maxwell - who pioneered the UK production of espresso machines and dispelled the myth that only the Italians could produce the perfect espresso machine - has received a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Launching Fracino in 1963, Frank has been hailed as ‘the oracle of espresso’ through the last five decades and fondly nicknamed ‘the godfather’ by the coffee machine manufacturer’s customers, distributors and employees.

The first award of its kind presented by Essential Café, the accolade acknowledges Frank’s vision and tenacity in shaping and driving the boom of the coffee shop market in the late 80s.

David Kitchener, co-founder and publisher of Essential Install and Essential Cafe magazines said: “Frank’s career and achievements since setting up the business in a garden shed in October 1963 after stripping down a second hand coffee machine bought on a family holiday in Italy – is truly inspirational. A champion of all things British, Fracino engraves a British flag on every machine and its trailblazing success is respected at home and abroad.”

Frank Maxwell commented: “It is with humility, surprise and much pleasure that I accept this Outstanding Achievement Award in recognition of building a company and products for over half a century that fill me with pride. It has been a challenging and exciting journey which would not have been possible without the support and expertise of my family.”

Frank’s son Adrian, who joined the business in 1987 and took over as MD in 2007, said: “A forward thinker, dad has consistently excelled - truly believing that no challenge is too big to overcome.

Dad’s greatest assets are his vision and business nous. He is an outstanding role model for creating a powerful legacy - and his shining example is one I am proud to follow as I give my children the choice to continue Frank’s legacy to the next generation.”

The third generation family run business has posted double digit growth for six consecutive years - claiming a 50 per cent UK market share and exporting to over 70 countries. Fracino recently ranked next to Mini and Jaguar Land Rover as one of 5 Super-Brit brands taking over the world in 2014 (LondonlovesBusiness).