Nescafé Dolce Gusto debuts NEO coffee system in Japan and Korea with home-compostable pods 

ASIA – Nescafé Dolce Gusto has launched its next-generation coffee system, NEO, in Asia for the first time, beginning with Japan and Korea.  

This marks the latest phase of the brand’s global expansion following earlier launches in Brazil and several European markets. 

The NEO system blends advanced technology with sustainability through a new range of home-compostable, paper-based pods designed to maintain taste and quality.  

As one of Nestlé’s major innovation platforms, the NEO system introduces SmartBrew proprietary technology, which combines three brewing methods. This allows consumers to prepare seven different coffee styles using a single machine at the touch of a button. 

Each pod is embedded with a code that the machine reads to automatically adjust brewing parameters to the selected beverage. Users can also link the machine to their smartphones to personalize coffee preparation remotely, enhancing convenience and customization. 

Nicolas Huillet, Global Head of Nescafé Dolce Gusto, said: “The launch of Nescafé Dolce Gusto NEO in Japan and Korea is an opportunity to expand our business while continuing to attract and delight more coffee enthusiasts. This launch will invigorate the brand in these markets, draw in coffee lovers, and create new growth opportunities.” 

Nescafé Dolce Gusto pioneered the portioned coffee system category in Japan and remains the market leader. With the NEO system, it will introduce home-compostable pods to Japan for the first time. In Korea, the portioned coffee market is growing and estimated at over CHF 200 million, reflecting increasing demand for café-style beverages at home. 

The NEO system was first unveiled in Brazil in November 2022, followed by a rollout in Europe, including France, Switzerland, Portugal, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

The expansion into Japan and Korea marks the next step in bringing the NEO experience to a broader consumer base worldwide. 

The launch coincides with leadership changes at Nestlé. Philipp Navratil was recently appointed CEO following the departure of Laurent Freixe earlier this month.  

Navratil, who joined Nestlé in 2001, has led several key business units, including Nescafé and Starbucks coffee brands, and most recently headed Nespresso from July 2024.  

He joined the Nestlé Executive Board in January 2025 and is now tasked with driving global coffee strategy and innovation across the group. 

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.