ProfilePrint's AI Coffee Analyser Gains Global Traction Through Standards Adoption

ProfilePrint, a Singapore-based start-up, has made notable strides in the global market with its AI-powered coffee analyser, the Beluga, by adopting international standards for information security and AI governance. This strategic move has allowed the company to reduce client onboarding time and secure contracts with multinational corporations (MNCs) more efficiently.

Founded in 2018, ProfilePrint developed the Beluga, a portable analyser capable of assessing the quality of coffee beans and other agricultural ingredients in just ten seconds. This contrasts sharply with traditional methods that rely on trained tasters and laboratory testing, which can take much longer. The technology has already been deployed in over 90 locations worldwide, demonstrating its potential in the commodity trading sector.

According to Alan Lai, the founder and CEO of ProfilePrint, gaining the trust of large commodity traders has been a challenge. He mentioned that a large part of the time in negotiating contracts is spent on rigorous Q&A, proving to clients that they can protect their data and that their AI is not frivolous. To address these concerns, the firm first achieved ISO/IEC 27001 certification in May 2023, establishing a robust information security management system.

“We’ve been able to shorten the onboarding process for new clients by roughly half.”Alan Lai, CEO of ProfilePrint

This certification has not only provided clients with greater assurance but has also reduced the onboarding process for new customers. ProfilePrint's technology was particularly beneficial for Geneva-based coffee trader Sucafina, which reported a 30% to 60% increase in the number of coffee lots assessed in the same timeframe during a trial with ProfilePrint.

Building on its initial success, ProfilePrint further enhanced its governance framework by obtaining ISO/IEC 42001 certification in April 2026, the first international standard for AI management systems. This standard provides a framework for responsible AI governance, risk management, and continuous improvement of AI practices. Lai emphasized that these certifications helped clarify internal processes and prepared the company for the increasing scrutiny that AI technologies face.

“For companies like ProfilePrint that grow by serving customers around the world, standards and accreditation are more than a mark of quality – they help a company build trust that opens doors to new markets.”Choy Sauw Kook, Director-General for Quality and Excellence, Enterprise Singapore

Choy Sauw Kook, director-general for quality and excellence at Enterprise Singapore, stated that for companies like ProfilePrint that grow by serving customers around the world, standards and accreditation are more than a mark of quality; they help a company build trust that opens doors to new markets. This sentiment underscores the competitive advantage that adherence to international standards can provide.

ProfilePrint's experience illustrates how the adoption of internationally recognized standards can address trust and governance concerns, facilitating entry into global markets. The firm has collaborated with international clients such as SMC Specialty Coffees in Brazil, further solidifying its reputation as a reliable partner in the coffee industry.

As the demand for AI technologies continues to rise, particularly in sectors like food quality assessment, ProfilePrint's approach may serve as a model for other start-ups aiming to navigate the complexities of international expansion. The company's commitment to rigorous standards and governance enhances its credibility in a competitive landscape.