The History of Lavazza Coffee

Lavazza coffee has been a tradition in European homes for over 100 years. Family owned and operated. Lavazza only produces specialty coffee.

1894 - Luigi Lavazza purchased a little grocery store in Paissa Olivero, in the old section of Torino and then goes into business for himself. The grocery shop, the starting point for the modern day Lavazza company, opens for business on March 24 1894.

1895 - This is the year the Lavazza company is officially established. At the head of the company is Luigi. The shop takes in 1300 lire a week. It sells a bit of everything, working over the counter, offering home deliveries, and supplying the nearby Inns. Like other grocery shops, in addition to retailing Lavazza also produces soap, spirits, oil, spices, and of course, coffee. Lavazza starts to roast it's own product. The demand for coffee, although limited due to high costs, covers a select market. Selling and roasting coffee lends commercial prestige. Consequently, Lavazza plans to pay particular attention to this product, following all phases from purchase to roasting. nevertheless, the most widely sold product at the shop are heating oil, sugar, and candles. Mass consumption has not taken off yet.

Over 100 years ago, Luigi Lavazza created the concept of blends, an aspect that has discovered its maximum expression in the culture of coffee. A fundamental part of making a quality beverage, the finest blends come from a mixture of different coffee varieties- up to five or six. Blends made exclusively with Arabica are sweeter and more fragrant, while blends of Arabica and Robusta have a more full bodied and decisive flavor. With over one hundred characteristics in the cup with 100% Arabica blends as well as blends with both Arabica and Robusta. The various coffees from Brazil and Central America allow Lavazza to create a wide range of blends with different notes of flavor and aroma.