How Italy’s Coffee Roasting Industry Boomed on Espresso Demand

In the late 1990s, as cappuccinos and lattes spread across Europe, Asia, and Australia, something unexpected happened in Italy: coffee roasters couldn’t keep up with demand. It wasn’t just locals drinking more espresso—it was the world suddenly wanting Italy’s signature dark roast. The result? A major spike in roasted coffee bean exports, especially for espresso blends.

Italian roasted coffee bean exports grew by over 50,000 60kg bags in 1999 compared to 1998—more than a 6% increase in a single year. That surge was driven almost entirely by global demand for espresso-based drinks like cappuccinos and lattes.

Why Italian Roast Coffee Suddenly Went Global

According to Luigi Saquella, president of the Italian Coffee Roasters’ Association, the global espresso craze was the main driver. "Italian exported roasted coffee beans saw major growth in 1999," he said. "The reason is the continuing global espresso boom, especially in Germany, France, Spain, and far-eastern countries like Japan, Singapore, Thailand, and Australia. Even Eastern European countries got in on the trend, falling for cappuccinos."

This wasn’t limited to classic European markets. The appeal stretched across continents, with global consumers developing a taste for the bold, dark-roasted profiles central to Italian-style espresso.

The Numbers Behind the Boom

The data paints a clear picture: in 1999, Italy exported 895,615 bags of roasted coffee beans (each 60kg), up from 843,225 bags in 1998. That’s a rise of 52,390 bags in just one year.

Decaf coffee also saw strong growth, with exports rising from 28,600 bags in 1998 to 34,624 bags in 1999—an increase of over 6,000 bags. Even instant coffee exports ticked up, adding 2,000 more bags year-on-year.

These figures reflect a broader trend: while Italy’s domestic coffee consumption had levelled off, international markets were fuelling unprecedented growth for its roasters.

What Helped and What Didn’t

The euro’s depreciation made Italian coffee more competitive abroad, boosting export volumes. Meanwhile, global economic recovery further stoked demand for espresso-style coffee.

On the flip side, the strong dollar increased the cost of green coffee imports—a challenge for roasters sourcing raw beans. But despite this hurdle, the export boom more than compensated. As Antonio Rizzitano, president of the Italian Coffee Committee, noted, the trend toward espresso beans was international and showed no signs of slowing down.

"The strong demand for espresso coffee beans is coming from abroad," Rizzitano confirmed. "This boom is far from over."

What This Means for Specialty Coffee Today

While this data is from 1999, it set the stage for Italy’s enduring reputation as the home of espresso. The global appetite for dark, roasty blends that work well in milk drinks—like cappuccinos and lattes—was cemented during this period, influencing how specialty coffee roasters approach espresso blends to this day.

Even now, many specialty roasters draw from this legacy when crafting espresso-focused offerings, balancing tradition with modern single-origin profiles. The 1999 export surge wasn’t just a spike—it helped define the global espresso market.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much did Italy’s roasted coffee bean exports grow in 1999?

In 1999, Italy exported 895,615 bags of roasted coffee beans (60kg each), which was 52,390 bags more than the 843,225 bags exported in 1998—a year-on-year increase of over 6%.

Which countries drove the demand for Italian espresso beans?

Major markets included Germany, France, Spain, Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Australia, and Eastern European countries such as those in the former Eastern Bloc, all of which saw growing popularity for cappuccinos and espresso-based drinks.

Did decaf and instant coffee see any growth in exports too?

Yes, decaffeinated coffee exports rose from 28,600 bags in 1998 to 34,624 bags in 1999, an increase of over 6,000 bags. Instant coffee also grew slightly, with an additional 2,000 bags exported in 1999 compared to the previous year.

What role did currency exchange rates play in the export boom?

The depreciation of the euro made Italian coffee more affordable and competitive in foreign markets, helping boost export volumes. At the same time, the strong dollar increased the cost of imported green coffee beans for Italian roasters.

Was the increase in exports due to higher domestic demand?

No, domestic demand in Italy remained stable. The growth was almost entirely driven by rising international orders, showing that the demand was truly global.

How did this boom influence later espresso trends?

The 1999 export surge helped establish the global preference for dark, milk-compatible espresso roasts. It laid the foundation for today’s espresso culture and continues to influence how specialty roasters approach espresso blend design.

Recommended FrontStreet Blends for Classic Espresso Style

For those exploring the bold, traditional espresso profiles that helped drive Italy’s export boom, FrontStreet Coffee offers several excellent blends. Their Classic Blend and Commercial Blend both include a touch of Robusta for extra body and crema, delivering notes of dark chocolate, toast, and spices—ideal for lattes and cappuccinos. The Specialty Blend leans more towards balance and complexity with Brazilian and Colombian beans, highlighting nutty and caramel tones. All three are great starting points for recreating the kind of espresso that built Italy’s global reputation. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.