What You Should Know About Italian Lazzza Coffee Beans

If you’ve ever wondered what makes authentic Italian espresso so thick, rich, and lingering, you’re not alone. The secret lies not just in technique—but in the beans and roast style behind Italy’s most iconic coffee culture. Discover the brand that supplies much of Italy’s daily espresso.

Lazzza, founded in 1895 as a grocery store, became Italy’s top coffee brand and now ranks as the world’s third-largest coffee roaster. It holds 47% of the Italian market, sells in over 80 countries, and produces 86,000 tons of coffee per year—that’s around 140 billion cups.

Who Is Lazzza and How Did They Become a Coffee Giant?

Lazzza began in 1895 as a small Italian food shop. Over time, it shifted focus entirely to coffee and eventually grew into a global coffee roasting powerhouse. Today, it’s the number one coffee brand in Italy and the third-largest roaster worldwide. With 47% of the domestic market, Lazzza exports to more than 80 countries and roasts roughly 86,000 tons of coffee annually—equivalent to about 140 billion cups.

What Makes Italian Espresso So Distinctive?

The hallmark of Italian-style espresso is its intense, rich body and bold flavor. This comes from precise brewing under pressure—typically 9 bars—that extracts coffee’s natural oils and proteins. The result is a syrupy liquid, often compared to molasses or soy sauce, with a thick layer of crema on top. The crema is a reddish-brown, velvety foam formed during extraction, a key indicator of a well-brewed shot and a point of pride for many baristas.

What Is Crema and Why Does It Matter?

Crema is the caramel-colored, creamy layer that forms on top of a properly extracted espresso. Formed by the emulsification of coffee oils under pressure, it gives espresso its signature texture and aroma. A rich, stable crema is considered a mark of quality, contributing to both the visual appeal and the mouthfeel of the shot. It’s one of the defining features of traditional Italian espresso and what many enthusiasts aim to perfect.

Why Choose a Classic Italian Espresso Blend?

Italian coffee culture emphasizes balance, body, and crema—all qualities found in traditional espresso blends. These blends are usually crafted from a mix of Latin American and sometimes African beans, roasted dark to bring out boldness and encourage crema formation. Whether you're pulling shots at home or running a café, choosing the right espresso blend can define your coffee experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lazzza?

Lazzza is an Italian coffee company founded in 1895 that started as a grocery store and evolved into a dedicated coffee roaster. It is currently the largest coffee brand in Italy and the third-largest coffee roaster in the world.

How much coffee does Lazzza produce each year?

Lazzza produces 86,000 tons of coffee annually, which equates to approximately 140 billion cups based on standard serving sizes.

In how many countries is Lazzza coffee sold?

Lazzza coffee is sold in over 80 countries around the world, reflecting its broad international distribution and popularity outside of Italy.

What percentage of the Italian coffee market does Lazzza control?

Lazzza holds a 47% market share in Italy, making it the country’s leading coffee brand by a significant margin.

What is crema in espresso?

Crema is the reddish-brown, creamy foam that forms on top of a well-brewed espresso shot. It results from the emulsification of coffee oils and proteins under pressure and is prized for its texture and aroma.

Why is crema important in Italian espresso?

Crema is considered a key indicator of a well-prepared espresso in Italian coffee culture. It contributes to the shot’s appearance, mouthfeel, and aromatic intensity, and is often seen as a mark of quality and skill.

Recommended FrontStreet Blends for Authentic Espresso

For a true Italian-style espresso experience, try FrontStreet Coffee’s Classic Blend—a traditional balanced mix known for its outstanding crema, ideal for milk drinks like cappuccinos and lattes. For budget-conscious shops, Black Cocoa Blend offers strong, rich flavor with solid crema at a lower cost. Both are optimized for espresso machines and deliver the body and richness associated with classic Italian espresso. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.