The history of La Piccola and Lucaffé

Italian espresso culture – the passion shared by Lucaffé and La Piccola

An espresso at the counter, a conversation after lunch or the first coffee at work: Italian coffee culture is rooted in small everyday moments. The flavour matters, and so does taking a moment to enjoy it. This is where Lucaffé and La Piccola meet.

Lucaffé roasts the coffee. La Piccola develops the machine. Selecting beans, blending and portioning are different tasks from heating water and passing it through the coffee. The result in the cup brings those skills together.

E.S.E. makes that relationship straightforward: insert a pod, close the machine and start brewing. There is still room for a proper coffee break when the day is busy.

1996 – Gian Luca Venturelli founds Lucaffé on Lake Garda

Lucaffé began in 1996 on the shores of Lake Garda. Gian Luca Venturelli founded the roastery out of his passion for Italian espresso. That origin remains part of the brand’s identity, from its approach to coffee to the occasion on which it is enjoyed.

A coffee brand needs more than one recipe. People look for different flavours according to their preferences and habits. Lucaffé combines that variety with a recognisable visual identity: blend names, characters and packaging help distinguish its coffees.

For coffee drinkers, this is an invitation to explore. E.S.E. pods let you change blends from one cup to the next without emptying a bean hopper or adjusting a grinder. You do not need to choose a single coffee for every occasion.

2004 – Lucaffé and La Piccola meet in Carpenedolo

In 2004, Lucaffé moved to Carpenedolo near Brescia, close to the company manufacturing La Piccola machines. Lucaffé’s official history describes cooperation between the two businesses, bringing together roasting craftsmanship and espresso machine design. This date should not be read as the year La Piccola was founded.

The two businesses approach the same espresso from complementary directions. The roaster works on the blend and its flavour; the machine maker develops the technical preparation process. With a ready-portioned coffee, those stages need to work together.

A suitable La Piccola machine and Lucaffé E.S.E. pods offer a direct way to experience this combination. The format remains open, however: compatible E.S.E. pods from other roasters can also be used.

La Piccola – Italian coffee machines from Carpenedolo

La Piccola designs and builds its machines in Carpenedolo, near Brescia. Original production photographs show metal components, brewing groups and electrical connections. Behind the compact exterior is an assembly of individual parts working together.

Stainless steel and brass play important roles in the material choices. Glass and porcelain are also used for certain water tanks. Equipment varies by model and version; the individual Swiss product page specifies the tank, controls and functions supplied.

Robust construction still needs proper care. Even a machine that is simple to operate requires regular cleaning. Accessible servicing, suitable spare parts and descaling according to the instructions are important parts of looking after it over time.

Lucaffé – roasting, espresso blends and Italian tradition

An espresso’s character depends on its beans, blend, roast, grind and preparation. A single number on a pack cannot describe its entire flavour. The amount of water used also changes the balance and perceived strength in the cup.

Classic, Pulcinella, Mr. Exclusive and decaffeinated options offer different starting points. Choose with your preferred flavour, drink size and time of day in mind, rather than looking only for the highest intensity.

E.S.E. portions make comparison easy in a shared home or workplace. Each person can choose a different blend. Individually wrapped pods and loose pods in tins have different storage needs after opening, so follow the instructions on the packaging.

E.S.E. pods – the shared system of Lucaffé and La Piccola

E.S.E. stands for Easy Serving Espresso: ground coffee portioned in filter paper. The La Piccola machines offered here and compatible Lucaffé pods use the 44 mm format. Soft Senseo pads and coffee capsules belong to different systems.

Part of the preparation is already done. There is no need for a separate grinder, weighing loose coffee or filling a filter basket with grounds. Remove the used pod after brewing, while continuing to clean the machine as instructed.

The open format provides a choice of roasters. Look specifically for E.S.E. 44 mm when buying pods: the generic word “pod” alone is not enough to establish compatibility.

From Piccola to Cecilia – coffee machines for homes and businesses

The Piccola family brings E.S.E. brewing to a small footprint in a kitchen or modest coffee area. Manual models let you start and stop the brew yourself. Programmable Swiss versions add two saved quantities and standby. Satin, Perla, Gold and polished finishes offer different looks.

Cecilia and Speedy also serve shared coffee areas and professional settings. Depending on the model, one, two or four brewing groups help organise drinks and simultaneous demand.

Choosing a machine means looking at daily routines: how many people want coffee at the same time? Is steam needed? What space and electrical supply are available? These questions are more useful than choosing solely on the basis of staff numbers.

La Piccola and Lucaffé in Switzerland – support from GiaMax

GiaMax connects the Italian product range with a local contact in Switzerland. Direct supplier contact in Italy supports a selection of versions intended for the Swiss market. The Swiss Edition includes a Swiss plug; exact specifications and supplied equipment appear on each product page.

At kaffeepadsonline.ch you can find machines, compatible E.S.E. pods and the available Lucaffé range. This website explains their background and design; the shop links let you check the configuration and current availability of the individual product.

GiaMax’s workshop in Winterthur provides support beyond the purchase, including advice, servicing, repairs and suitable spare parts. Clean and descale in accordance with the instructions, usage and water quality. Italian origins are complemented by someone to contact locally.