Italy’s Coffee Culture Is Undergoing a Quiet Revolution
The espresso machine’s invention in the 1880s didn’t just change how Italians drink coffee—it cemented a cultural identity built on speed, affordability, and bitterness. For decades, Italy’s coffee scene has thrived on this model, with millions of espressos consumed daily in traditional cafés. Yet beneath this routine lies a seismic shift: specialty coffee is quietly rewriting the rules. As record arabica prices force Italians to rethink their coffee habits, a new generation of roasters and cafes is challenging the status quo. Italy’s coffee culture is rooted in a paradox. While it’s the second-largest European coffee consumer, its market has long…