Coffee Bialetti Moka Alpino

Product: Moka stovetop coffee maker 3 cup

Mercato’s Shelf: I would love to just say: “Look at his little hat!” and leave it at that. But in actual fact, it’s a celebration of the Alpini Corps: The Italian Army’s specialist Mountain Infantry. Enjoy your coffee, explore Italian history and appreciate some fashion all at the same time!

Producer: Bialetti

Region: Piedmont, Italy

Producer Information: Bialetti is a brand that has become synonymous with Italian coffee culture. The classic octagonal design has reminded the same since Alfonso Bialetti created the first Moka express in 1933. The aim was to create a device that could allow for easy espresso making at home. Prior to this coffee drinking was almost exclusively at cafes and public coffee houses.

The company remained a purely artisanal product, handmade by Alfonso at his aluminium workshop for many years. That was until Alfonso’s son, Renato Bialetti, took over the company, installing industrial processes to streamline production and grow the Bialetti market. The image of Bialetti, l’omino con I baffi (the little man with the moustache) was created to emblazon every product. The widespread publicity has catapulted Bialetti to cult status, the brand is known as the original and the best for coffee making at home.