Filicori Zecchini

Filicori Zecchini Caffè

Since 1919, Filicori Zecchini has been synonymous with high-quality coffee. 

After the end of World War I, Aldo Filicori and Luigi Zecchini decided to enter the coffee trade in Bologna, Italy, importing raw coffee varieties (also known as green coffee) and refining and preparing the beans.

The first Filicori Zecchini café (bar) opened on Degli Orefici Street, close to the roasting workshop on Oberdan Street in Bologna. Their aim was to perfect the art of Italian espresso.

In 1933, this unique café won over the Savoy dynasty, and Filicori Zecchini became the official supplier of the royal household. A few years later, the roastery had to switch to coffee substitutes, as coffee became nearly impossible to obtain during World War II. Previously, barley, acorns, or figs were roasted instead of coffee.

In the early 1950s, coffee became a symbol of post-war reconstruction and economic miracle. Filicori seized this opportunity and began selling their coffee not only in their small café but also in nearby shops and bars. The small café and roastery continued to grow, and by the 1960s, they were already known beyond the city limits of Bologna.

In 1964, Giovanni Filicori, son of Aldo Filicori, took over the family business. Giovanni began modernizing the inventory, purchasing new, larger roasters, and a new packaging facility. In 1979, Filicori Zecchini coffee was exported for the first time, marking another milestone for the roastery.

By the late 1980s, the family business had passed to the third generation when Constanza Filicori and Luigi Zecchini joined the company. The company now looked toward the future, aiming to broaden its range of products and services. However, the high quality of their coffees remained unaffected by this expansion.

In 2001, the Espresso Lab was finally established. This special training program was designed for coffee merchants and clients, where interested individuals could learn the secret art of coffee preparation in real classroom settings. From milk frothing to barista equipment maintenance, everything was taught. Above all, the traditional Filicori spirit was passed down.

With over a century of experience, Filicori Zecchini is not only one of the oldest roasters in the world but also one of the most renowned. It is one of the few companies to have earned the prestigious certification from the Italian National Institute of Espresso. This institute requires, among other things, that the coffee (called espresso in Italy) is composed of diverse origins and produces a thick, caramel-colored crema. Freshly roasted coffee must release a scent that lingers for several seconds without evaporating. The aroma should also carry clear notes of chocolate, flowers, fruit, and toast. Finally, the blend must have a naturally rounded taste to achieve this prestigious certification.

In the Filicori Zecchini range, many excellent blends have certainly earned this noble distinction. High-quality espresso beans from India, Brazil, and other South American countries form the basis of Filicori Zecchini’s premium blends. As is fitting for an excellent blend, each variety is roasted separately to preserve its unique flavor profile. This method creates blends with clear and distinct tastes and aromas. Additionally, Filicori Zecchini combines Arabica coffee beans with Robusta, giving the final product not only a refined taste with subtle nuances but also an exceptional crema, enhanced by the added Robusta.