About us
We promote and safeguard the Italian Espresso by representing a stable point of reference for the global market
Our Mission
We are an organization that brings together roasters, espresso machines and coffee grinders producers, as well as other companies in the supply chain, with a common goal: to safeguard and promote the culture and the quality of Italian Espresso and Italian Cappuccino.
We are an authoritative point of reference for Italian Espresso lovers around the world, guaranteeing certified standards to professionals and certified in-cup quality to consumers.
The Certified Italian Espresso brand ensures consumers the security of finding certified products inside bars, such as a qualified blend, a qualified coffee machine, a qualified coffee grinder, and a trained and capable professional driven by passion for the quality of Italian Espresso.
Our story
We were founded in 1998, following three years of research aimed at defining the quality expected by those who order an espresso at the bar.
The study, conducted in collaboration with IIAC – International Institute of Coffee and Centro Studi Assaggiatori, in collaboration with several academics, has involved thousands of consumers and implied dozens of laboratory tests. The research thus revealed the objective and measurable characteristics that define a true Italian Espresso.
In 2028, we became S.r.l. Benefit, to strengthen our commitment in safeguarding and promoting Italian Espresso and aiming to have a positive social impact.
As Istituto Espresso Italiano (IEI) we bring together 36 companies, including roasters, espresso machines and coffee grinders producers, and other companies in the supply chain.
We train professionals around the world, thanks to our courses in collaboration with IIAC – International Institute of Coffee Tasters, and we certify excellent products through our IEI Qualified Product, IEI Qualified Premium Product, IEI Approved Product. This way we give consumers the security of finding a quality cup every day at their favorite bar.
Every year we held Espresso Italiano Champion, the only barista competition completely focused on Italian Espresso and Italian Cappuccino. In just 11 minutes competitors must calibrate their equipment and prepare four perfect espressos and four perfect cappuccinos, all under the eyes of marketing, technical, and sensory judges who will evaluate their performance.
We meet during IEI Connect, our annual event dedicated to the coffee industry, created as an opportunity for debating, sharing ideas, visions and creating a dialogue between actors in the supply chain. Each edition, we bring to the table important issues for the industry and seek to identify opportunities to seize, to support the sector and to evolve as an organization.
Board of Directors
Our business is guided by a board of directors, composed of coffee industry professionals from a variety of companies to ensure diverse perspectives.
- Alessandro Borea (President)
- Carlo Odello (Chief Executive Officer)
- Gian Paolo Braceschi (General Director)
Members of the Board
Alberto Schiavon, Barbara Chiassai, Carlotta Trombetta, Carmen Stanziola, Gaia Brunetti, Luca Creti, Luigi Morello, Luigi Odello, Michele Cannone, Renato Bossi, Roberto Nocera