N.27
May 25th, 2025 – Eleonora Corradi
The Moka Bialetti: an Italian tradition since 1933
The Moka Bialetti is an undisputed icon of Italian coffee, a symbol of the tradition and craftsmanship that have made Italy great in the world. Created in 1933 by founder Alfonso Bialetti, its story began in a small workshop in the province of Novara. Bialetti’s idea was simple: to create a coffee similar to that prepared in coffee shops, but one that could be easily replicated in Italian homes. The result was the Moka Express, a coffee maker that, with its innovative design, revolutionized the way coffee was consumed in Italy and around the world. Today, more than 90 years after its creation, the Moka Bialetti is still a symbol of Italian coffee, appreciated all over the world.
Moka Bialetti: an exemplary design for functionality and beauty.
The design of the Moka Bialetti has always been a strength of the brand, specifically designed to optimize the coffee extraction process. The aluminum body and the durable, non-scalding plastic handle have enabled a long life and ease of use that have been critical to the product’s success. This perfect union of form and materials has now become a distinctive element in the kitchen scene and also the symbol of a tradition that has endured unchanged for decades. The Moka, in fact, is now an integral part of Italian homes, an object that not only makes coffee but also represents a moment of conviviality and culture.
The Moka Bialetti and the growth of the brand.
Over the years, Bialetti has managed to diversify its offerings, creating various models of moka pots to meet the needs of all consumers. In addition to the traditional Moka Express, models are produced in different materials, such as stainless steel, and new technologies were introduced to modernize its use, such as the Induction Moka, which is compatible with induction cooktops. Bialetti has become an internationally recognized brand, thanks in part to its marketing strategy of combining tradition with innovation. Over the years, the brand has also explored new product lines, such as electric coffee makers and capsule coffee machines, which have further expanded its offerings and market opportunities.
The sale of the Bialetti brand in 2025.
In April 2025, Bialetti was acquired by the Chinese group Nuo Capital, controlled by tycoon Stephen Cheng: the transaction, worth 53 million euros, ended with the acquisition of nearly 80 percent of Bialetti’s shares and represents a major turnaround for the company, which had been experiencing financial difficulties in recent years. The news of the divestment has elicited mixed reactions in Italy. On the one hand, many fear that the sale of the brand to a foreign group could compromise the quality and tradition of Moka, which is a symbol of Italian culture. On the other hand, the acquisition is also seen as a chance to revitalize and modernize the brand: the growing demand for coffee in Asia and the expansion of the global market in fact offer new opportunities for Bialetti. However, Italian coffee enthusiasts remain waiting to see if the brand integration with the Chinese group will bring innovations that respect the quality and tradition that have made Moka great.
The “Little Man with a Moustache” on the Bialetti Moka: a design icon.
A distinctive element of the Moka Bialetti is the famous “little man with a mustache”, who is depicted on the side of the coffee maker with his index finger raised as if he were ordering coffee. This cute character was created in 1950 by artist Paul Campani, inspired by Renato Bialetti, Alfonso’s son. The little man, who has become the face of the brand, is a recognizable symbol all over the world: his image, which conveys the idea of coffee prepared with love and tradition, has been featured in numerous commercials, has helped make the brand even more famous, and is now an inseparable part of Bialetti’s image, becoming a true design icon.
The Future of the Moka Bialetti.
To date, the Moka Bialetti has been one of the most beloved and best-selling products in Italy and around the world. and the brand continues to maintain its status as a reference for those looking for a coffee maker that combines tradition and innovation. With its expansion into new markets and ongoing efforts to improve its products, Moka Bialetti is surely destined to remain a major player in the world of coffee, but the Nuo Capital Group’s next moves will undoubtedly be crucial in defining precisely the brand’s future and seeing how the Italian tradition can evolve in a global context.
DID YOU KNOW?
The name “Moka” is a tribute to Mokha, a city in Yemen known to be one of the world’s largest coffee markets. But the real curiosity concerns the shape of the coffee maker: the iconic octagonal design is said to have been inspired by the silhouette of Alfonso Bialetti’s wife. Imagine: head, broad shoulders, narrow waist, an arm at her hip, and a pleated skirt: a real class act!
And if you think the Moka is just a kitchen item, you will be surprised to know that it has been part of the permanent collection of MoMA New York for years, making it not only a coffee maker, but also a real piece of art!
E ORA TOCCA A VOI!
Associare ogni parola alla sua corretta definizione e completare le frasi con una delle parole della lista (ogni parola può essere usata solo una volta).
Match each word to its correct definition and complete the sentences with one of the words from the list (each word can be used only once).
- Caffetteria
- Caffettiera
- Plissettato
- Ottagonale
- Spot pubblicitario
- Panorama
- Colpo di classe
- Magnate
a. Tessuto a pieghettature
b. Breve messaggio pubblicitario nelle trasmissioni radio o TV
c. Gesto di grande abilità, eleganza e competenza
d. Un locale che serve essenzialmente caffè e bevande calde
e. Persona importante del mondo industriale o finanziario
f. Che ha forma di una figura geometrica ad otto lati
g. Recipiente in cui si prepara il caffè
h. Visione complessiva
CONTINUA:
Lo __________________ per il nuovo prodotto è stato trasmesso su tutte le principali reti televisive, attirando moltissimi spettatori.
Il tavolo in legno che abbiamo comprato ha una forma __________________ , che lo rende perfetto per le cene in famiglia.
Dopo una lunga passeggiata, ci siamo fermati in una __________________ per prendere un cappuccino e fare una pausa.
Il __________________ della tecnologia ha deciso di investire in nuove startup innovative, cercando di espandere il suo impero digitale.
La sua presentazione del progetto è stata un vero __________________ , riuscendo a impressionare tutti i membri della commissione.
La gonna __________________ che indossava Maria era perfetta per l’occasione elegante, con pieghe sottili che la rendevano ancora più affascinante.
Il __________________ economico del paese è cambiato radicalmente negli ultimi anni, con nuove opportunità che si sono affacciate grazie alle politiche di innovazione..
La __________________ Bialetti è diventata un’icona della cucina italiana grazie al suo design unico e alla qualità del caffè che produce.





