Going out for a cup of coffee is a rite in Italy and the vast majority of consumers would like to see some kind of tangible guarantee on the quality of the coffee they are drinking, according to a new poll.
The survey was commissioned by the Certified Coffees Association (CSC) and found that 79.9% of Italians who consume cups of coffee in cafés and coffee bars would pay extra to know where the coffee they are drinking comes from and what blend it is.
Another 67.3% said they wanted some official seal to verify the quality of coffee.
"For decades we have been a little careless about drinking our espressos. But today taking a coffee break has become a key factor in the quality of our lives," observed CSC Chairman Enrico Meschini. "Drinking a cup of coffee is a pleasurable experience and we should know exactly what we are drinking," he added.
Every day Italians drink 70 million cups of coffee and going for an espresso is a rite for 80% of Italy's adult population, 36% of whom go to cafés or coffee bars at least twice a week, the CSC poll found. The CSC survey polled 700 people between the ages of 18 and 74. It will be presented at the Salone del Gusto, a biannual quality food extravaganza put on by the quality food organization Slowfood, which this year runs October 26-30.
