Bialetti Moka Express

The Bialetti Moka Express is one of the most recognizable icons of Italian industrial design. Invented in 1933 by Alfonso Bialetti, it revolutionized home coffee brewing by using steam pressure to create a rich, espresso-like coffee. The brand's signature mascot, 'l'omino con i baffi' (the little man with the mustache), was created in 1958 and remains a symbol of the company's heritage.

Historically rooted in Italy, the brand faced significant financial challenges in the 21st century due to the rise of capsule-based coffee systems. By 2025, a major shift in ownership occurred: Nuo Capital, a Luxembourg-based investment firm controlled by the Hong Kong-based Pao Cheng family, acquired a 78.6% controlling stake in Bialetti Industrie S.p.A. This acquisition was aimed at restructuring the company's debt and expanding its global reach. While the classic aluminum Moka Express models are still predominantly manufactured in Italy to preserve their 'Made in Italy' status, other models and electric versions are often produced in countries like Romania, Turkey, and China.