It’s much more than a simple drink: coffee is an icon of Made in Italy. Also thanks to professional machines – espresso machines are an Italian invention – that combine design, innovation and brewing quality. Ensuring that this excellence continues to evolve over time is UCIMAC, the association representing Italian manufacturers of professional coffee machines. We talked about it with President Roberto Nocera, who told us about the prospects of an industry that continues to grow. 

“Our mission is twofold: on the one hand, to enhance our industrial and cultural heritage; on the other, to support innovation to maintain international leadership,” Nocera explains. “Made in Italy is synonymous with quality, but we cannot take anything for granted: it is essential to invest in research, development and training to remain competitive in global markets.”

Technological innovation is really one of the main drivers of growth in the industry, with professional machines increasingly relying on AI, Internet of Things and advanced automation solutions. “The adoption of smart technologies makes it possible to improve coffee extraction, ensure consistent quality standards and reduce energy consumption. In addition, connectivity enables continuous performance monitoring and predictive maintenance, reducing waste and downtime,” he adds. 

Alongside technology, an increasingly central theme is sustainability. “Today, companies are investing in more efficient heating systems, recyclable materials and production processes with a low environmental impact. It's not just a matter of responding to market demands, but a real ethical commitment that involves the entire supply chain, from suppliers to producers to baristas and end consumers,” Nocera highlights. 

If the quality of machines is crucial, so is the expertise of those who use them. That's why UCIMAC promotes training initiatives for technicians, baristas and operators in the sector, collaborating with schools, universities and academies. “Technology must be at the service of the operator, not the other way around. Investing in training means ensuring that Italian espresso remains a point of reference in the world.”

On the export front, the Made in Italy professional coffee machine sector continues to record important numbers. More than 75 percent of production is destined for international markets, with a growing focus on emerging markets and new consumption habits. “Our goal is to consolidate the presence of the Italian industry worldwide, leveraging the winning combination of quality, design and advanced technology,” adds the UCIMAC president. 

A key role in this process is played by Host Milano, the exhibition organized by Fiera Milano of reference for the sector thanks to SIC - Salone Internazionale del Caffè, which will welcome operators from all over the world to the Rho fairgrounds from 17 to 21 October 2025. “Host Milano is a strategic platform for our companies: here we can present the latest innovations, meet international buyers and create synergies with the world of catering and hospitality. The presence of the Salone in contiguity with the other areas of the exhibition makes the event even more relevant for our industry,” Nocera concludes.

The future of professional coffee machines lies in innovation, sustainability and quality. And Host 2025 will once again be the stage where these evolutions will take shape to turn into business opportunities.