Company Origins
La Marzocco is an Italian company founded in 1927 by Giuseppe and Bruno Bambi, located in Scarperia, Florence. It specializes in high-end espresso machines. The company was named after the Marzocco, Florence’s lion symbol. In 1939, Giuseppe Bambi patented the first espresso machine with a horizontal boiler, making the workflow more ergonomic. The Second World War halted production, but after the war, the horizontal boiler design became the industry standard.
Tradition of Excellence
All La Marzocco machines are still hand-built by skilled craftsmen at their Scarperia factory. The company established Officina Fratelli Bambi to produce their own designs under the La Marzocco name after their first machine, the Fiorenza, was commissioned by a customer and became a success.
La Marzocco is renowned for making exceptional espresso machines that highlight the nuanced flavors of specialty coffee. Their innovative technologies, such as the saturated group head introduced on the GS series, set new standards for temperature stability and shot consistency.
Today, La Marzocco remains an icon of quality and endures as one of Italy’s last independent, family-run manufactures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is La Marzocco made in Italy?
Yes, La Marzocco is an Italian company that manufactures all its machines by hand in its Scarperia factory.
When did Starbucks stop using La Marzocco?
This question is beyond the information provided in the text. However, Starbucks used La Marzocco machines until they switched to automatic machines to meet the increased demand and standardize their coffee quality.