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| Nespresso offices in Avenches |
If Nespresso didn’t exist that it would have to be invented! I love a coffee, but they take the black brew to another level.
Another day, another adventure this time I was invited to go to Switzerland, about 1 hour from Lausanne in Avenches, to visit Nespresso Production Centre, where they deal with the coffee capsules side of the business. I was very curious to see the behind-the-scenes, which sounds estrange but it was actually quite informative, good to know where your coffee comes from and the production that goes into it, and what a production it is!
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| A Nespresso before the production centre tour |
Nespresso is a Swiss based company, globally managed by Nestle Group, producing and selling high-end systems (coffee machines and coffee capsules) since 1986. Selling in over 59 countries, with a global network of 327 boutiques in 52 countries worldwide. They have two state-of-the-art production centres in Avenches and Orbe, Switzerland with a third one in construction.
22 Grans Crus for the home:
9 espresso blends, 3 Lungo blends, 3 decaffeinated blends (2 espressos, 1 lungo), 4 pure origins , 3 variations.
9 Grand Crus for out-of-home:
3, Ristretto blends, 2 espresso blends, 2 lungo blends, 2 decaffeinated blends
Nespresso goal is to deliver the ultimate coffee experience to consumer cup after cup. It started as a start up and slowly created a global brand with a unique AAA sustainable quality program of coffee sourcing system, that helps them to shape the global coffee culture and position them at the high end market. This system is based in the direct relationship with individual farm communities, help them develop the highest quality, sustainability in coffee supply chain and improving their living standards. Nespresso only buy coffee that meets highest standard of taste, aroma profiles and quality, they aim to the higher-end and discerning customers that buy into their lifestyle. The green coffee beans (unroasted) are tested at source before shipping. The rejected coffee beans are not wasted as the farmers are free to supply their coffee to other markets.
Coffee, the two most economically important varieties of coffee plant are:
Arabica – delicate, grown in subtropical climates, rich soil, extremely vulnerable to cold and bad handling. Grown in high altitudes (600 to 2000meters), green/red beans, fruity with floral notes.
Robusta– harder plants, grown in low altitudes (200 to 800 meters), yellow brown – bitter and strong, intensive and woody.
Robusta has approximately twice as much caffeine as Arabica. This may be an issue for some people when choosing their coffee.
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| green coffee (unroasted) |
Production at Avenches works 24 hours and includes ensure quality of green coffee, once again the beans are tested at the production centre by technicians that are highly knowledgeable and constantly trained. Curious fact: when a technician comes back from holidays, they must to into training again as a week or more away can affect their taste buds.
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| green coffee tasting at sensory and training area |
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| finish product tasting |
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| precise grinding results for optimal flow for each of the Grand Cru. Each one has its own recipe and are roasted accordingly. |
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| Aluminium protection from air and humidity working at precise pressure with the appropriate coffee machine. The coffee machines are made by other companies and partners. |
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| all batches can be traced to the source |
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| Production |
An amazing insight at the production centre and the coffee process from farm to cup at Nespresso. You can read more about my other adventures with Nespresso : Festive Breakfast, Michelin star breakfast
Disclosure: I was a guest of Nespresso at Avenches.
How Fantastic!
It was a great coffee adventure @PastaBites