The Italian espresso coffee ritual was expected to be included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list announced at the end of March 2021. However, there was a hitch. The committee found itself presented with two candidates for the same title: one from the north of Italy and the other from Naples, both claiming to be the rightful custodians of the authentic espresso tradition.

Result: the judges told them to go away and reach an agreement to put forward one single united candidacy for the next edition.

Coffee is a major business in Italy, giving employment to some 10,000 workers, according to the Istituto Nazionale Espresso Italiano (ISI). The Italian espresso ritual is a “must” in the morning (usually taken standing up at the bar counter) and during work breaks with colleagues and business associates. An estimated 3 billion cups are consumed every day,

Italian espresso, however, has had some consolation in the form of a tribute paid this spring by the USA, with a special postage stamp issue dedicated to the western world's beloved beverage. The new collection features the four most popular coffee preparations: Espresso, Caffé Mocha, Cappuccino and Caffé Latte (the latter even given its proper name and not the abbreviated form of “latte” favoured in the English-speaking world). The designated city of issue is Seattle, famed for its coffee bars and known as the American city that consumes most coffee.

Info: www.espressonapoletano.net www.espressoitalianotradizionale.it