Rome inspires a coffee innovation

In 1975, Éric Favre, a newly graduated engineer from the EPFL, was in Rome when he observed a barista pressing the piston of an espresso machine multiple times to make a good coffee. This seemingly simple action sparked an idea in Favre, who saw the challenge of replicating the artisanal process on an industrial scale.

A technical challenge and a patent

Favre returned to Switzerland and developed a conical capsule designed to hold the precise dose of coffee and withstand the pressure of water. In December 1976, he filed a patent with Nestlé. The original design, described by the World Intellectual Property Organization, resembled a bowler hat rather than the sleek capsule known today.

A decade of dormancy

The Nespresso concept remained unused for ten years. During this time, the invention was a prototype with bulky components and impractical design elements. Nestlé hesitated to industrialize it, considering it too expensive and not well suited for the general public.

Early commercial failure

Nespresso was launched in 1986 in Switzerland, Japan, and Italy, with France following in 1991. However, the product initially failed, as offices and hotels were reluctant to adopt the bulky and costly machines. It was not until 1995 that Nespresso became profitable.

A strategic shift to success

Jean-Paul Gaillard redefined Nespresso's strategy in the mid-1990s. He targeted households instead of offices, reduced machine prices, increased capsule prices, and introduced the Nespresso Club to enhance brand loyalty. This shift transformed Nespresso from a professional product into a domestic luxury item.

Environmental concerns and recycling

Since January 1, 2026, aluminum Nespresso capsules can be recycled in yellow bins throughout France. A 2025 study found that this system encourages 80% of consumers to sort their waste better. This marks a shift in focus from taste performance to environmental responsibility.

Continued growth and innovation

Nestlé reported strong quarterly sales in April 2026, driven by increased coffee demand and price adjustments. Meanwhile, Éric Favre, who left the Nespresso project in 1991, founded Monodor (now Mocoffee), a company that uses a capsule system without aluminum, addressing one of the most criticized aspects of his original invention.