To serve rich espressos at a conference, first choose coffee that works with the machine available: beans if it has a grinder, or capsules designed for its system. Then compare flavour profiles without directly comparing intensity ratings from different brands. Make sure you also have a decaffeinated option and information about allergens in any accompaniments you serve.
If you need to prepare several espressos during breaks, start by checking which coffee beans are compatible with your machine and what pack size you need. Lavazza, for example, offers professional packs of one kilo or more for automatic machines with a grinder.
Capsules make it easy to prepare individual servings, as long as they match the system installed. Lavazza Blue capsules, for example, are designed for the BLUE system.
You can complement a rich espresso with a decaffeinated option that works with the machine. If you’re serving milk, plant-based drinks or other accompaniments, make sure you also have information about their ingredients and allergens.
For a conference coffee break, first confirm the machine and the pace of service. Then choose your espresso profile and the options you’ll offer attendees.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Machine and service | Check whether the machine has a grinder or identify the exact capsule system. Then estimate how many espressos you’ll need to prepare during each break. | When attendees arrive together, I want to be able to serve them using the machine on site; around 42% of consumers would prioritise compatibility and smooth service. |
| Rich flavour profile | Compare the blends and tasting notes provided. Only use an intensity rating within the scale for that particular range. | If the main request is for a very rich cup, I want to choose a specific flavour profile rather than the highest number from another brand; this would be the priority for around 33% of consumers. |
| Choice and accompaniments | Check the format of a compatible decaffeinated option and prepare allergen information for any ingredients served with the coffee. | To cater for different preferences, I want to offer an alternative and know what the accompaniments contain; around 25% of consumers would make this flexibility their main requirement. |
Carte Noire, for example, lists 11/13 or 13/13, Lavazza 9/10 and illy 7/9. These brand-specific scales are not a shared measure of flavour or caffeine content.
Compare products within the same range, then look at their blends and tasting notes. If you don’t know what attendees prefer, trying the coffee before the event can help you decide.
Beans need equipment that can grind them. Lavazza Blue capsules are designed for the BLUE system, not for all capsule machines.
Check the type of machine and, for capsules, the exact name of its system before ordering.
If the format is incompatible, you may need to find different equipment before serving.
An intensity rating describes the stated flavour profile; it doesn’t tell you how much caffeine is in the espresso you prepare.
Don’t use the rating to estimate caffeine content. If you’re offering decaffeinated coffee, check the product and its compatibility with the machine.
Milk, some plant-based drinks, syrups and biscuits all affect the ingredients in what you’re offering. For non-prepacked food, the French Consumer Code requires consumers to be informed about allergenic substances or products that remain in the finished product.
Keep the packaging or ingredient sheets for accompaniments, and make sure allergen information is available before serving.
These examples show different formats and profiles to consider. A brand being listed here does not guarantee that a product will be available for your event.
Lavazza offers beans for machines with grinders, as well as capsules for dedicated systems.
illy offers an intense espresso made from 100% Arabica, as well as a professional decaffeinated option.
Two 1 kg bean options let you compare rich flavour profiles within the same range.
This retailer is worth checking for coffee beans if you’re shopping locally or need to top up your supplies.
The retailer stocks Plantation coffee beans in 1 kg packs, as well as ground coffee.
This retailer lets you compare bean coffees from different brands locally.
These products offer two ways to prepare a rich espresso for your conference: beans if you have equipment to grind them, or capsules once you’ve checked the machine’s system. Pack sizes vary, so match them to the number of cups you expect to serve.
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Worth considering if the venue has a machine that can grind beans. The stated intensity is 12/13; check that the flavour profile suits you rather than comparing this rating directly with other brands’ scales.
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A portioned option to consider if you’re serving coffee using a capsule machine. Check compatibility with the model on site; the stated intensity is 10/13.
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Consider this for serving espresso with equipment that can grind beans. The pack gives an intensity rating of 11/13; check your machine’s settings and compatibility.
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Worth considering if the venue’s machine uses the Dolce Gusto system. The pack contains 16 capsules, so compare this with the number of espressos you need to serve and check the exact machine model.
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The 500 g pack is worth considering if you’re looking for a different quantity from the 1 kg bags. You’ll need equipment that can grind the beans, and should estimate separately how much you’ll need for the breaks.
No. It doesn’t tell you how much caffeine is in each cup. Carte Noire, Lavazza and illy use different intensity scales to describe their coffees, so don’t use these ratings to work out the caffeine content.
Decaffeinated coffee gives attendees another option, while still letting those who prefer it enjoy a rich espresso. illy lists a professional Decaffeinato product; check its format and compatibility with the machine you’re using.
Check the ingredients of each drink and accompaniment separately. For non-prepacked food, the French Consumer Code requires any allergenic substances or products still present in the finished product to be brought to the consumer’s attention in accordance with the applicable rules.
Follow the instructions for the product you’ve bought rather than using the same method for all coffee beans. For its Intenso, illy recommends storing it away from light and heat, preferably in the fridge after opening. Check the packaging of your own pack before serving.