Strolling through Venice, you might sense either that the city is definitely stuck back in time, or that it’s becoming an exclusive tourists’ wonderland at the speed of light. Both feelings may respond to the current reality, but wouldn’t take into account some artisanal businesses that, despite the constant difficulties, have grown steadily, involving a number of young entrepreneurs and professionals who strongly believe in the power of made in Italy. This is the case of Torrefazione Cannaregio, a micro coffee roasting that’s been open in sestiere Cannaregio since 1930. Equipped with a ‘40s functioning roaster machine (extremely rare to find nowadays!), the place was restored in 2015 by a new management and it is now run by a young staff mainly composed by women.
As Business Director Maela Galli explains, an old coffee roaster can produce as much as 45/50 kg per day: a significant amount of coffee when compared to the modern, computerized machines. Besides, the method still involves the employment of staff who must be able to recognize by ear the cracking of coffee beans: a job that these days almost disappeared and contributes to enhance the charming, retro flavour of the place.
Torrefazione Cannaregio’s top blends include the 100% Arabic Remer (“remer” in Venetian dialect is the gondola artisan), and the Bricola, composed by 70% Arabic and 30% Robusta and named after the wooden poles used by Venetian mariners to follow the lagoon routes. Besides other single origin coffees, the workshop sells various coffee-derived products such as titbits, pasta, a delicious hazelnut and coffee cream and several spices.
Looking toward the future, the company is planning to open a new coffee shop on Fondamenta degli Ormesini, while its products are currently available online and delivered all over the world.
Recognizing the importance of the tourist flow, the staff is interested in promoting the Venetian culture, arranging tastings and guided tours about coffee history and tradition in Venice.
For more info visit: http://www.torrefazionecannaregio.it