1 _To obtain the perfect crema and aromas, does Nespresso incorporate foam additives or flavour enhancers to its coffee?
Absolutely not!
The subtle flavours and aromas and the thick and perfectly textured crema of Nespresso coffee is simply a result of the Nespresso system, which ensures the complete control of all of the essential parameters involved in the preparation of exceptional coffee.
We achieve this by selecting only the highest quality green coffee, using expert roasting techniques, ensuring the preciseness of the grinding, the exact portion of ground coffee in each capsule and by developing technology that incorporates a 19 bar high-pressure pump to ensure the ideal water penetration of the capsule, just like the machines used by Baristas. All of this know how, combined with our advanced technology allows us to produce exceptional coffee without having to add anything artificial.
2 _Doesn't a product that has been factory-produced destroy the entire coffee ritual?
Nespresso goes beyond selling the finest Premium Blend coffees in the world. We have developed an entire coffee experience that would impress the most demanding coffee connoisseur.
From advice on the coffee and its preparation, elegant coffee accessories, presentation advice and creative recipes to the sleek design of our machines, the Nespresso world is designed to provide our consumers with their own personal coffee experience.
3 _How can Nespresso talk about know-how when the capsules are part of an industrial process?
From the outset, Nespresso has worked with highly skilled coffee tasting experts.
Throughout the year, the Nespresso Coffee Experts travel the world to select the finest beans and to ensure that the sensory profiles of the coffees meet with Nespresso's extremely high standards. The capsule was therefore developed with great care and attention, ensuring a superior result in the cup comparable with an espresso prepared by the most skilled Barista.
4 _Nothing can compare with freshly ground and roasted coffee. Can a capsule maintain this freshness over several months?
Yes, completely, by means of the sophisticated production process, which is exclusive to the Nespresso capsule.
The principle involves placing the exact proportion of freshly roasted and ground coffee into a hermetically-sealed capsule, to protect it from air and light, thus enabling the quality and freshness of the coffee to be preserved over several months.
5 _Why aren't the capsules sold in large retail stores?
Nespresso chose to develop its own distribution network in order to guarantee its customers coffee of superior quality and freshness.
To cater for people who aren't able to visit the Boutiques or who don't have access to the Internet, for some time now we have been operating a free-phone service so that our customers can speak directly with one of our expert coffee advisers.
As a result, we have developed a simple means for consumers to order their capsules or obtain advice on the choice of Premium Blends, their origins, the operation of their machines and even the accessories.
6 _"Isn't the aluminium capsule dangerous to health?"
Not at all.
Nespresso aluminium capsule is coated with a food-grade shellac to prevent any contact between the aluminium and the ground coffee.
7 _Why has Nespresso chosen aluminium capsules?
Nespresso opted for aluminum for its preserving qualities that completely protect the ground coffee from air and light. As a result, our consumers are able to savour the full richness and quality of the aromas and flavours of the freshly roasted and ground coffee with each and every cup.
Nespresso is moreover committed towards environmentally-friendly practices through the recycling of its used capsules. Switzerland has a unique network of 1190 collection points.
The aluminium, a 100% and infinitely recyclable material, is melted down and reused in other high quality products. The coffee grounds are used as fertiliser.
8 _Is Nespresso coffee fair trade coffee?
Since 2003, Nespresso has been fully committed towards its sustainable development programme, AAA Sustainable QualityTM, which is monitored by independent international organisations.
This programme ensures that 75% of the export value of the coffee it buys finds its way back to the growers and their communities. In return, the farmers use environmentally-friendly farming practices and only supply Nespresso with the superior quality coffee that we are committed to delivering to our consumers.
Nespresso expects that 50% of its coffee supply will originate from the AAA programme by 2010.