What is Lavazza’s Tablì and why is it being called the future of single-serve coffee?

At Milano Design Week 2025, Lavazza Group unveiled a disruptive innovation that could significantly alter the dynamics of the global coffee market. The company introduced Tablì, a revolutionary brewing system built around an entirely new concept: a single-serve tab made from 100% coffee. This launch not only underscores Lavazza’s deep commitment to innovation as it marks its 130th anniversary, but also signals a bold shift toward sustainable, high-quality consumption methods for coffee lovers worldwide.

Tablì is unlike anything currently available on the market. Developed over five years and protected by more than 15 patents, the Tablì system reflects a synergy between cutting-edge design, sustainability, and advanced brewing technology. The product comprises two integrated components: a machine engineered with a novel delivery system and a unique tab that is composed entirely of compressed coffee — no plastic pods, no aluminium capsules, and zero external waste. By eliminating non-coffee materials, Lavazza is not only introducing a more sustainable solution but also enhancing the sensory experience of coffee consumption.

How does Tablì compare with traditional single-serve coffee systems?

The global single-serve coffee segment, valued in the tens of billions of dollars, has seen rapid adoption over the past two decades, thanks to the convenience and consistency offered by capsule and pod machines. However, it has also faced rising scrutiny over environmental concerns tied to non-recyclable packaging and resource-intensive manufacturing processes.

Lavazza’s Tablì system is positioned to address these issues head-on. While traditional single-serve systems rely heavily on plastic or metal capsules to maintain freshness and ensure machine compatibility, Tablì offers a capsule-free experience. The “tab” is essentially a compact, self-contained dose of coffee, designed to dissolve and infuse entirely in the brewing process, leaving no residue or packaging waste behind.

This move aligns with a broader trend across the food and beverage industry, where consumers are increasingly demanding more sustainable and environmentally responsible products. Lavazza’s focus on zero-waste coffee through Tablì not only satisfies this growing demand but also sets a precedent that may encourage competitors to rethink legacy formats.

What does Tablì mean for the future of sustainable coffee innovation?

Sustainability in coffee production and consumption is no longer optional — it is an imperative. Climate change, rising operational costs, and mounting waste have pushed companies across the value chain to innovate with urgency. For Lavazza, whose brand identity is deeply rooted in the promise of Made in Italy excellence and social responsibility, Tablì represents the culmination of both technological evolution and ethical responsibility.

By introducing a 100% coffee tab, Lavazza is taking aim at two major pain points: environmental waste from disposable pods and the need for high-quality, consistent home brewing. The new delivery system, developed specifically for Tablì, has been engineered to optimise extraction, capturing the aroma, colour, and complexity of freshly ground beans in a way that conventional pods often fail to achieve.

Moreover, because the tab is entirely made of coffee, the possibility exists for it to be compostable or biodegradable under industrial conditions — although Lavazza has not yet disclosed specific end-of-life disposal certifications. Still, the principle of replacing waste-heavy materials with a pure-coffee solution is a major leap forward in sustainable product design.

How does Tablì fit into Lavazza’s global strategy and heritage?

Founded in 1895 in Turin and still owned by the Lavazza family after four generations, the Lavazza Group has grown into one of the most recognised names in global coffee. Operating in 140 countries with eight production facilities across five nations, the company commands a portfolio of premium brands including Lavazza, Carte Noire, Merrild, and Kicking Horse. These brands cater to both retail and out-of-home segments, from high-end cafés to office coffee systems and domestic kitchens.

Lavazza’s approach to growth has consistently focused on balancing quality with innovation. The Tablì system builds on this heritage by combining deep technical expertise with forward-looking design sensibilities. The timing of the launch, coinciding with the brand’s 130th anniversary and taking place at the globally renowned Milano Design Week, speaks to the company’s strategic positioning. It is both a celebration of Lavazza’s past and a strong signal of its future direction.

From the company’s earlier efforts with compostable capsules to its ongoing investment in sustainable coffee sourcing and farmer welfare through the Lavazza Foundation, Tablì marks the latest step in a broader effort to lead the conversation around ethical, future-oriented coffee.

How might this innovation affect the competitive landscape in the coffee sector?

The global coffee sector has seen intense competition in recent years, with major players such as Nestlé, Keurig Dr Pepper, Starbucks, and JDE Peet’s competing for market share in both ground coffee and single-serve categories. With the unveiling of Tablì, Lavazza is carving out a unique segment that doesn’t directly compete with existing pods or capsules but rather redefines the single-serve format entirely.

Should Tablì gain traction with consumers, it could spark a new wave of innovation in the industry. Competitors may be compelled to develop their own versions of single-ingredient, waste-free brewing systems, potentially setting off a race toward more sustainable formats. The introduction of Tablì may also shift consumer expectations, making traditional capsule-based systems appear outdated or environmentally unfriendly by comparison.

While pricing and availability details have yet to be disclosed, the success of Tablì will hinge on Lavazza’s ability to scale the technology, maintain quality, and ensure cost competitiveness. However, by being first to market with such a transformative concept, the company has established an early-mover advantage.

What is the broader design and experiential vision behind Tablì?

In keeping with the spirit of Milano Design Week, Lavazza has emphasised not just the functionality but also the aesthetic and experiential elements of Tablì. The machine has been designed with a modern, minimalist profile, likely to appeal to design-conscious consumers who value both utility and style. The tactile experience of using a coffee tab — which resembles a refined, sculpted tablet of pressed grounds — aligns with trends toward artisanal presentation and mindful consumption.

This sensory-first approach also plays into broader lifestyle shifts. As more consumers seek out daily rituals that balance convenience with quality, Lavazza is aiming to offer a product that enhances those moments with a richer, more intentional interaction. It is this combination of design, sustainability, and sensory satisfaction that could make Tablì more than just a new gadget — it may redefine what people expect from home coffee brewing.

Can Tablì influence how consumers perceive and value everyday coffee?

Coffee is more than a beverage; it is a cultural mainstay and a personal ritual. As consumption habits evolve, innovations like Tablì are challenging consumers to rethink the nature of convenience, sustainability, and taste. By reengineering the delivery format without compromising quality, Lavazza is inviting a reassessment of what premium coffee at home should look and feel like.

Tablì’s appeal lies in its ability to merge ethics and experience. In an era increasingly shaped by climate awareness, responsible design, and product minimalism, offering a 100% coffee solution meets a multitude of consumer expectations in one unified offering. While it remains to be seen how widely Tablì will be adopted, its debut underscores a decisive shift in how the coffee industry may evolve — toward more immersive, waste-free, and elevated home brewing experiences.

By bridging its historic legacy with a future-forward mindset, Lavazza is making a clear statement: coffee innovation isn’t just about taste or convenience anymore — it’s about designing systems that reflect and respond to a rapidly changing world.