Nestled between the Alps, Lake Maggiore, and Lake Orta in northwest Italy, the picturesque commune of Ornavasso in Piedmont is celebrated for its beauty, tradition, and artisanal passion. This land has long been the cradle of Italian coffee culture and many iconic “Made in Italy” brands.
In this idyllic setting, Gianni Vittoni, a seasoned entrepreneur who now owns six companies, embarked on his manufacturing journey four decades ago. For 20 years, Gianni oversaw the production of three million moka pots for a big Italian brand annually. But when the contract ended, he seized the opportunity to strike out on his own.
Fifteen months ago, Gianni founded Mokavit, an Italian artisan company specializing in high-quality moka pots. In October 2023, the company made its debut on Alibaba.com.
At the recent CoCreate event in Las Vegas, Alibaba.com played matchmaker between Mokavit and a social media influencer with nearly 3 million followers. This collaboration has facilitated Mokavit’s expansion into the U.S. market.
Not Your Average Moka Pot
At Mokavit, each moka pot is crafted with selected materials and subject to rigorous processes. The company’s production facility in Ornavasso is equipped with state-of-the-art machinery that blends modern technology with traditional artisanal practices.
While many moka suppliers have outsourced production to countries like Turkey and Romania, Mokavit remains committed to doing it all at home in Italy, the birthplace of the moka pot. All of its suppliers are certified as “Made in Italy”.
Unlike traditional moka pots, a Mokavit creation is uniquely engineered to brew a consistently perfect coffee on various heat sources, whether it’s a gas stove, induction cooktop, or an open flame.
This versatility is made possible by the company’s laser-welded bimetal bottom that blends aluminum and iron, while the magnetic tray design adds extra stability.
Customizing for the B2B Market
Mokavit goes beyond innovation by offering extensive personalization options for its B2B customers. Businesses can customize every detail of the moka pot, from size and shape to material and color. They can even print their logo or slogan on the pots to create bespoke products for corporate gifting or special occasions.
With a daily production capacity of up to 10,000 pots, Mokavit can turn around custom orders in as little as one to two weeks, once designs are finalized.
Mokavit’s moka pots are designed for coffee lovers who appreciate the finer things in life—where craftsmanship, design, and impeccable quality take precedence over cost. Each pot is engineered for durability and crafted to last a lifetime, which justifies its premium price tag.
Partnership with Alibaba.com
Although Mokavit is still in its first year on Alibaba.com, the company views the platform as a promising gateway for showcasing its products to global buyers. While it may be too early to gauge concrete results, Mokavit is optimistic about the potential Alibaba.com offers.
One notable collaboration has been with social media influencer Laura Clery, who has 2.9 million Instagram followers. Laura sought to add a personal touch to her brand launch at CoCreate by featuring custom images on coffee mugs. The Alibaba.com team connected her with Mokavit, which crafted a bespoke set of mugs and a moka pot for her event.
This collaboration has not only boosted Mokavit’s visibility at the event but also opened doors to broader markets.
References
1. https://mokavit.it/en/