Cuisinart and Illy to launch joint capsule system

Cuisinart and illycaffè announced on 22 March a global partnership to develop a new line of espresso machines designed and manufactured by Cuisinart. The collection, co-branded Cuisinart for illy, will feature illy’s proprietary iperEspresso capsule system, a patented two-stage extraction process through rapid infusion and extraction during the brewing cycle. In a joint statement, the companies said that the partnership leverages Cuisinart’s status as an innovative coffeemaker brand across all segments of the product category and aligns it with illy, the company that pioneered the modern espresso method and the world’s first single-serve espresso pods, now an industry standard. The Cuisinart for illy product line is scheduled to debut by the first quarter of 2013 at Cuisinart and illy’s retail channels, encompassing department and specialty stores, including online segments. “It is a privilege to partner with Cuisinart on a high-caliber collection of espresso machines made especially for illy’s iperEspresso capsules,” said Ron Diamond, President of Conair Corporation, Cuisinart’s parent company. Cuisinart has maintained a dominant market share in the coffeemaker category since the introduction of our first auto-drip unit in 1994. By collaborating with illy on this new line of espresso machines, we are utilizing the expertise and resources of both companies to provide consumers with innovative products from two trusted and highly regarded brands.” “Illy maintains unsurpassed quality standards, and it was clear that Cuisinart was the ideal partner for us,” said Andrea Illy, Chairman and CEO of illycaffè. “It is a privilege to partner with Cuisinart on a high-caliber collection of espresso machines made especially for illy’s iperEspresso capsules. Illy’s mission is to delight coffee lovers; aligning with a highly respected partner like Cuisinart will help take our mission further.” Cuisinart is a market leader in its class of trades, and the coffeemaker category is by far the largest in the small appliance business, where Cuisinart has a dominant presence, the statement said.  Under the terms of the agreement, Cuisinart will initially develop products designed for use with illy’s iperEspresso capsules. Other terms and conditions of the licensing agreement were not disclosed, according to the statement.