Coffee experts since 1959
1959
Our story starts with Mario Castagnotto, a shop boy who started repairing Faema coffee machines in a workshop in Alessandria, where he was born on 10 July 1934. His experience and passion began to grow. Next, he started installing and maintaining equipment in bars and restaurants. And not long after that, he installed his first 20 kg wood-fired coffee roaster. He mastered the art of selecting coffee origins, blends and roasts. Then, applying principles of thermodynamics, chemistry and mechanics, he unravelled the captivating mystery that turns the green bean into the rich array of aromas reflected in the skilfully created blends available to sample in his own coffee bar, using a Faema machine, and sold as beans or grounds.
1960
To broaden his product’s reach, he selected partners to allow more and more people to taste and enjoy his coffee. Now he needed to create a graphic to identify his coffee. Drawing inspiration from Latin America – the birthplace of the precious green coffee – he sketched a small figure wearing a sombrero, feet planted firmly on the ground, sporting spurs, with a coffee bean for a face; on his broad belly, he wrote the name “Mike”. Entrepreneurial drive, determination and growing success saw sales rise and established firm foundations, culminating in Mike’s registration at the Alessandria Chamber of Commerce on 19 February 1966.
1970-1980
Alongside the production and sale of coffee for homes, cafés and restaurants, the company added vending machine operations, with the creation of a special coffee blend. Rising demand led to the factory’s first upgrade with an innovative and high-tech system. Following on from the first official accolades, the industrial facility essentially continues to process coffee in an artisanal way, upholding the roasting principles established by its founder. After becoming a joint-stock company in 1979, the company expands further, creating a blend in honour of Alessandria. The city’s coat of arms, bestowed by the council, remains prominent on the packaging to this day.
1990
Growing production and sales volumes demand expanded premises to store raw materials from the source countries. A new space is purchased and part of it employed as a bonded warehouse, offering a chance to import more green coffee. This helps the company’s socio-economic growth by adding a new element and expanding into the green-coffee trade. On 2 June 1993, Italian President Oscar Luigi Scalfaro honoured Mario Castagnotto with the title of Cavaliere, acknowledging his ability to nurture an idea from humble beginnings to a thriving business, through years of determined and skilful entrepreneurship. In 1994, flooding from the Tanaro River severely damaged the company’s headquarters, but with the help of the family and all the staff, who have always been invaluable, basic system operation was restored within 15 days and business was able to continue.
2000
Adding value to the company and a further guarantee for its customers, Torrefazione Mike certifies its management system according to UNI EN ISO 9001. The persistence and commitment of Mario and his family also enabled the company to establish itself abroad. Participating in national and international trade fairs, they began to promote the quality of Italian espresso in various countries worldwide, gaining generations of loyal customers. In 2009, the company celebrated 50 years in business with the slogan “50 Years of Good Taste”, reflecting both the quality of its coffee and its community spirit. Preserving its founder’s blends, the company has consistently innovated its equipment, maintaining high-quality standards and excelling in preparation and packaging. On 7 September 2010, “Mr Mario”, as everyone in the company called him, passed away, leaving us a wealth of knowledge, a way of life and a dedication to work that continue to this day through the work of his children. In 2011, the company bought a new packaging machine for coffee beans, featuring remote control and a label printer for custom branding. In 2015, Mike upgraded to a high-tech roaster that uses hot air for even and perfect roasting.
The present day: fresh energy
New family generations, inspired by the founder’s mantra to “go for it”, are driving the business forward with their fresh ideas and creativity, staying current and looking to the future with a passion for coffee. This led to the birth of the company’s coffee shop: a space to enjoy and buy different blends. Mike then obtained ISO 22000 certification and installed a new system to transport coffee from the roasting area to the silos more efficiently, reducing bean breakage and prioritising customer satisfaction. Celebrating our 60th anniversary, we crafted a special blend, tasted by our friend and illustrator Riccardo Guasco, who designed a wonderful image that now stands as the emblem of this milestone.
A legacy of passion and commitment: 2025
Honouring past traditions, the founder’s children and now the third generation are making their mark in the coffee and roasting industry. Mike Caffè, with an annual roasting capacity of 900,000 kg and a daily output of 6000 kg, exports over 50% of its coffee to 27 countries and is continually exploring new, untapped markets. In Italy, a network of agents distributing products across the north of the country, plus dealers catering to niche markets throughout the Bel Paese, have helped Torrefazione Mike to become the company it is today.
