Segafredo Launches Cold Espresso to Solve Speed and Labor Challenges for Restaurant & Beverage Operators

Crafted for high-volume foodservice, Segafredo’s premium, 100% real cold-extracted espresso delivers instant crema across cocktails, zero-proof drinks, desserts, and even savory applications ahead of peak Q4 service

Suffolk, Va. (September 1, 2026) — Segafredo, a global authority in authentic Italian espresso and part of the Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA (MZB-USA) portfolio, today announced the official launch of Segafredo Cold Espresso. Arriving ahead of high-volume autumn and holiday seasons, this new product gives restaurant operators, beverage directors, mixologists, and culinary teams an immediate, profitable solution to the operational bottlenecks of espresso drinks.

As espresso beverages continue their rapid rise - led by the Espresso Martini boasting a +213% four-year menu growth and holding the No. 1 spot as the most-ordered cocktail in fine dining, according to Datasenntial Menu Trends - foodservice programs face unprecedented pressure on speed of service, labor costs, and quality control. Segafredo Cold Espresso addresses these friction points head-on across cocktail, zero-proof, and culinary applications.

"For more than 50 years, Segafredo has been defined by uncompromising Italian craftsmanship, but true leadership means evolving alongside the hospitality industry's changing operational needs," said Matthew Smith, President of Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA. "With Cold Espresso, we are combining our deep espresso heritage with modern beverage innovation. We’re giving operators a powerful tool that protects their bottom line while driving high-margin menu revenue during the busiest quarter of the year."

Real Espresso, Zero Operational Headache

Segafredo Cold Espresso is not a concentrate or cold brew. It is 100% authentic espresso cold-extracted to preserve the bold, smooth taste profile of traditional Segafredo espresso. Without the need for commercial machinery or hours of pre-shift prep, operators can execute flawless espresso martinis, zero-proof mocktails, affogatos, and modern beverage builds in seconds.

"Segafredo Cold Espresso was crafted as a premium, high-performance ingredient that expands what’s possible across the modern menu,” said Erica Beilenson, SVP of Marketing at MZB-USA. "Demand for real, high-quality espresso flavor has never been higher, and today's culinary and beverage directors need an authentic asset that performs seamlessly everywhere – from craft cocktails and zero-proof offerings to desserts and savory applications. Staff shouldn’t have to battle machine maintenance or pre-chilling shots during a peak dinner push. Cold Espresso sits right in the speed rail or kitchen line, accepts standard pourers, and delivers a rich, natural crema every single time.”

Key Product Specifications & F&B Benefits

• Built for Fast Workflows: Packaged in a 24 fl oz bottle designed specifically to fit standard speed rails and accept universal speed pourers.

• Uncompromising Purity: Made with only two ingredients - filtered water and coffee - with no added sugars, fillers, preservatives, or stabilizers.

• High-Impact Potency: Contains 98 mg of natural caffeine per 1 fl oz, delivering higher potency than a standard hot espresso shot to maintain structural integrity when mixed or shaken.

• 12-Month Shelf Stability: Ambient shelf-stable for up to 12 months unopened; requires refrigeration only after opening, with a 14-day operational lifecycle.

• Streamlined Menu Designation: Operators can list the ingredient seamlessly on menus as Segafredo Espresso.

Unlocking Multi-Category Menu Growth

While designed to streamline high-volume Espresso Martini programs, Segafredo Cold Espresso equips forward-thinking operators to capitalize on broader menu trends, including The Carajillo.

As the No. 1 fastest-growing spirit-based cocktail with a +665% four-year menu growth according to Datassential Menu Trends and Menucast, the Carajillo’s two-ingredient build (Espresso & Licor 43) represents a low-pour-cost, high-velocity revenue engine for upscale lifestyle hotels, rooftop lounges, modern European dining, and nightlife destinations. Beyond traditional cocktails, Cold Espresso provides an ideal base for premium zero-proof mocktail menus, dessert builds, and brunch programs.

Availability

Segafredo Cold Espresso is available immediately for nationwide foodservice, hospitality, and distributor purchase ahead of the Q4 holiday push. For operators interested in learning more, visit the Segafredo Cold Espresso Hub or contact an MZB-USA sales representative.

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About Segafredo:

The bar is where it all began for Segafredo. Founded in Bologna, Italy in 1973 by Massimo Zanetti, Segafredo has grown from a storied Italian coffee bar staple into a global authority serving more than 100 countries across six continents. Part of the Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA (MZB-USA) portfolio based in Suffolk, Virginia, Segafredo pairs its iconic Italian espresso heritage with locally roasted drip coffee and cold brew formats crafted for today’s market. Delivering bold, premium roasts crowned with a rich, golden crema, Segafredo offers signature coffees, state-of-the-art commercial machinery, and strategic menu innovation for foodservice partners, corporate breakrooms, and coffee lovers at home. Uncompromising, passionate, and purposeful, Segafredo fuels connections and inspires confidence around the clock. Segafredo. Take Your Shot.