In the early 1990s, espresso machine engineer Ennio Berti resigns from one of Italy’s major espresso machine manfacturing companies. He believes the world is ready for a coffee revolution – a domestic espresso machine made entirely from commercial machine components. He and Frederich Berenbruch form ECM (Espresso Company Milano).

Meanwhile in New Zealand, in 1990, former restaurateur and equipment supplier Jeff Kennedy is exasperated by the difficulty of finding fresh roasted coffee. He purchases a small roaster, starts importing green beans and embarks upon his own search for the perfect cup of coffee.

In the late nineties Jeff meets with ECM and soon after the “E61 Rocket” is introduced to New Zealanders. As kiwi cafe culture grows, so does the demand for a domestic machine that can replicate the café experience. The Rocket revolutionises home espresso.

Forward to 2007 Milan, ECM decide to concentrate on their commercial machine range. Jeff the restless pioneer of NZ espresso culture, takes up the challenge to revive the domestic machine. Together with Daniele, son of Friedrich, and Milan-based New Zealander Andrew Meo, he forms Rocket Espresso Milano.

Todays Rocket marries the heritage of Italian espresso engineering with the exacting era of New Zealand espresso culture. Every aspect of the machine has been re-examined, fine tuned and tested to meet the highest standards possible.