Cora

What Cora does

Cora Italian Specialties is a third-generation, family-owned B2B distributor and authorized dealer of premium Italian coffee, restaurant, and foodservice equipment, supplies, and ingredients, headquartered in Countryside, Illinois, just outside Chicago. Founded by the Cora family in the 1950s beginning as a garage-based importer of Italian specialty products, the company now serves cafes, restaurants, gelato shops, and specialty food businesses across Chicagoland and nationwide, with an expanding consumer-facing ILVE luxury home appliance line.

The company's product portfolio spans two main pillars. First, a comprehensive foodservice catalog including commercial espresso machines (Elektra, La Marzocco, La Spaziale, Magister, Rancilio), coffee grinders (Baratza, Mazzer), blenders (Blendtec, Vitamix), gelato equipment (Bravo, IFI), pasta equipment (Bottene, Desco USA), pizza ovens (Moretti Forni), and a wide ingredient catalog (Monin, 1883 Maison Routin, DaVinci Gourmet, Ghirardelli, Guittard, PreGel, Prodotti Stella, Two Leaves, Numi, Oregon Chai, Mocafe, Big Train). Second, the ILVE home appliance line offers handcrafted Italian ranges, wall ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers with 200+ custom RAL color options under a white-glove delivery model. The company also operates a factory-trained in-house service and parts department providing on-site repair in Chicagoland and nationwide phone support and parts shipping.

The business model is a sales-led B2B distribution motion combining direct phone-based sales, account management, a public Shopify storefront, a dedicated B2B webstore portal, and a physical showroom with working equipment displays. Revenue is generated through one-time product sales (equipment and ingredients, with case-quantity and wholesale pricing for approved accounts), plus professional services revenue from factory-trained technicians for installation, repair, and maintenance. Free B2B delivery is offered on orders over $150 in Chicagoland, with nationwide shipping via UPS Ground and freight/LTL for larger equipment. The company is privately held with no disclosed external institutional investors.

Name

Cora

Legal name

Cora Italian Specialties

Website

https://corainc.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1950

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Cora Italian Specialties is a third-generation, family-owned B2B distributor and authorized dealer of premium Italian coffee, restaurant, and gelato equipment, specialty ingredients, and ILVE luxury home appliances, serving cafes, restaurants, gelato shops, and specialty food businesses across the Midwest and nationwide from its Countryside, Illinois headquarters.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Foodservice Equipment and Specialty Ingredients Distribution

NAICS

Other Specialty Food Retailers (44529)

SIC

Wholesale-Professional & Commercial Equipment & Supplies (5040)

akta.pro primary industry

Restaurant & Commercial Kitchen Equipment Wholesale (AFAIALAB)

akta.pro secondary industry

International Specialty Ingredients & Import Markets (CRAHAFAL)

Keywords

• Commercial espresso equipment
• Restaurant supply distribution
• Italian specialty ingredients
• Foodservice equipment dealer
• Commercial kitchen supplies

Headquarters

HQ city

Countryside

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Inventory or Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Product Sales - Ingredients: Sales of premium ingredients including syrups, sauces, espresso beans, gelato mixes, and specialty beverages. Products sold include Monin, Ghirardelli, 1883 Maison Routin, and other brands. Offers both single unit and case quantity pricing.
2. Equipment Sales: Sales of commercial espresso machines, grinders, gelato equipment, and pasta equipment. Cora is an authorized dealer for brands including Elektra, La Marzocco, La Spaziale, Baratza, Bravo, Bottene, Desco USA, and others. Equipment ranges from entry-level to high-end professional grade.
3. Service and Repair: Factory-trained technicians provide equipment repair and maintenance services. On-site service available in Chicagoland area. Phone support and parts shipping available nationwide. Parts department stocks common parts and can source nearly any part.
4. ILVE Home Appliances: Sales of handcrafted Italian luxury ranges, ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers. ILVE products feature 200+ custom RAL color options and are built to order. Cora is an authorized ILVE dealer providing white-glove delivery and expert after-sale support.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels4 records

Core offering

Cora Italian Specialties is a B2B distributor and authorized dealer of commercial espresso, gelato, pasta, and pizza equipment, plus premium Italian specialty ingredients, serving cafes, restaurants, gelato shops, and specialty food businesses across the U.S. The company combines equipment sales (Elektra, La Marzocco, La Spaziale, Baratza, Mazzer, Bravo, Bottene, Desco USA, IFI) with ingredient distribution (Monin, Ghirardelli, 1883 Maison Routin, PreGel, and others), backed by an in-house factory-trained service department and free Chicagoland B2B delivery.

Product overview

Cora Italian Specialties is a B2B distributor and authorized dealer of commercial coffee and restaurant equipment, supplies, and ingredients. The company operates as a single unified offering centered on supplying cafes, restaurants, gelato shops, and specialty food businesses with everything they need. The product portfolio includes premium commercial equipment (espresso machines from Elektra, La Spaziale, La Marzocco; grinders from Baratza and Mazzer; gelato equipment from Bravo and IFI; pasta equipment from Bottene and Desco USA; pizza ovens from Moretti Forni; and ILVE luxury home appliances), professional-grade ingredients (espresso beans from Danesi Caffè, Bristot, and Caffè Musetti; syrups from Monin, 1883 Maison Routin, DaVinci Gourmet, Hollander, Torani; sauces from Ghirardelli and Guittard; beverage mixes from Mocafe and Big Train; teas from Two Leaves, Numi, Oregon Chai; gelato bases and pastes from PreGel and Prodotti Stella; and dairy alternatives from Elmhurst and Pacific), barista accessories, equipment parts, and comprehensive service/repair support. The company also offers white-glove delivery and installation in the Chicagoland area.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Espresso Machines Commercial espresso machines from premium Italian manufacturers including Elektra, La Spaziale, La Marzocco, Magister, Rancilio, and Lelit, sold as professional-grade equipment to cafes and restaurants.
• Coffee Grinders Commercial coffee grinders from Baratza and Mazzer, including Baratza Encore, Virtuoso+, Sette series, Forte series, Vario, and Mazzer Mini Timer, Super Jolly, and ZM Filter models.
• Blenders Commercial blenders from Blendtec and Vitamix designed for high-volume cafe and restaurant use, including Blendtec Connoisseur and Stealth series models.
• Gelato Equipment Professional gelato production equipment from Bravo and IFI including batch freezers, pasteurizers, display cases, chocolate tempering machines, and blast freezers.
• Pasta Equipment Commercial pasta machines, extruders, cookers, and rollers from Bottene and Desco USA for artisan pasta production in restaurants and specialty food businesses.
• Pizza Equipment Pizza ovens including Moretti Forni electric deck ovens for professional pizza production in restaurants.
• ILVE Home Appliances Handcrafted Italian luxury home appliances including ranges (30" to 60", dual-fuel or all-gas), wall ovens, built-in and freestanding refrigerators, and dishwashers, with 200+ custom RAL color options and white-glove delivery.
• Espresso Beans Authentic Italian espresso coffee from Danesi Caffè, Bristot, and Caffè Musetti, available in whole bean, pre-ground, and espresso pod formats for cafe and retail use.
• Syrups, Sauces, and Beverage Concentrates Premium flavored syrups, gourmet sauces, fruit purées, beverage concentrates, and toppings from Monin, 1883 Maison Routin, DaVinci Gourmet, Hollander, Ghirardelli, and Guittard for coffeehouses and restaurants.
• Blended Beverage and Chai Mixes Beverage mixes including frappe mixes, chai concentrates and powders, matcha green tea, Thai tea, blended iced coffee, and shelf-stable fruit smoothie mixes and purees from Mocafe, Big Train, Oregon Chai, and Island Oasis.
• Specialty Teas Organic and specialty teas including Two Leaves, Numi, and Oregon Chai varieties for retail and foodservice operators.
• Dairy Alternatives Plant-based barista series beverages including Elmhurst 1925 oat, almond, cashew, and pistachio milks, and Pacific Barista Series almond, oat, soy, and coconut options.
• Gelato and Frozen Dessert Ingredients Gelato ingredients including bases, traditional pastes, fruit flavors, texture improvers, stabilizers, variegates, toppings, coatings, and filling creams from PreGel and Prodotti Stella.
• Barista Essentials and Equipment Parts Barista tools, cleaning supplies, wafer cups, cream whippers, soda siphons, and replacement parts (gaskets, group heads, portafilters, and accessories) for espresso, grinder, gelato, and pasta equipment.
• Equipment Service and Repair Factory-trained technician service for espresso machines, gelato equipment, pasta equipment, and general commercial foodservice equipment, including on-site service in Chicagoland, in-shop repair, phone support, and nationwide parts shipping.

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• ElektracoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer for Elektra espresso machines including Kup, Verve, Nivola, Indie, Belle Epoque, and Barlume models. Cora provides equipment sales, installation, and ongoing service support for Elektra products.
• La MarzoccocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer for La Marzocco espresso machines including the Linea Mini. Cora offers sales, installation, and authorized warranty service for La Marzocco products.
• La SpazialecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer for La Spaziale espresso machines including S1, S2, S9 Compact, and S40 models. Provides full service and parts support.
• BaratzacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer for Baratza coffee grinders including Encore, Virtuoso+, Sette series, Vario, and Forte models. Factory-trained service support.
• BravocoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer for Bravo gelato and pastry equipment including Trittico batch freezers, G-20 table top freezers, blast freezers, and chocolate tempering machines. Provides installation and service support.
• BottenecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer for Bottene pasta equipment including hand press makers, extruders (PM series), ravioli machines, and automatic pasta rollers. Offers full service and parts support.
• Desco USAcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer for Desco USA pasta cookers including CPG-1 and CPG-2 series. Provides sales and service support.
• MazzercoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer for Mazzer grinders including Mini Timer, Super Jolly Timer, ZM Filter, and electronic models. In-house service and parts support.
• ILVEcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer for ILVE handcrafted Italian home appliances including luxury ranges, wall ovens, refrigerators, and dishwashers. Offers 200+ custom RAL color options, white-glove delivery, and expert after-sale support. Product categories: Ranges (30" to 60"), Wall Ovens, Refrigerators, Dishwashers.
• IFIminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized dealer for IFI gelato display cases including Pivot, Drop-In Delice, Jolly, Panorama, and SAM series. Service and parts support available.
• MonincoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor for Monin syrups, sauces, purees, and smoothie mixes. Full product line available including premium flavored syrups, gourmet sauces, organic syrups, sugar-free options, and fruit purées.
• GhirardellicoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor for Ghirardelli ground chocolate, hot cocoa, frappe mixes, and premium sauces. Products include water-soluble hot cocoa, sweet ground chocolate powders, and sauce varieties.
• 1883 Maison RoutincoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor for 1883 Maison Routin premium French syrups including classic and sugar-free varieties. Extensive flavor lineup available including vanilla, caramel, hazelnut, lavender, and seasonal flavors.
• PreGelcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAuthorized distributor for PreGel gelato ingredients including Super Sprints bases, traditional pastes, Fortefrutto fruit flavors, variegates, toppings, and texture improvers. Supplies gelato bases and mixes for artisan production.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Restaurant Depot: Membership-based foodservice supply warehouse club owned by Jetro/Restaurant Depot, with locations nationwide including the Chicago market. Comparable to Cora as a foodservice equipment and ingredient supplier; broader assortment and lower pricing make it the dominant incumbent Cora competes against locally.
• TriMark: Large national foodservice equipment, supplies, and design firm serving restaurant chains and large operators. Broadly comparable distribution model; competes for larger account business that may otherwise source multi-unit equipment through regional distributors like Cora.

Emerging players

• Parts Super Center: Online foodservice equipment parts retailer specializing in OEM-equivalent replacement parts for commercial kitchen equipment. Adjacent/comparable to the parts side of Cora's business and a potential alternative source for the aftermarket parts demand Cora captures through its service department.

Direct peers

• Clive Coffee: Specialty retailer of premium home and prosumer espresso machines, grinders, and accessories — carrying La Marzocco, Elektra, Mazzer, Baratza, and similar brands to Cora. Directly comparable on the equipment side, though focused on prosumer/home rather than Cora's B2B commercial core.
• Seattle Coffee Gear: Specialty coffee equipment retailer (and B2B) carrying La Marzocco, Baratza, Mazzer, and Rocket. Comparable equipment catalog and Italian/premium brand focus; complementary on the commercial/B2B side and competing for nationwide online demand Cora also addresses.
• KaTom Restaurant Supply: Tennessee-based B2B restaurant equipment and supply distributor serving commercial kitchens with a broad catalog and nationwide shipping. Comparable to Cora as a specialist foodservice equipment distributor with both B2B infrastructure (account managers, technical service) and e-commerce fulfillment.
• Prima Coffee Equipment: Specialty coffee equipment distributor focused on roasters, cafes, and serious home baristas with technical expertise and pre-sales consultation. Overlaps with Cora's equipment offerings and dealer relationships, including La Marzocco and other premium Italian manufacturers.
• WebstaurantStore: Largest U.S. online B2B foodservice equipment, smallwares, and supply distributor. Directly comparable as a one-stop foodservice distributor serving restaurants, cafes, and specialty food businesses nationwide — overlapping heavily with Cora's product categories (espresso, gelato, pasta equipment, syrups, sauces).
• Boelter Companies: Midwest-based foodservice equipment and supplies distributor with showrooms, design services, and installation. Geographic and product overlap with Cora — both serve restaurants, cafes, and bars across the Midwest with equipment, smallwares, and dealer relationships with major manufacturers.
• Burkett Restaurant Equipment: Regional restaurant equipment distributor serving the Midwest and beyond with both small-business and chain customers. Comparable footprint and assortment to Cora — espresso, cooking, refrigeration, supplies, and parts/service — competing in adjacent Midwest geographies.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/coraitalianspec
• Facebookfacebook.com/CoraInc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cora-italian-specialties-inc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Cora