Lazzarelle: the coffee that sets women free

On the occasion of International Women's Day, we tell the story of a social project dedicated to female empowerment.

Among the many narratives of social commitment and rebirth, stands out the story of the Lazzarelle cooperative, a project born within the female prison of Pozzuoli that not only produces coffee but also represents a symbol of redemption and emancipation for incarcerated women.

The Story

The Lazzarelle cooperative was founded in 2010 by Imma Carpiniello, who had the idea of ​​producing quality coffee according to the Neapolitan tradition inside a prison. In a context where freedom no longer exists, Lazzarelle represents much more than an economic activity; it offers an opportunity to reclaim a dignity often denied and a chance to build a better future inside and outside the prison walls.

The women who work for Lazzarelle are trained in coffee production, from the selection of beans to roasting and grinding. Training also involves sales and marketing branches, so that the cooperative can be managed autonomously.

Over the years, the project has grown significantly. "Lazzarelle" coffee is a product appreciated and sold primarily online, but it can also be enjoyed in a café opened by the founder in 2020 located in the Principe Gallery of Naples.

The Value and Social Impact

The Lazzarelle project has a very significant impact on the lives of incarcerated women. The choice to produce coffee is not accidental; besides being a gastronomic excellence, it represents a symbol of conviviality and sharing. This context becomes a tool for connection with the outside world; each woman who is part of the cooperative carries a story of commitment, dedication, and hidden talent. The products and results achieved promote the great productive and creative capacity of incarcerated women, values in which to invest that encapsulate feelings of hope and rebirth.