Since its incorporation in Italy in 1981, Saeco has managed to grow into a globally orientated group which is represented throughout the world and boasts 16 subsidiaries in Europe, the USA, Latin America, Australia, and Asia, as well as a broad distribution network in more than 60 countries. In 2009, Saeco became part of the business unit Domestic Applicances in the Philips Consumer Lifestyle division. Saeco Austria, market leader in fully automatic coffee machines, was founded in 1991. The import of high-quality coffee machines was well received by the Austrian market. Consistent marketing has turned the country, which boasts a tradition in coffee that spans several centuries and values numerous diverse variations of coffee, into one of the most important European venues for the Saeco group.