- The Sun -
Gennario Pelliccia is coffee taster for high street chain Costa and has had his tongue insured for £10 million.
A coffee taster for high street chain Costa has had his tongue insured for £10MILLION.
Gennaro Pelliccia, 34, tests every batch of raw beans before they leave the firm's roastery.
Each of his tastebuds — the tongue has about 10,000 — is worth £1,000.
But the Italian Master of Coffee, who has 18 years experience, has already proved his worth.
Costa's cappucino is the favourite for seven in ten Brits ahead of Caffè Nero and Starbucks.
Gennaro said: "My tastebuds and sensory skills are crucial." A spokesman for Glencairn, who insured Gennaro's tongue at Lloyd's of London, said: "This is one of the biggest single insurance policies taken out for one person.
"But his tastebuds are as important as the vocal cords of a singer." Rocker Bruce Springsteen's voice is valued at £3.5million..