Illy
About
Illy is an Italian coffee company founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy in Trieste, Italy. The company remains family-owned and is currently led by the third generation of the Illy family, with Andrea Illy serving as chairman. Illy specializes in the production of a single blend of premium espresso coffee, composed of nine varieties of Arabica beans sourced from growers in Brazil, Central America, India, Africa, and China.
The company is distinguished by its commitment to using 100 percent Arabica coffee and by its direct sourcing model, in which Illy works with farmers in producing countries through its Universita del Caffe educational program and sustainability initiatives. Illy pays a premium above commodity market prices for beans meeting its quality specifications and has developed proprietary processes for selecting and grading green coffee beans.
Illy's product range includes whole bean, ground, and capsule coffee formats, as well as ready-to-drink products. The company supplies coffee to the foodservice industry, including restaurants, hotels, and cafes, and sells directly to consumers through its e-commerce platform and illy Caffe branded cafe locations. Illy operates flagship cafes in several international cities.
Francesco Illy, the founder, is credited with inventing the first automatic espresso machine prototype and the pressurization process for preserving coffee freshness in cans. The company has maintained a longstanding association with art and design, commissioning limited-edition espresso cup collections from artists including James Rosenquist, Julian Schnabel, and Marina Abramovic. Illy is headquartered in Trieste and distributes its products in more than 140 countries. The company holds B Corporation certification and has been recognized for its sustainability practices in coffee sourcing.
The company is distinguished by its commitment to using 100 percent Arabica coffee and by its direct sourcing model, in which Illy works with farmers in producing countries through its Universita del Caffe educational program and sustainability initiatives. Illy pays a premium above commodity market prices for beans meeting its quality specifications and has developed proprietary processes for selecting and grading green coffee beans.
Illy's product range includes whole bean, ground, and capsule coffee formats, as well as ready-to-drink products. The company supplies coffee to the foodservice industry, including restaurants, hotels, and cafes, and sells directly to consumers through its e-commerce platform and illy Caffe branded cafe locations. Illy operates flagship cafes in several international cities.
Francesco Illy, the founder, is credited with inventing the first automatic espresso machine prototype and the pressurization process for preserving coffee freshness in cans. The company has maintained a longstanding association with art and design, commissioning limited-edition espresso cup collections from artists including James Rosenquist, Julian Schnabel, and Marina Abramovic. Illy is headquartered in Trieste and distributes its products in more than 140 countries. The company holds B Corporation certification and has been recognized for its sustainability practices in coffee sourcing.
Luxury Tea & Coffee
Illy is an Italian premium coffee company founded in 1933 in Trieste, producing a single blend of 100% Arabica espresso from nine bean varieties sourced across multiple continents. The family-owned company operates illy Caffe locations, supplies the foodservice industry, and distributes in over 140 countries. Illy commissions artist-designed espresso cup collections and holds B Corporation certification.
Brand Details
Brand Tier
Premium
Price Range
$8 - $150
Founded
1933
Headquarters
Trieste, Italy
Parent Company
Independent (Illy family)
