Illy

The Origin of Illy Quality

Illy was founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy – a brilliant inventor and businessman. In 1935, in Trieste, he developed the "Illetta" coffee machine – the precursor to all modern espresso machines – as well as the pressurization system for preserving coffee beans. His son, Ernesto, founded the world's first coffee laboratory.

In 1974, the company patented the ESE (Easy Serving Espresso) pod system, which is still popular today.

Today, in its third generation, Illy maintains its quality standards. The brand oversees the quality of the coffee from the bean to the cup – a commitment the company has made to ensure consumer satisfaction over the long term. 

The illy philosophy

"To delight consumers around the world with excellent coffee and an experience that appeals to the senses and the mind."

The philosophy of Illy coffee can be expressed in one sentence, one credo, passed down through time as the most valuable element of the company’s heritage.

To guarantee you a high-quality blend, more than 500 coffee growers and employees participate in Illy's training program, which promotes the harvesting and processing of the best green coffees. Each bean is then analyzed using an electronic system that eliminates non-compliant or under-ripe beans. From the arrival of the unroasted coffee to its delivery in cans, Illy coffee undergoes 114 quality checks.

The illy supply chain

Over the years of success, Illy has earned up to 4 certifications for the quality of its coffee and one certification for its sustainability. This achievement is due to the company's deep respect for its supply chain and the product itself.

"The role of the industrial company is fundamental and indispensable, but the mere economic perspective cannot justify the work, as it must be integrated with respect for humanity, the community, and the environment." These words by Ernesto Illy in 1976 marked the values on which the company was founded and continues to be today. Illy remains true to this philosophy. The company recognizes a central role for all the human resources employed in producing its high-quality coffee. The numerous "Università del Caffè" (Coffee Universities) around the world that certify baristas are a testament to this. Furthermore, the company’s transparency policy fosters dialogue with customers to guarantee service that matches the high level of quality required for its coffee.

The same principle applies to the producers, whose respect has become one of Illy's trademarks. Their products, grown with care in their respective countries of origin, not only guarantee high-quality beans but also a policy of sustainability and development. The stories of the producers are an integral part of the company’s history, showing that a world where quality and respect go hand in hand is possible. 

Illy's Best coffee

For the beans to consistently develop their aromatic compounds and maintain high quality, the green coffee is only roasted after it has been blended. The beans are then cooled by a controlled flow of air.

The coffee is packaged in a pressurized, protected atmosphere to preserve the product for an extended period. This also allows for an additional maturation period, enhancing its already excellent properties and making the final product even more valuable.

Illy Coffee Around the World

Illy works tirelessly to bring an Italian cup of coffee beyond borders. Over its long history, the company has successfully opened more than 250 cafés (bars) across five continents.

Each café is a fascinating place, designed according to the company’s philosophy, offering a sensory experience identical to what one would experience in Italy, with coffee that is intense, aromatic, and balanced.

The beans come from India, Brazil, Guatemala, Costa Rica, Colombia, Ethiopia, and, of course, Italy, with which the brand has built its identity.

The Art of Coffee and Coffee in Art

Illy has always distinguished itself for its commitment to blending art and coffee. Its collection of cups is developed with the participation of artists such as Marc Quinn, Ron Arad, and others, who have reimagined the classic white porcelain cup into beautiful collectible pieces.

Always forward-looking in fashion and taste, Illy is also a sponsor of the Venice Biennale and the Italian National Chamber of Fashion. It also participated in the Milan Expo 2015 to promote its sustainability and supply chain respect philosophy, as captured in the photo collection "Profumo di Sogno" by renowned nature photographer Sebastião Salgado.

Illy Product Range

In its iconic cans, Illy offers a selection of carefully crafted blends divided into three ranges: Classico, Intenso, and Decaffeinated. For both Classico and Intenso blends, different grind levels are available: for espresso, moka, or drip coffee.

What sets these blends apart is the quality of roasting. Classico offers a balanced coffee, perfect for any occasion – you can never go wrong with this range. Satisfaction guaranteed.

The Intenso roast is a blend of 100% Arabica, with a bold, strong taste and low caffeine and bitterness content – the perfect coffee to energize every morning.

Finally, the Decaffeinated blend features a round, lingering taste with fruity notes. It's the perfect coffee for those who wish to avoid caffeine. In fact, Illy's decaf contains less than 0.05% caffeine, but tastes as full-bodied and aromatic as a regular coffee.

The Classico range also includes other sub-ranges with more exclusive flavors and qualities, such as the "Monorigine Arabica" (MONOARABICA) blend: beans selected from single-origin crops, unique for the aromas and characteristics that distinguish them. India, Guatemala, Ethiopia, Colombia, and Brazil – each of these blends preserves the authentic, characteristic flavors of its country of origin, focusing solely on the typical taste notes of Arabica coffee.

Illy Capsule System

In addition to the E.S.E. pod system, which was designed and patented by Illy, there is a rich selection of capsules designed to meet the needs of consumers who want to enjoy high-quality coffee easily and quickly.

The "Iperespresso" system by Illy uses the same blends, with options such as Classico, Intenso, Decaf, and Lungo, derived from single-origin crops.

The Illy Iperespresso Home capsules, also known as MIE capsules, are compatible with Illy home coffee machines and are sold in packs of 18 capsules.

Coffee, Art and Excellence

A long tradition of growth, taste, and culture, combined with respect for the places and people who produce Illy coffee.

The brand interprets Italian character as an expanded concept, not limited to the final product but embracing the rhythms, characteristics, and diversity of the world behind this beverage.

All this to emphasize that coffee is more than the contents of a cup – it is a true dimension of pleasure, relaxation, and culture that the Italians wish to share with the rest of the world.