Authentic Illy Italian Coffee For Your Espresso Experience

A favorite Italian coffee in Italy, the US and around the world, illy Italian coffee is admired for its high quality and distinctive, velvety taste.

illly coffee tin

If you have started to be interested in Italian coffee, then you most likely headed out to your local grocery store to see what’s up. Whether it is in the “international” feeds section, or just mixed in with the domestic coffee, the first Italian coffee you find will probably be illy. 

An Introduction To Illy Italian Coffee

Illycaffè, founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy in Trieste, Italy, has become synonymous with high-quality coffee globally. Renowned for its iconic blend of 100% Arabica beans, the brand has remained a leader in the coffee industry for over 90 years. Illy’s commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability has positioned it as a favorite among coffee connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.

Francesco Illy, a visionary in the coffee world, revolutionized the industry by inventing the first modern espresso machine and a pressurization system to preserve coffee freshness during transport. These innovations set Illy apart early on. The company remains family-owned and continues to champion its founder’s dedication to excellence. Today, Illy operates in over 140 countries and serves millions of cups daily in cafés, restaurants, and homes worldwide.

short illy tin

What Makes Illy Coffee Unique?

  • Blend and Flavor: Illy’s signature blend consists of nine sustainably sourced Arabica bean varieties. Typically coffee makers will use a blend of Arabic and Robusta, but illy only sources Arabica beans. This meticulous selection ensures a harmonious balance of sweetness, bitterness, and aromatic complexity, offering a consistent experience in every cup.
  • Innovations: While not the first to invent or patent an espresso machine, in 1935, the ILLETTA, the first high pressure espresso machine was created separating the water from the pressure. Illy also introduced pressurized packaging and photo-chromatic sorting to identify the highest quality beans at the source.

The Illy Coffee Products

Illy offers diverse products to cater to various coffee preferences:

  • Whole Beans
  • Ground Coffee
  • Pods and Capsules
  • Coffee Machines
  • Cold Brew
illy espresso cup

In addition to the various packaging, illy offers a range of beans and roastings that include:

  • Classico – Lingering sweetness and delicate notes of caramel, orange blossom and jasmine.
  • Intenso – Bold roast coffee has a pleasantly robust finish, with warm notes of cocoa and dried fruit.
  • Forte – 100% Arabica blend characterised by its dark chocolate taste and toasted bread aroma. For lovers of a rich and bold taste.
  • Decaffeinated – Classic roast coffee has a lingering sweetness and delicate notes of caramel, orange blossom and jasmine. Less than 0.1% Caffeine.
  • Plus single source beans from: Brasil, Nicaragua, Guatemala, Ethiopia and Costa Rica.

Illy Sustainability and Ethical Practices

Illy is a pioneer in sustainable coffee farming. The company partners with farmers to improve environmental practices, such as shade-grown coffee cultivation, which protects biodiversity and soil health. These efforts have earned certifications like Rainforest Alliance and recognition as one of the world’s most ethical companies.

illy cappuccino in art cup

Global Presence And Coffee Culture

With a presence in over 140 countries, Illy’s cafés embody a sophisticated coffee experience. These spaces offer education, tastings, and artistic collaborations, turning coffee consumption into an enriching cultural activity.

Coffee Culture is the illycaffè department which, through the Università del Caffè, promotes company thought leadership by developing and managing activities and projects dedicated to the entire illycaffè value chain: from the seed, alongside coffee growers, to the cup, alongside bartenders up to the final consumers.

illy india single origin tin

Illy Coffee Sales and Statistics

For the fiscal year 2023, Illy reports annual revenues exceeding €595 million, driven by strong global sales and its robust retail and café network. Its focus on premium products ensures its leadership in the luxury coffee segment.

Illy is currently serving 138 countries, with clusters in:

  • France, Benelux and the Netherlands
  • Germany and Austria
  • Spain and Portugal

The Impact Of Illy Italian Coffee

The scale of illy’s operations is huge and their influence on the coffee market worldwide is obvious once you start looking at Italian coffees. Illy’s success lies in its commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation. 

illy intenso tin

Whether through its iconic blend, global café culture, or advancements in coffee technology, Illy has cemented its place as a leader in the coffee industry. The brand not only delivers exceptional coffee but also enriches the lives of those who experience it, ensuring its legacy for generations to come.

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