Illy

illycaffè was founded in 1933 in the Italian port city of Trieste by Hungarian entrepreneur Francesco Illy.

Since its inception, the brand has specialized in producing the highest quality 100 % Arabica coffee, with the ambition of bringing the perfect coffee experience not only to Italy but around the world. In 1935, Francesco Illy developed the revolutionary Illetta espresso machine, the predecessor of today's professional machines. Today, the brand is one of the world leaders in premium coffee and is still based in its native Trieste, where the coffee is roasted, packaged, and distributed to more than 140 countries.

Illy is known for its uncompromising focus on quality. The beans are sourced from selected plantations in Latin America, Africa, and Asia, where the company works closely with farmers.

The brand does not offer the usual "blends" of cheaper and more expensive beans – all coffees in the portfolio are based on a single recipe of 100 % Arabica.

Illy is also strongly committed to sustainable cultivation and fair trade principles.

In 2013, it was one of the first companies in the world to obtain B Corp certification and regularly invests in training growers through its own Università del Caffè – University of Coffee, which has branches all over the world.