Illy Coffee

Illy has solidified its reputation as a global leader in high-quality coffee since its founding in 1933 by Francesco Illy in Trieste, Italy. Francesco, a Hungarian-born inventor, revolutionized the coffee industry by creating the 'illetta,' the predecessor of modern espresso machines, and developing a unique packaging system that uses nitrogen pressurization to preserve the freshness of ground coffee without the need for oxidation-prone air.

Over the decades, Illy became a family legacy, with control passing to Francesco's son Ernesto and eventually to his grandson Andrea Illy, who serves as the current chairman. The brand is celebrated for its commitment to sustainability and direct trade, purchasing its Arabica beans directly from growers in countries like Brazil, Ethiopia, and Colombia through a rigorous quality-support program known as the University of Coffee.

While the company remains majority family-controlled, it expanded its global reach in late 2020 by selling a minority stake to the investment firm Rhone Capital. Despite this external investment, Illycaffè S.p.A. maintains its headquarters and primary roasting operations in Trieste, Italy, ensuring that the brand’s authentic Italian heritage and premium quality standards remain constant across the 140 countries where it is distributed.