illy Espresso Cup

The illy espresso cup is a classic piece of kitchenware associated with the famous Italian coffee brand. Originally designed by architect and designer Matteo Thun in 1992, the cup has become an iconic symbol of the brand's commitment to the art of coffee drinking. Its round handle and white porcelain body are designed to enhance the sensory experience of drinking espresso.

While the brand is most famous for its high-quality Arabica coffee blends, its accessories like this cup are integral to the cafe experience. The cups are primarily manufactured in Italy by reputable porcelain producers like IPA or Richard Ginori, though some ceramic components and merchandise may be sourced internationally depending on the specific collection.

illycaffè S.p.A. remains a family-owned company headquartered in Trieste, Italy. Founded by Francesco Illy in 1933, the company has stayed true to its Italian heritage. While the private equity firm Rhone Capital acquired a minority stake in 2021 to help with global expansion, the Illy family retains majority ownership and control of the brand moving into 2026 and beyond.