illy blend Forte coffee

illycaffè S.p.A. is a prestigious Italian coffee company founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy. The brand is globally recognized for its signature 100% Arabica blend, which consists of nine different origins selected from the finest coffee-growing regions in Brazil, Central America, Africa, and India. The specific 'Forte' variety shown is an extra-dark roast characterized by its intense aroma and bold notes of dark chocolate.

All illy coffee products are processed and packaged at the company's state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Trieste, Italy. The company is famous for its innovative pressurized packaging system, which uses inert nitrogen to preserve the coffee's freshness and aromatic complexity for a significantly longer period than standard vacuum packaging.

Ownership of the brand remains primarily with the Illy family. As of 2026, the parent holding company, Gruppo Illy S.p.A., maintains the majority control (80%), while the American private equity firm Rhône Capital holds a 20% minority stake acquired in 2021 to support international expansion. The company is currently led by the third generation of the family, with Andrea Illy serving as Chairman. The brand is also working toward a planned initial public offering (IPO) expected to further professionalize its capital structure.