Illy caffè

Illycaffè S.p.A., known globally as Illy, is an iconic Italian coffee company founded in 1933 by Francesco Illy in Trieste. The brand is renowned for its high-quality 100% Arabica blend and its commitment to sustainable practices. Illy revolutionized the industry with innovations such as the 'illyletta' espresso machine and the pressurization system for preservation, which allows the coffee to remain fresh while being shipped worldwide.

While the company has expanded its presence to over 140 countries, its core manufacturing and roasting operations remain concentrated in Trieste, Italy, maintaining a strong connection to its roots. The brand is globally recognized not only for its espresso but also for its cultural contributions through the Illy Art Collection and its University of Coffee.

Ownership of the company remains primarily within the founding Illy family, under the leadership of Chairman Andrea Illy. However, it is notable that in recent years, the private equity firm Rhone Capital acquired a minority stake (approximately 20%) to support the brand's international growth, particularly in markets like the United States. Despite this investment, the Illy family maintains strategic and operational control of the enterprise.