Illy coffee began in 1933, when Francesco Illy founded illycaffè in Trieste, Italy.

The beginnings and big ideas

  • Arrival in Trieste: Francesco Illy moved to the port city of Trieste after World War I. He fell in love with coffee and started his business.
  • Freshness in a can: In 1934, Illy patented a pressurization system. Filling coffee cans with inert gas kept roasted beans fresh and allowed safe shipping worldwide.
  • The Illetta machine: In 1935, Francesco invented the Illetta, the first high-pressure espresso machine. It used compressed air instead of steam, which stopped the coffee from tasting burned.

Growing the family legacy

  • Science and research: Francesco’s son, Ernesto Illy, joined in the late 1940s. Ernesto was a trained chemist who built the brand’s first internal research lab and studied coffee chemistry.
  • Modern leadership: Today, the third generation leads the company. Andrea Illy serves as chairman, bringing sustainable farming and global reach to over 140 countries.

Classico roasted beans

illy Classico Whole Bean Coffee is the Classico roast of illy’s unique 100% Arabica blend. It has a smooth, velvety flavor with delicate notes of caramel, orange blossom and jasmine, and a delightfully sweet aftertaste. The refined flavors and absence of bitterness make it a choice selection for those who appreciate the subtleties of premium coffee.

  • Sustainability: illy is a Benefit Corporation (B-Corp), and its guiding principle is the creation of economic, social and environmental value for everyone involved throughout the production chain.
  • Roast degree: Roasted to a precise medium roast profile, perfected to highlight and enhance the Arabica beans’ natural taste and aroma.
  • Pressurized packaging: Patented pressurized packaging replaces the air in the tin with inert nitrogen at a higher pressure, extending freshness and enhancing aroma for up to two years.
  • Grind fresh for full flavor: Always grind the beans just before brewing. A burr grinder is ideal for a consistent grind size, fine for espresso or coarse for French press.
  • Versatile brewing: Espresso, Moka pot, pour-over or French press, the beans deliver a balanced and refined cup every time.