Illycaffè:
Helping coffee producers to help themselves

Since its foundation in 1933, in Trieste, Italy, by a self-taught chemist called Francesco Illy, this unique and innovative company has dedicated itself to the pursuit of the perfect espresso,  producing a single high-quality blend made from 100 percent pure Arabica beans.

Equally as important as illycaffe's commitment to roasting the highest quality coffee is its commitment to sustainable development. Illycaffe sees sustainability as working hand-in-hand with quality.

Paying farmers a premium price
Since the 1980's illycaffe has developed direct relationships with growers in the world's leading coffee producing nation, including Brazil, Ethiopia, Columbia, Guatemala and India, and buys all its beans directly from over 3,000 farmers. By purchasing 100 per cent of its green coffee directly from the producers at a premium price, rather than on the international coffee markets, illycaffe ensures that the growers and their communities reap the social and economic benefits of their coffee production.

Transferring know-how
illycaffe selects the growers that it wishes to work with, evaluating the quality of the coffee they produce, and then invests time and energy into building relationships  which will last for years to come, illycaffe's team of agronomists travel the world, visiting growers and devoting 300 days to training in methods of cultivation, harvesting and production. More than 1,000 producers pass through illycaffe's "University of Coffee" each year where they learn cultivation and production techniques that help improve the quality of their crop and support sustainable development. This transfer of know-how benefits both parties and is great and longer lasting than any artificial price support as the quality of coffee increases in tandem with the local standard of living. This creates a cycle of lasting sustainability.

Protecting the environment
illycaffe is committed to minimising the impact of coffee production on the environment. From energy conservation and recycling of waste through to new washing techniques, illycaffe is constantly investing in science and technology to come up with new and innovative ways of reducing environmental impact. In the pursuit of innovation, illycaffe has four laboratories in Trieste and a site in Brazil. It also operates a variety of research partnerships with academies and scientific institutes across the world.
Illycaffe has  also received a number of certifications testifying its commitment to environmental responsibility. The UNI EN ISO 14001 certifies illycaffe's environmental management systems, while the EMAS certificate commits the company to improving its standards of emissions, energy consumption and recycling.

Now available in 130 countries globally, illy is made from a single blend of 100 percent pure Arabica beans and can be enjoyed in two roasts: medium, with a rich, smooth, balanced flavour and dark, with a more intense aroma. And for those who prefer their coffee without caffeine, illy's distinctive taste is also available in decaffeinated option. For further information see www.illy.com

From bean to cup
Highlighting illycaffe's commitment to the entire "bean to cup" process is in Principio - a photographic collaboration with the acclaimed photographer Sebastiao Salgado. Beginning in Salgado's home country of Brazil and journeying through India and Ethiopia, the striking images of In Principio depict the true culture of coffee-growing communities.