Illy: 100% Arabica Trieste coffee since 1933 | Cafemalin

The Illy story in 90 seconds

The Illy adventure began in 1933 in Trieste, a port city in northeastern Italy, when Francesco Illy —a Hungarian immigrant with a passion for coffee—decided to create his own roastery. Two years later, in 1935, he invented theIlletta, considered the first automatic espresso machine . This groundbreaking innovation still defines Illy's DNA today: excellence through technology.

Illy's philosophy is unique in the coffee industry: a single blend, composed of nine carefully selected Arabica origins (Brazil, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Colombia, India, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras), blended to create a balanced, aromatic, and refined, with notes of chocolate, caramel, flowers, and fruit. The roast is light to medium, in the Trieste tradition—contrasting with the darker Neapolitan style like Kimbo, or the more balanced Turin tradition like Lavazza.

The third generation— Andrea Illy (president) and Riccardo Illy —now runs the company. In 2007, Illy launched the Iperespresso, a patented proprietary double-emulsion : water enters first under pressure to create an emulsion, then the espresso is extracted by gentle percolation through a special filter—the result is an espresso with a dense, persistent, and smooth crema. Illy operates theUniversità del Caffè (barista training, Trieste), present in over 140 countries, and organizes theErnesto Illy International Coffee Award , which recognizes the world's best green coffee producers.

Illy's expertise

What has defined Illy since 1933: 4 pillars of expertise which explain the positioning of excellence Trieste, refined 100% Arabica coffee.

Unique blend of 9 origins

Illy Signature: a single blend composed of 9 Arabica origins (Brazil, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Colombia, India, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras) — available in 4 roasts (Classico, Intenso, Forte, Decaf). A philosophical choice: excellence through mastery, not abundance.

Triestine roasting

Light to medium roast , in the Triestine tradition (contrasting with Naples or Turin). The blend develops notes of chocolate, caramel, flowers, and fruit . Balanced body, controlled acidity, refined finish. This is the coffee for connoisseurs of fine coffee .

Iperespresso Innovation

Proprietary system launched in 2007: patented double-emulsion capsule . Water enters under pressure to create an emulsion, then the espresso is extracted by gentle percolation through a special filter — the result: a dense, persistent, smooth crema . Dedicated machines: X1, Y3.3, Y5, Y3.2.

Università del Caffè

Illy is a private university founded in Trieste, dedicated to barista training and coffee research. Present in over 140 countries, Illy also organizes theErnesto Illy International Coffee Award, a global competition that recognizes the best producers of Arabica green coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long has the Illy brand existed?

Illy was founded in 1933 in Trieste , Italy, a port city in northeastern Italy, by Francesco Illy, a Hungarian immigrant with a passion for coffee. Two years later, in 1935, he invented theIlletta, considered the first automatic espresso machine .

The brand will thus celebrate its more than 90 years in 2026 and remains an Italian family business run by the 3rd generation of the Illy family (Andrea Illy president).

Where is Illy coffee made?

Illy is roasted in Italy, at its single, historic factory in Trieste. This unique roasting process (unlike brands that operate multiple sites) allows Illy to guarantee absolute consistency in the cup, worldwide.

The green coffee is sourced from 9 producing countries (Brazil, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Colombia, India, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Honduras), selected directly from the producers through the Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award. Each origin undergoes 114 quality checks before being included in the Illy blend.

Why does Illy only have one blend?

This has been a strong philosophical choice for Illy since Francesco Illy. Unlike most brands that offer dozens of different blends, Illy takes the gamble of excellence through mastery : a single blend, composed of 9 meticulously selected Arabica origins assembled to create a perfect profile.

Each origin contributes its own flavor: Brazil for chocolate notes and body, Ethiopiafor floral notes and complexity, Guatemala for bright acidity, Colombia for sweetness and caramel, Indiafor spices, etc. The blend is identical for the entire Illy range (beans, ground, Iperespresso capsules, Nespresso compatible) — only the roast varies (Classico, Intenso, Forte, Decaf).

What is the difference between Iperespresso capsules and Nespresso-compatible Illy capsules?

Both contain the same Illy 100% Arabica 9 origin blend, but use completely different machine systems :

  • Iperespresso CapsulesIlly's proprietary system , patented double-emulsion capsule . Compatible only with Illy Iperespresso machines (X1, Y3.3, Y5, Y3.2). Dense and creamy crema, premium extraction.
  • Nespresso Original compatible capsules — aluminum capsules in the Nespresso Original format. Compatible with all Nespresso Original machines (Krups, Magimix, DeLonghi… — not Vertuo). Decent crema, standard extraction.

If you have an Illy Iperespresso machine: Iperespresso. If you have a Nespresso Original machine: Nespresso compatible. The two are not physically interchangeable.

Does Illy offer organic or sustainably certified coffee?

Yes, Illy is gradually committing its entire supply chain to a sustainable approach:

  • Illy 100% Arabica selection Organic — certified European organic agriculture, available in beans and Iperespresso capsules.
  • Various certifications — Illy is certified Responsible Supply Chain Process (DNV, unique in the coffee industry), B Corp since 2021, and is committed to a net zero emissions for 2033.
  • Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award — a competition that rewards the best producers of Arabica green coffee, with a quality bonus paid directly to the farmers.

Consult the product sheet for each item to verify applicable certifications.

How to choose your Illy Iperespresso machine?

Illy Iperespresso machines are distinguished by their design, features and price :

  • Illy Y3.3 — compact fireplace, entry-level, sleek design. Ideal for small spaces.
  • Illy Y3.2 — new generation, evolved design, compatible with Iperespresso Home and Office caps.
  • Illy Y5Espresso & Milk version with integrated milk frother. Ideal for cappuccinos, lattes, and macchiatos.
  • Illy X1 Iperespresso — high-end design, iconic stainless steel format / anniversary. Prestige.

They all use the same Iperespresso double emulsion system — so the same Iperespresso capsules work on all of them.

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