Illy

Illy was founded in 1933 in Trieste (Italy), a port city in north-eastern Italy, by Francesco Illy, a Hungarian immigrant with a passion for coffee. Two years later, in 1935, he invented the Illetta, regarded as the world's first automatic espresso machine.

The brand thus celebrates more than 90 years in 2026 and remains an Italian family business run by the third generation of the Illy family (Andrea Illy as chairman).

Illy is roasted in Italy, at its sole historic factory in Trieste. This single roasting site (unlike brands that operate multiple sites) enables Illy to ensure 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 producers through the Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award programme. Each origin undergoes 114 quality checks before becoming part of the Illy blend.

This has been a firm philosophical choice for Illy since Francesco Illy's time. Unlike most brands, which offer dozens of different blends, Illy is committed to excellence through mastery: a single blend, made from 9 Arabica origins meticulously selected and blended to create a perfect profile.

Each origin makes its own contribution: Brazil for chocolate notes and body, Ethiopia for floral notes and complexity, Guatemala for bright acidity, Colombia for sweetness and caramel, India for spice, etc. The blend is the same throughout the Illy range (coffee beans, ground coffee, Iperespresso capsules, Nespresso-compatible capsules) — only the roast varies (Classico, Intenso, Forte, Décaféiné).

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

• Iperespresso capsules — Illy's proprietary system, a capsule with patented dual-emulsion technology. Compatible only with Illy Iperespresso machines (X1, Y3.3, Y5, Y3.2). Dense, velvety crema, premium extraction.
• Nespresso Original-compatible capsules — an aluminium capsule in the Nespresso Original format. Compatible with all Nespresso Original machines (Krups, Magimix, DeLonghi… — not Vertuo). Adequate 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.

Yes, Illy is gradually adopting sustainable practices throughout its supply chain:

• Illy 100% Arabica selection Bio — certified to European organic farming standards, available as coffee beans and Iperespresso capsules.
• Various certifications — Illy holds Responsible Supply Chain Process certification (DNV, unique in the coffee industry), has been B Corp certified since 2021, and has set a target of net zero emissions by 2033.
• Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award — a competition recognising the best green Arabica coffee producers, with a quality premium paid directly to farmers.

Check the product page for each item to see which certifications apply.

Illy Iperespresso machines differ in their design, features and price:

• Illy Y3.3 — a compact home machine, entry-level, with a streamlined design. Ideal for small spaces.
• Illy Y3.2 — new generation, updated design, compatible with Iperespresso Home and Office capsules.
• Illy Y5 — Espresso & Milk version with an integrated milk frother. Ideal for cappuccinos, lattes and macchiatos.
• Illy X1 Iperespresso — high-end design, iconic stainless steel / anniversario model. Prestige.

All use the same dual-emulsion Iperespresso system — so the same Iperespresso capsules work in all of them.