A MISSION IN A CUP

ART, ENVIRONMENT AND HERITAGE – THEY ARE ALL INGREDIENTS IN THE ILLY COFFEE YOU ENJOY ONBOARD TODAY

A CUP OF illy coffee is the final step on a journey that began way back in 1933, when Francesco Illy set out on a quest to create the finest coffee for the world to enjoy.

He founded illycaffè in Trieste, Italy. Over the next 85 years an obsession with sustainable quality saw him build a wealth of knowledge on the taste and science of the perfect cup of coffee.

Today, that universe of expertise has been distilled into illy’s unique blend of premium coffee, carefully made from nine types of pure Arabica found on three separate continents.

The company upholds a deep commitment to ethical and sustainable practices. As a result, illy became the first company in the world to receive the Responsible Supply Chain Process certification from international body DNV GL.

Not satisfied with just creating a great taste, illy’s mission has evolved to spread the beauty of coffee culture in art, life and business. More than 30 countries now have an illy Caffè, a concept store offering quality illy products, while the company’s Iperespresso system allows people to recreate the perfect cup of coffee at home or at work. illy coffee is also available for passengers travelling in First and Business Class onboard Cathay Pacific flights.

The connection between coffee, pleasure and beauty has also been explored, starting with illy Art Collection in

1992 and growing to include collaborations with numerous artists, sponsorship of major exhibitions and several other projects.

In 1999, the company decided to further share its expertise and set up the Università del Caffè, which helps to educate everyone from producers and baristas to business owners and connoisseurs. So far, it has trained more than 200,000 people worldwide.

Ultimately, illy hopes to share the beauty of coffee culture beyond the cup, to offer inspiration with every sip and provide a little dose of happiness in one’s daily life.