by EH
Illy, an iconic symbol of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region on the global stage, celebrated its 90th anniversary at the group’s headquarters in Trieste. Beyond being a beacon of excellence, Illy stands as a testament to visionary thinking, consistently staying ahead of future challenges. The company has been a pioneer in embracing sustainability, laying the foundation for this commitment long before it became a popular concept.
Founded by Francesco Illy in 1933, Illycaffè is a benefit corporation renowned for producing and selling a unique blend of high-quality coffee. Operating in 140 countries across five continents, the company serves over 100,000 establishments.
At the 90th-anniversary celebration, Illy’s president reflected on the company’s enduring commitment to the circular economy and regenerative agriculture. After four years of dedicated efforts and investments, an impressive 70% of the company’s global producers now incorporate regenerative practices into their operations.
Illy’s corporate strategy, unveiled on this milestone occasion with an eye toward the centenary in 2033, sets an ambitious goal—to become a carbon-neutral company. This forward-looking approach aligns with Illy’s historical emphasis on innovation and dedication to ethical practices.
The event was a platform to showcase Illy’s significant achievements, including its recognition among the World’s Most Ethical Companies since 2013. As a testament to its commitment to social and environmental responsibility, Illy achieved B Corp certification in 2021, making it the first Italian coffee company to attain this prestigious international recognition.
CEO Cristina Scocchia, addressing attendees alongside Mayor Roberto Dipiazza and Prefect Pietro Signoriello, highlighted the substantial €270 million investment. Nearly half of this investment is earmarked for Trieste, underscoring the company’s commitment to the local community. Illy’s ambitious plans include doubling production, a goal supported by the extremely positive financial results that capped off the year 2023.
As Illy looks back on nine decades of innovation and excellence, the company remains steadfast in its dedication to sustainability and continues to set the standard for the future of the coffee industry.
