by InTrieste
Interview: Andrea Illy
Scholars, business leaders, and members of the public gathered this morning at the Generali Convention Center in Trieste’s Porto Vecchio district to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Ernesto Illy’s birth, during a conference titled “The Values of Ernesto Illy – Reflections One Hundred Years After His Birth.”
Organized by the Ernesto Illy Foundation, the event explored the legacy of the renowned entrepreneur and former president of Illycaffè, whose influence extended beyond the world of coffee into scientific research, ethical business practices, and civic engagement.
Held in the recently redeveloped waterfront area known as Porto Vivo, the conference drew a wide array of participants, including representatives from academia, industry, and the cultural sector. Speakers reflected on Illy’s enduring commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainability, themes that continue to shape the company and inspire a broader dialogue on responsible entrepreneurship.
The gathering served not only as a tribute to a key figure in Trieste’s modern history, but also as a platform for discussing the future of business in a rapidly changing world—a reflection of Illy’s own forward-looking philosophy
