The history of illycaffè

To produce the finest coffee nature grows, illycaffè relies on technology and research applied to its raw materials throughout its production-related processes, all the way from selection to preparation. Indeed, some of the innovations that have revolutionized the history of coffee over the last eighty years first saw the light of day at illy.

A journey through time

1933 illycaffè foundation Francesco Illy founds illycaffè based on a dream: to offer the best coffee in the world		1934 Pressurisation illycaffè patents its revolutionary pressurisation system: the properly ripened coffee can thus travel worldwide whilst keeping its aroma and freshness
	1935 Illetta Illetta, the very first modern espresso machine, is created thanks to the patented system of separating water heating and pressure		1957 The first research laboratory Ernesto Illy, the founder's son, joins the company after gaining a degree in chemistry and sets up the first research laboratory, creating synergies with prestigious international scientific institutions
1974 The first single portion on the market illy is the first company to market coffee pods – single-serve doses of ground, tamped coffee - which make the perfect espresso at any time and in any location: a radical innovation in the history of coffee which will pave the way for illy’s internationalization		1982 illy quality in each single bean illycaffè patents the digital sorting machine, which analyses the colour and shape of beans to ensure each one is perfect
	1992 illy Art Collection Beauty and goodness: Francesco Illy comes up with the idea of the iconic cup, designed by Matteo Thun. A contemporary interpretation of the centuries old art of decorative porcelain, the illy Art Collection has been added to over the years by consolidated and upcoming artists, becoming the largest collection of art objects in the world		1995 X1: design and technology for espresso 60 years after Illetta, the grandson Francesco Illy sets up Francis Francis! and creates the X1 for home espresso: it is still a style icon today
1996 James Rosenquist and the new logo Art and science of Espresso: the legendary American "pop" artist James Rosenquist create the new illy logo, to express uniqueness also in the stroke		1999 l’Università del Caffè With a mission to spread coffee culture around the world and share knowledge to improve quality, the University of Coffee covers the entire supply chain, from plant to cup
	2006 iperEspresso, the third-generation espresso Thanks to the two infusion and emulsion phases, the Iperespresso capsule, covered by 5 international patents, produces a coffee with an intense aroma and velvety consistency.		2016 Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award The Premio por la Qualidade do Cafè para Espresso goes global: the Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award is launched, paying homage to the talent and hard work of quality growers.