Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award Celebrates 10 Years
This year marks a significant milestone as illycaffè celebrates the 10th anniversary of the prestigious Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award. This esteemed award honors the legacy of Ernesto Illy, the son of the company's founder, and recognizes over three decades of collaboration with coffee producers globally.
Finalists Compete for Sustainable Coffee of the Year
A total of 27 producers from 9 different countries have made it to the final round of this year's award. These talented individuals will convene to showcase their remarkable coffee during a prestigious event. The announcement of the winners will take place in Rome, where the accolades of Best of the Best and Coffee Lovers' Choice will be revealed.
Participating Countries Representing Excellence
The finalists hail from a diverse range of countries known for their high-quality coffee. The list includes producers from Brazil, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Nicaragua, and Rwanda. Throughout the year, illycaffè's quality laboratories meticulously analyzed samples from the recent harvest. The selection process emphasized quality and sustainable farming practices, ensuring that the award recognizes not only taste but also ecological responsibility.
Insights from illycaffè Chairman Andrea Illy
Andrea Illy, Chairman of illycaffè, remarked on the importance of the award: "This milestone is a testament to the evolving landscape of coffee. From its inception, the award has aligned with Expo Milan, paralleling the increasing knowledge of coffee and the importance of sustainable practices. The climate crisis has significantly affected harvests and markets, yet we remain committed to quality and sustainability, striving for what we define as sustainable quality. This year, regenerative agricultural practices stand out as vital in improving resilience and mitigating environmental impact. We are grateful to all who contribute to producing the finest coffee for illy."
List of Finalists for the 2025 Award
The finalists representing each participating country are:
Brazil:
Fazenda Nova Esperança - Leda Terezinha Castellani Pereira Lima
Fazenda Sequoia - Fazenda Sequoia Minas LTDA
Fazenda Serra São Bento - Dimas Mendes Bastos
Costa Rica:
Coopelibertad R.L.
CoopeSabalito R.L.
Coope Tarrazú R.L.
El Salvador:
Finca Agua Caliente - J.J. Borja Nathan S.A.
Finca Bolívar - Matorral de S.A. de C.V.
Finca Villa Mercedes - Agroindustrial Yaya SA de C.V.
Ethiopia:
Gerema Adere Washing Station Plc - Legesse Sherefa P.L.C.
Guji Uraga Tracon Washing Station - Tracon Trading P.L.C.
Legudi Trading P.L.C.
Guatemala:
Finca Buena Vista - Plantaciones San Pablo
Finca Hojarales - Empresa Agricola Industrial Hojarales S.A.
Small Producers - Santa Cruz Naranjo
Honduras:
Finca Loma Linda - Humberto Pinto
Finca Rancho Escondido - Elvin Suazo
Finca Rio Frio - Jose Dario Enamorado Vallecillo
India:
Igoor Estate - Chennamallikarjun I. D.
Margolly Estate - Tata Consumer Products Ltd.
Nullore Estate - Tata Consumer Products Ltd.
Nicaragua:
Finca D'Andrea - Juan Carlos Belli
Finca Los Arroyos - Yeca S.A.
Finca Santa Matilde - Cafetales Santa Matilde S.A.
Rwanda:
Muhura Coffee Washing Station - Sucafina S.A.
Mush Onyi Coffee Washing Station - Sucafina S.A.
Ngamba Coffee Washing Station - Sucafina S.A.
A Special Event Recognizing the Best
The event held at FAO headquarters in Rome will determine the rankings for each of the finalist countries. Coffee producers will be eager to find out which among them has advanced to the final round of the Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award 2025.
An independent jury composed of coffee experts, chefs, journalists, and tasters will evaluate the nine finalist coffees. This rigorous assessment will culminate in awarding the coveted title of Best of the Best. Additionally, coffee enthusiasts will engage in blind tastings to select their favorite, which will receive the Coffee Lovers' Choice award.
About illycaffè
Founded in Trieste in 1933, illycaffè is an iconic Italian family-owned company dedicated to producing the finest coffee. Known for its exclusive 100% Arabica blend, the company meticulously sources the top 1% of Arabica beans. With operations in over 140 countries, illy serves millions of cups each day in cafes, restaurants, and homes.
Commitment to sustainability has been integral to illycaffè's strategy, earning the status of Benefit Company and obtaining the B Corp certification. The brand combines beauty and art in every aspect of its offerings, from the design of its coffee machines to its uniquely decorated cups. Through the Università del Caffè, illy shares its passion for coffee culture and quality with growers and enthusiasts worldwide. Most recently, the company recorded a turnover of €630 million and maintains a strong presence with 157 points of sale across 28 countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award?
The award honors coffee producers' quality and sustainability practices, recognizing the best coffees from various global origins.
How many finalists are there for 2025?
There are 27 finalists from nine countries competing for the title of Sustainable Coffee of the Year.
When and where will the winners be announced?
The winners will be announced in Rome at FAO headquarters during a special event.
What is the significance of this year's award ceremony?
This year's ceremony celebrates the 10th anniversary of the award, marking a decade of recognizing outstanding contributions to coffee sustainability.
How does illycaffè ensure coffee quality?
Illycaffè employs rigorous quality assessments conducted by their laboratories and a panel of international judges to select the best coffee lots.
