Exciting Jury Announcement for the Coffee Award
The Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award 2024 is set to witness a prestigious jury comprising renowned chefs and industry experts who will evaluate the exceptional coffees from the 2023/2024 harvest. The esteemed panel includes celebrated illy Chef Ambassadors Massimo Bottura, Viki Geunes, and Felipe Rodrigues, alongside influential representatives such as the ICO Executive Director and acclaimed journalists from various leading global publications.
Meet the Jury Members
This year’s jury exemplifies a blend of culinary excellence and deep industry knowledge. Massimo Bottura, the celebrated Chef Patron of Osteria Francescana, is known for his commitment to combating food waste through his non-profit, Food for Soul. He serves as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Environment Programme, a role that underlines his advocacy for sustainability in the culinary arts.
Viki Geunes and Felipe Rodrigues
Another prominent juror, Viki Geunes, is the chef and owner of the three-Michelin-starred restaurant Zilte in Antwerp. He is recognized for his innovative approach to gastronomy, which showcases visually extraordinary dishes rooted in quality ingredients. Felipe Rodrigues, known for his role as Head Chef at the Rosewood Complex in São Paulo, joins the jury as a top chef from South America, bringing a wealth of experience from working under prestigious European and Peruvian chefs.
Evaluating Quality and Sustainability
The jury will gather to taste and evaluate coffees selected through illycaffè's stringent quality criteria. This process ensures that only the best beans – representing a selection from Brazil, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Nicaragua, and Rwanda – make it to the final round. Three producers from each of these countries will showcase their finest offerings, highlighting not only quality but also sustainable farming practices.
Expert Tasters Joining the Jury
Adding to the jury's diversity, Vanúsia Nogueira, Executive Director of the ICO, will lend her expertise alongside distinguished tasters like Felipe Isaza and Dessalegn Oljirra Gemeda. These professionals are recognized for their extensive experience in the coffee industry's intricacies, contributing to the final assessment of which coffees will be awarded.
Engaging Coffee Lovers Around the World
What makes this year's event even more special is the involvement of coffee enthusiasts around the globe. Consumers will have the opportunity to participate by tasting the nine finalist coffees and voting for their preferred selection in a series of blind tastings hosted at illy flagship stores worldwide. The coffee that garners the most votes will receive the coveted 'Coffee Lovers' Choice' award.
About illycaffè
illycaffè is a well-respected, family-owned Italian company founded in Trieste in 1933, with a steadfast commitment to delivering the finest coffee to customers worldwide. The company specializes in a unique blend composed entirely of 100% Arabica beans and is renowned for its selection process, which involves only choosing the top 1% of Arabica beans available. Every day, illy serves over 8 million cups of coffee across 140 countries, in venues ranging from cafés and restaurants to offices and homes.
With a dedication to sustainability, illycaffè adopted the status of a Benefit Company in 2019 and became the first Italian coffee company to receive the international B Corp certification in 2021. Their commitment extends beyond producing great coffee, as they aim to promote the culture of quality coffee among growers, baristas, and coffee lovers through initiatives like the Università del Caffè, which offers training in 23 countries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award?
This award celebrates the best coffees and recognizes outstanding coffee producers and their sustainable practices.
Who are the main jurors for the 2024 award?
The jury includes renowned chefs like Massimo Bottura and Viki Geunes, along with expert tasters and influential journalists.
How can coffee lovers participate in the award?
Consumers can taste finalist coffees at illy flagship stores and vote for their favorite to receive the Coffee Lovers' Choice award.
What does illycaffè emphasize in its business model?
illycaffè focuses on sustainability, quality, and the continuous evolution of coffee culture through education and training.
Where is illycaffè headquartered?
illycaffè is based in Trieste, Italy, where it has been producing high-quality coffee since 1933.
