Perhaps one of the most famous coffee brands in the world and in Russia: Illy coffee has been tried by almost everyone who drinks this drink. Affordable, excellent in quality, in convenient, recognizable cans - this Italian coffee captivates from the first cup. You may be interested in learning more about the manufacturer, factories, innovations, assortment, prices and reviews about Illy coffee. And if you haven’t bought it yet, it’s definitely worth doing.
About the brand
In the early 1930s, the young company Francesco Illy began selling coffee and cocoa. But seeing their success, after two years they decided to focus exclusively on coffee. The company created its own coffee machine and developed an innovative packaging method, which in the 40s made it possible to supply fresh and aromatic coffee to Sweden and Holland and enter the world market.
Already in the 40s, the company founded its first laboratory to study the composition and properties of coffee beans, and today there are 5 specialized laboratories that study the properties of beans and drinks, their effects on the body, the special properties of varieties for blending, and much more.
Today, the Gruppo illy SpA holding sells coffee, chocolate, tea, wine and confectionery - everything for people who know how to appreciate taste and enjoy life.
Raw materials and production
The brand is very careful in choosing green beans, which are purchased only from trusted suppliers, with a guarantee of results.
Their main, well-known mixture of 9 different types of Arabica delights millions of people on five continents every day. Own factories and technologists, the best baristas who know how to create high-quality blends - all this makes Illy coffee really good. More than 100,000 sellers order supplies directly from the manufacturer, and how many more purchase retail quantities from retailers!
The company's products are sold in 140 countries.
Range
illy coffee is presented in a fairly small assortment, but at the same time in a variety of formats, so that you can get the classic illy taste wherever you are and however you prepare the drink. There is ground, grain, in capsules, in filter tablets. We will talk about different blends and series, since in most cases the same blend is sold in all formats.
Classic illy coffee
The same blend made from 9 types of Arabica, collected from the best varieties in the world, with traditional taste and quality. The blend is based on the Brazilian variety Santos; beans from Kenya, Ethiopia, Jamaica, Guatemala, Costa Rica and Brazil are also used.
Available in three variants:
- Classic – (red stripe) – if you like a drink with a harmonious taste, the perfect balance between acid and bitterness, sweet and slightly floral notes. You can feel caramel and chocolate tones, shades of toasted bread.
- Intense – (burgundy shade) – if you prefer an intense taste; slight bitterness with notes of chocolate and toasted bread.
- Strong - black label - if you are looking for a rich and very strong taste, the darkest signature roast, a long aftertaste of dark chocolate.
Decaf is a classic blend, only decaffeinated, so it is suitable even for those who are hypersensitive to caffeine or want to give it up for various reasons. According to the evaluators, the taste and aroma characteristics of the beans were not affected by decaffeination.
There is grinding for espresso machines, preparation in a classic Italian geyser coffee maker, filters, French presses, grains, capsules, etc. are also available.
Mono-varietal, mono-arabica illy
These are four varieties, although some others may be added in the near future. Essentially, plantation coffee from certain regions, which grows in certain conditions, receives its own aroma and taste, characteristic of a particular area. Somewhere there is more rain, somewhere there are flowering trees growing nearby, or a tree takes a long time to gain strength from the volcanic soil. In general, coffee lovers should try drinks from different regions.
- Ethiopia - delicate taste, delicate aroma with floral notes of jasmine. Special roasting reveals all the shades of this amazingly noble variety.
- Colombia – harmonious taste with a rich and multifaceted aroma. In Colombia, in the Andean Cordillera, there are ideal conditions for growing high-quality Arabica coffee, which is valued throughout the world.
- Brazil - intense aroma with clear caramel notes. Grown in the highlands of Southeastern Brazil.
- Guatemala – rich, bright taste with a complex aroma, clearly noticeable tones of chocolate, caramel and honey.
Sold in grains, crushed, and also in capsules.
Americano
This is a separate series of classic blends, compiled specifically for coffee lovers in large cups. It is a little more saturated, so that even when adding a large volume of water for Americano, the flavor tones are not lost, and the drink still turns out aromatic, intense, and invigorating.
Capsules
The filling is typical - it’s the same classic blend in different degrees of roasting or single-origin, only the standard differs. You can choose the one that is compatible with your coffee machine:
- Iperespresso capsules;
- UNO system capsules
- ESE pods
Specialist roasters have developed the proportions so that with any brewing method, if done correctly, you will get the very taste you are looking for.
Illy products
Coffee Illy products are divided according to the degree of roasting - medium roasted grain, dark roasted grain. The company also produces a caffeine-free drink, ground and in capsules.
Blend bean coffee medium roast
Illy Blend is suitable for all preparation methods.
Sold in 200, 1500 and 3000 gram jars. A unique combination of selected Arabica beans from nine countries, which have undergone strict selection before reaching your table. The perfect balance between taste and aroma. Grinding is suitable for brewing in geyser-type coffee machines, filters, and Turks.
Ground Moka
The beans are ground for coffee machines.
Caffeine content is no more than 1.5%. Sold in a metal jar. Medium roast. Grinding allows you to prepare a drink in filter coffee machines and geyser-type coffee machines.
Ground decaffeinated
Very low caffeine coffee
Low caffeine content (0.5%) does not increase blood pressure or affect your well-being. Even those for whom caffeine is strictly contraindicated can drink this coffee. Medium roast, grind for a classic coffee machine.
Dark roast
Has a bitter aftertaste
For those who like it stronger. The slightly bitter taste of the grains will add piquant notes to the drink, perfectly invigorating in the morning. Grinding for classic espresso machines.
Deep roast
Coffee with a rich taste and bitterness
The rich, bitter taste of coffee will appeal to even the most avid coffee lover. The perfect combination of selected grains will make you fall in love with this drink forever. The grind is suitable for brewing in a classic espresso machine.
In filter capsules
Capsules are intended for coffee machines.
A special line produced for capsule-type coffee machines. Has all the same characteristics as ground beans. The same taste and attractive aroma are preserved.
Coffee Illy Monoarabica Brazi
Taste sensations of caramel and chocolate
Fruits collected from the best plantations of warm Brazil. Exquisite invigorating taste with notes of caramel and chocolate are the real highlight of this type of coffee drink.
Monoarabica Ethiopia
With a slight taste of jasmine,
coffee from Ethiopia is considered one of the best in the whole world. Monarabeca Ethiopia is hand-picked from Ethiopian plantations, medium roast. The taste is full of pleasant jasmine notes.
Guatemala
Monoarabica Guatemala with notes of honey and citrus
One of the most famous varieties. Guatemala's volcanic soils and warm climate have a beneficial effect on coffee plantations. Because of this, the harvest is always of high quality. The drink brewed from Guatemala Monarabeca has a unique taste with notes of honey, chocolate and caramel and a soft citrus aftertaste.
An interesting fact is that Illy is the only holder of a double quality certificate in the world. This is further proof that Illy products meet all international standards and are leaders in the coffee production market.
Prices and where to buy
The cost of illy coffee varies greatly depending on the store, but it definitely cannot be called cheap - the prices are rather average, sometimes slightly above average, on the other hand, there are often promotions. The product is popular, it is well known and purchased without doubting its quality. Here are the approximate prices for the main items in Moscow stores:
- Classic, grain, 250 g – 700-900 rubles;
- Ground in a jar, 250 g – 700-800 rubles;
- Decaf - about 800 rubles;
- Pods, 18 pieces, 7 g each – 750-850 rubles;
- Monosort, 250 g, grain – 750-800 rub.;
- Capsules, 60 pcs – 2500-2900 rubles;
- Grain, iron can, 1.5 kg – 4500 rub.;
- Grains in a jar, 3 kg – 8000 rub.
You can buy illy coffee almost everywhere - it is sold in supermarkets, retail outlets, coffee and tea stores, and chain hypermarkets. In Russia there is an official distributor of the brand, which supplies the entire range of products, including teas, sweets, coffee machines, branded cups, etc. Many online stores work with this brand, so there will be no problems with purchasing - they will deliver to any region.
illy coffee is one of the most famous and recognizable coffee brands in the country.
Prices. Reviews. Where to buy coffee illy
Illy coffee prices fall into the above average category. It is more expensive than brands such as Lavazza, Starbucks, Tchibo, and is approximately at the same cost level as Julius Meinl. For example, the price is 250 gr. coffee illy and King Hadhramaut Julius Meinl are about 16 dollars. And, of course, coffee in pods and capsules is more expensive.
Coffee lovers' reviews of illy are traditionally high. True lovers of the invigorating drink are not afraid even of its price.
You can purchase illy in Russia in online stores specializing in coffee and from official distributors. In large cities (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg) there are Illi - markets and coffee shops.
Reviews
Customers' opinions about Illy coffee are more than positive: on almost all review sites they give it 5/5 stars. Apparently, the company really managed to create such a unique blend that absolutely everyone likes.
“If you drink coffee, then only illy! I tried it many years ago, and today I just bought a new jar. Invigorating, but not bitter, with a strong smell, a magical taste... Mmm, I’ve already got everyone hooked on it, so far it’s the best I’ve tried in terms of price and quality!” — Anya, programmer
“Illy is the most delicious Italian mass-produced coffee, definitely. I take it regularly, sometimes I have to take something else if I run out, I’m not picky, but the taste of illy is something special. I sincerely recommend trying it." — Vladimir, Astrakhan
Many coffee shops around the world work with illy coffee; there are both exclusively branded establishments and those who simply buy it in large quantities and prepare a delicious drink for visitors.
“It’s been more than two years since we switched to illy from another Italian brand, and seriously, sales have increased. There are more and more regular customers who take a cup of latte or Americano with them in the morning, or drink espresso right away. Maybe a little more expensive than some other brands, but definitely worth it.” — Ilya, cafe director
Overall, we can definitely recommend Illy coffee for every day and for special occasions, for yourself or as a gift - branded metal cans look very presentable.
The history of the Italian brand Illy
The history of Illy dates back to 1918, when Italian Francesco Illy, working as a bartender, became interested in the secrets of preparing the drink. In 1933, Illy founded his own coffee company. Since then, Illy has been synonymous with quality, rich taste and exquisite aroma.
Anna Rossi Illy, Andrea Illy
Illy always keeps up with the times. This company not only fell in love with millions of coffee lovers around the world, but also made its scientific contribution and the development of the coffee business. It was Illy who invented the new preservation system based on inert gas. Thanks to this innovative production technology, it retains its rich taste and wonderful aroma for a long time.
