TRIESTE, Italy – illycaffè, headquartered in Trieste and the leading brand in the high-quality coffee sector, launches limited editions of its excellences on the market.
Nine coffees, from nine different coffee producing countries and comprising the unique illy blend, and which, last November, won the Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award which rewards the commitment of coffee farmers to fostering quality and sustainability.
Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Honduras, India and Nicaragua: coffee crops from the 2015/2016 coffee harvests of these countries were selected by the illy quality laboratory in Trieste, after which the selections were tested by a jury of experts , who named the best coffee from each country.
Packed in the iconic illy tins in special packages which can be purchased on the company’s e-commerce website at http://shop.illy.com, this limited edition highlights and celebrates the work of families, throughout the world, who work side by side with illy to pursue the dream of offering the best coffee to the world.
illy has created a virtuous circle based on the three pillars of sustainability – economic, social and environmental – which brings to homes and cafés worldwide the flavor of top-level coffee as it generates economic value for the producing countries. This circle is renewed every year, increasing the product’s value through quality, differentiation and sustainability.
The nine limited edition coffees are available in packages of three tins, at the cost of € xx.
The nine coffees which won the 2016 Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award are:
Brazil
Its intense, lush aroma and full, velvety body create tactile pleasure for the palate. The special and distinctively sweet notes of chocolate are intensified by accents of toast and caramel.
Guatemala
In Guatemala, coffee grows in pristine mountain zones, where agriculture respects biodiversity and the richness of the soil. The cool, high-altitude temperatures are tempered by warm Mexican winds and the coffee plants grow at altitudes up to 2,000 meters. The coffee’s intense fragrance and distinctively sweet flavor combine with a rich assortment of aromas which includes notes of chocolate, caramel, citrus and honey.
Ethiopia
It is said that coffee originated in the forests of Ethiopia, and coffee plants still grow there, surrounded by wild, moist and shady vegetation. The coffee is harvested by hand in the plantations and in domestic gardens, where coffee crops ripen alongside other cultivations. This special coffee has a mild and delicate aroma and a unique fragrance, with distinctive floral notes of jasmine and accents of citrus fruit.
Colombia
In Colombia, the Andes divide into three mountain ranges which create the ideal conditions for growing quality coffee. The different combinations of soil, altitude and climate make this territory unique and its coffee crops can be harvested twice a year. The rich aroma of the generally full body intensifies the perfect balance of sweetness, bitterness and acidity. There are surprising notes of caramel and peanuts, with a delicate hint of chocolate and toast.
Costa Rica
In Costa Rica, coffee farming is famous for its care and sustainability. Efficient use of water resources helps preserve the terrain and protect its important biodiversity. This coffee is a perfect combination of acidity, sweetness, body and bitterness. Unique and distinctive notes of chocolate and caramel are intensified by delicate hints of toast, orange, honey and vanilla.
India
In India, coffee grows in the shade of lush vegetation along with pepper, vanilla, cardamom and citrus fruits. This rich variety protects the long-term quality of the environment and the prosperity of the local coffee farming communities. This coffee has a distinctive aroma and a unique pungency. The full-bodied flavor is accompanied by intense notes of cocoa and toast which leave a pleasant aftertaste of chocolate and hints of sweetness.
El Salvador
In El Salvador, Arabica coffee is grown extensively. The coffee crop is essential to the country’s economy and social stability, and three fourths of the national coffee production is exported. This full-bodied coffee has a bold flavor, with notes of caramel, a hint of honey and a delicate, fruity aftertaste.
Nicaragua
In Nicaragua, coffee is grown in mountainous and volcanic areas. It is an essential source of income for the country but the production levels vary due to continuous political instability. Coffee represents one third of the country’s food exports. The coffee varies from a medium- to a full-bodied, balanced flavor, with strong notes of caramel and toast, and a hint of chocolate.
Honduras
This coffee offers a vibrant and balanced acidity; it is soft to the palate and full of natural sweetness. Its flavor has soft notes of chocolate with carob undertones, hints of vanilla, and a crisp trace of spicy, aromatic wood whose flavor recalls sandalwood.
