illy Establishes San Francisco as First Permanent U.S. Location for its University of Coffee

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 13, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- illy, the third-generation family-owned coffee company from Trieste, Italy, committed to offering the highest quality, most ethically sourced coffee to the world, today opened its first permanent University of Coffee (Università del Caffè) in the U.S., adjacent to its illy caffè location at 220 Montgomery Street in San Francisco. The worldwide coffee education program has served coffee farmers, professionals and passionate coffee lovers for over two decades.

"For illy, San Francisco is a natural choice for a first dedicated University location in America, given the city's early embrace of high-quality coffee, its vibrant culinary scene and its well-earned reputation as a major hub for innovation and education," said Massimiliano Pogliani, CEO of illycaffè SpA. "We are honoured to contribute to the city's rich coffee culture by sharing our knowledge and passion."

With an eye towards keeping authentic Italian coffee tradition alive while also focusing on developing coffee culture trends, since 1999, the University of Coffee has educated nearly 200,000 producers, hospitality professionals and coffee lovers alike, via 25 branches around the world, on coffee history, culture, science, preparation and tasting in a beautiful hands-on setting. There will be a regular rotation of classes and events at the San Francisco location, which is also available for private events, corporate meetings and other activities.

"University of Coffee functions as a meeting place where not only coffee and hospitality professionals can train, but also as a destination where coffee enthusiasts and connoisseurs can share in their passion for coffee culture," said Mark Romano, vice president of education, quality & sustainability at illy and manager for the US branch of the University of Coffee.

University of Coffee started offering classes in North America in 2008 in conjunction with renowned culinary institutes including The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and the International Culinary Center (ICC), in addition to working with illy retail and hospitality partners to offer consumer coffee classes. At its core, the program serves as a centre of excellence designed to promote, support and communicate the culture of quality coffee worldwide. 

illy also offers an inter-university Master's degree course in Coffee Economics and Science in Trieste, Italy. The accredited Master's Degree in Coffee Economics and Science provides post-graduate students interested in careers in the coffee industry with a comprehensive education in the culture of coffee, from the plant to the cup; in the social and economic value of coffee; and in the culture of coffee producing countries. 

For more information on classes and tickets, please visit www.illyinspires-sf.eventbrite.com

illycaffè is an Italian family business, founded in Trieste in 1933 and committed to offering the greatest coffee to the world. illy is the world's most global coffee brand, producing the unique illy 100% Arabica blend made of 9 of the world 's best selections of Arabica;  each day more than 7 million cups  are served in over 140 countries in the finest cafés, restaurants, hotels and in offices and homes. illy has become the standard forerunner of espresso, and thanks to three critical innovations, is considered the leader in the science and technology of coffee. With the bestowing of the first  "Ernesto Illy Award  for quality espresso coffee" in 1991 in Brazil, illy also pioneered direct sourcing, sharing know-how and paying a premium price for the best quality, based on partnerships underwritten by the principles of sustainable development. The company also founded the University of Coffee with the aim of fostering and spreading its culture, providing comprehensive academic and hands-on training for coffee growers, baristas and coffee lovers in order to cover every aspect of the product. Everything 'made in illy' is enhanced by beauty & art, which represent founding values of the brand, starting from its logo – designed by an artist, James Rosenquist – and including the renowned illy Art Collection, comprised of over 100 cups designed by international artists. In 2016 the company was employing 1,269 people, and posted consolidated revenues of €460 million. There are approximately 230 stores and mono-brand illy shops in 43 countries.

SOURCE illy