Retail trade Coffee manufacturer Illy warns against speculation on raw materials
The Italian coffee manufacturer Illycaffè is sounding the alarm about the sharp rise in commodity prices. According to company boss Andrea Illy, the price of coffee beans has tripled compared to the historical average.
07.11.2025, 14:52
SDA
The massive rise in coffee prices is a consequence of financial speculation on food at the expense of farmers and consumers, said company boss Andrea Illy according to the Milan business newspaper "Sole 24 Ore" (Friday edition). Illy spoke of a global system characterized by instability, climate crises and social tensions.
In order to respond to this, a new economic model based on regenerative agriculture and resilience is needed. "It's not just about sustainability, but also about competitiveness. The goal is a model that creates a virtuous circle," emphasized Illy.
Illycaffè relies on regenerative farming methods
Since 2019, Illycaffè has been using regenerative cultivation methods, which, according to Andrea Illy, use less water, make the soil more resistant to drought and reduce CO2 emissions. "The result is not only more sustainable, but also better quality coffee," he said.
The company had a turnover of around 630 million euros in 2024 - an increase of 6 percent compared to the previous year. Illycaffè is currently investing heavily in expanding its production capacity at its headquarters in Trieste and in new projects in the USA. In summer 2025, the company received additional loans of 200 million euros to finance its growth plans.
Founded in 1933 by Hungarian-born Ferenc Illy (Francesco Illy), the family business is 80 percent owned by the Trieste-based Illy family of entrepreneurs, with the remaining shares held by the investment fund Rhone Capital.
