illycaffè Marks Culinary Milestone with Its Chef Ambassadors
On June 19, 2025, illycaffè, the esteemed coffee brand known for its sustainability and quality, hosted a memorable event titled "Breakfast with the Stars" at the prestigious Fondazione Sandretto Re Rebaudengo in Turin, Italy. This gathering marked the first time all members of illycaffè's Chef Ambassador program came together to celebrate their culinary achievements during the landmark event coinciding with The World's 50 Best Restaurants 2025. illycaffè proudly serves as the exclusive coffee partner for this prestigious occasion, highlighting its commitment to excellence in the culinary arts.
This extraordinary event commemorated the 40 Michelin Stars earned by the chefs involved in the initiative, including seven Green Stars that recognize sustainability in gastronomy. Attended by an array of Italian and international journalists, culinary experts, and stakeholders, this immersive experience allowed guests to appreciate the synergy between coffee and haute cuisine—a focal point of illycaffè's philosophy.
The Chef Ambassador Program: A Celebration of Culinary Artistry
The illy Chef Ambassador program includes a remarkable group of 23 chefs from around the world. These culinary leaders are recognized not only for their exceptional cooking skills but also for endorsing the core values of illycaffè—relentless dedication to quality, sustainability, attention to detail, and innovation. Among this elite group are Michelin-starred chefs, Sustainable Chefs awarded with the Michelin Green Star, and renowned Pastry Chefs who excel in contemporary haute pâtisserie.
The event saw an impressive display of creativity through an immersive installation, showcasing each Ambassador's personal coffee blend. These special blends have been crafted over the years, each uniquely representing the chef's style and sensory preferences. Guests had the opportunity to explore 23 illuminated plexiglass columns that housed these exclusive coffee blends, each inviting them to engage through touch, aroma, and taste—all designed to reflect the chef's inspiration and story.
A Multisensory Coffee Experience
The unique journey culminated in front of a stunning designer table adorned with 23 handcrafted ceramic plates. Each plate, painted by Italian artisans, visually conveyed the essence of each chef's coffee blend. The entire installation was more than just a showcase; it epitomized the dialogue between innovation, beauty, and culinary identity, embodying the true spirit of illycaffè.
Cristina Scocchia, the CEO of illycaffè, shared insights into the event and its significance: "With The World's 50 Best Restaurants, we share a vision of haute cuisine that transcends technique and encompasses culture, emotion, and storytelling. This celebration highlighted our Chef Ambassadors, who embody contemporary gastronomic creativity, allowing us to transform coffee into an art form to be savored and experienced."
The Commitment of illycaffè to Sustainable Practices
Founded in Trieste, Italy, in 1933, illycaffè has always been committed to delivering the world’s finest coffee. Their signature blend consists entirely of 100% Arabica beans sourced from the world's best growers, with meticulous attention to quality at every stage of production. Today, illycaffè serves over 10 million cups of coffee daily, available in more than 140 countries across various establishments, from cafés and restaurants to homes and offices.
In line with its integrity towards sustainability, illycaffè has established itself as a Benefit Company and achieved B Corp certification, reflecting its commitment to social and environmental standards. The brand not only aims for excellence in coffee production but also seeks to spread quality coffee culture worldwide through its Università del Caffè, which offers educational courses in 24 countries on coffee knowledge and barista skills.
The event served to solidify illycaffè's leadership in the coffee industry, reinforcing its strong ties with culinary excellence and its dedication to a sustainable future in coffee and gastronomy. For more information about the illy Chef Ambassador program and a full list of participating chefs, visit
illy.com/chefambassador.