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Celebrating the Best: The Finalists of the 2025 Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award

As illycaffè marks the 10th anniversary of the Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award (EIICA), excitement builds in the coffee community. This prestigious award, launched in memory of Ernesto Illy, highlights the company's enduring commitment to collaborating with coffee producers worldwide. This year's awards are particularly special, as they reflect the evolution of coffee culture, sustainability efforts, and the impact of climate change on the industry.

On November 6, 2025, a total of 27 finalists will gather in Rome to compete for the titles of the Best of the Best and Coffee Lovers' Choice. These producers hail from nine countries, showcasing the global reach and diversity of high-quality coffee. The finalists were meticulously selected by illycaffè's quality laboratories, who analyzed samples from the 2024/2025 harvest, focusing on both exceptional quality and sustainability practices.

The competing countries include Brazil, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Nicaragua, and Rwanda. Each finalist represents unique growing conditions and methods that contribute to their exceptional coffee. The initiative embodies illycaffè's philosophy of sustainable quality, merging excellence in production with environmentally responsible practices.

Andrea Illy, Chairman of illycaffè, reflects on the significance of this anniversary, noting, "Since the EIICA's inception coincided with Expo Milan, the coffee landscape has transformed dramatically. Coffee knowledge and culture have expanded significantly, as has the prevalence of regenerative agricultural practices."

However, the ongoing climate crisis has posed challenges to producers, affecting harvests and market stability. illycaffè’s approach emphasizes that quality and sustainability must complement one another to foster a resilient production system capable of adapting to changing environmental conditions. The award recognizes the hard work of coffee producers committed to delivering the finest beans while also caring for the planet.

The finalists for the 2025 Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award include:

• - Brazil: Fazenda Nova Esperança, Fazenda Sequoia, Fazenda Serra São Bento
• - Costa Rica: Coopelibertad R.L., CoopeSabalito R.L., Coope Tarrazú R.L.
• - El Salvador: Finca Agua Caliente, Finca Bolívar, Finca Villa Mercedes
• - Ethiopia: Gerema Adere Washing Station, Guji Uraga Tracon Washing Station, Legudi Trading
• - Guatemala: Finca Buena Vista, Finca Hojarales, Small Producers
• - Honduras: Finca Loma Linda, Finca Rancho Escondido, Finca Rio Frio
• - India: Igoor Estate, Margolly Estate, Nullore Estate
• - Nicaragua: Finca D'Andrea, Finca Los Arroyos, Finca Santa Matilde
• - Rwanda: Muhura Coffee Washing Station, Mush Onyi Coffee Washing Station, Ngamba Coffee Washing Station

The rankings of these finalists will be revealed during a highlight event at the FAO headquarters in Rome. An independent jury comprised of renowned chefs, journalists, and coffee professionals will assess the nine finalist coffees to determine the Best of the Best. In addition, coffee lovers worldwide can take part in a series of blind tastings in the lead-up to the ceremony, casting their votes for their favorite to win the Coffee Lovers' Choice award.

illycaffè was founded in 1933 in Trieste, Italy, and has always strived to provide the highest quality coffee globally. With a unique 100% Arabica blend made from nine distinct components and careful selection of just 1% of the best beans available, the brand is a leader in the coffee market. Over 10 million cups of illy coffee are enjoyed daily in over 140 countries.

The company has consistently pursued a sustainable business model, becoming a Benefit Company in 2019 and earning B Corp certification in 2021. This commitment to sustainability extends to all facets of their operations, from sourcing beans to designing products.

With projects like the Università del Caffè, established to educate growers, baristas, and enthusiasts about the intricacies of coffee quality, illycaffè remains dedicated to fostering a culture that celebrates the art and science of coffee.

As the competition unfolds, anticipation builds for the finalists who demonstrate exemplary quality and sustainable practices in their craft. The 2025 Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award promises to be a significant milestone in recognizing excellence within the global coffee community.