Ernesto Illy

Ernesto Illy (July 18, 1925 – February 3, 2008) was an Italian food chemist and businessman, known as the chairman of the Illycaffè S.p.A. coffee manufacturer. He was deeply and widely respected, and is considered "an absolute giant" in the world of coffee and espresso, and among the board members are the daughter Anna Illy and son Riccardo Illy (born 1955), who has also been mayor of Trieste and President of Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. Their first son, Francesco, is also involved.

Awards Cavaliere del Lavoro of Italy (Knight of Industry, 1994) honorary doctorates and master's degrees (such as University of Udine, 2005) Centromarca brand organization (president, 1996-) Specialty Coffee Association of America (S.C.A.A.). "Lifetime Achievement Award" (1997) Monte Carmelo (Brazil) county (honorary citizenship, 2002) International Coffee Organization, London (chairman of the promotion committee, 2002-) Anacafè member of the order, Flor del Cafè (Guatemala, 2004).