The world of coffee just got a whole lot more exciting! The 2025 Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award winners have been crowned, and the results are both inspiring and surprising. Rwanda’s Ngamba Coffee Washing Station – Sucafina S.A. took home the prestigious ‘Best of the Best’ title, as judged by a panel of technical experts. But here’s where it gets interesting: El Salvador’s Finca Villa Mercedes of Agroindustrial Yaya won the inaugural ‘Coffee Lovers Choice’ award, voted for by consumers themselves. This double victory highlights the growing global appreciation for unique and sustainable coffee experiences.
The awards ceremony, held in the breathtaking Palazzo Colonna in Rome, celebrated not just exceptional coffee but also the dedication to sustainability and quality that defines the Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award. Now in its tenth year, this event has become a cornerstone for recognizing excellence in coffee production worldwide. As Andrea Illy, Chairman of illycaffè, aptly puts it, ‘The award is a benchmark for promoting quality, transparency, and sustainability in coffee production.’ It’s not just about the coffee; it’s about the impact on local communities, the environment, and the global market.
But here’s where it gets controversial: While the technical jury evaluates coffee based on strict criteria of quality, aroma, and sustainability, the new consumer jury introduces a different perspective—one that’s driven by personal taste and preference. Does this mean the future of coffee awards will lean more toward consumer trends rather than traditional expertise? And this is the part most people miss: the intersection of art, sustainability, and innovation that illycaffè embodies. From its logo designed by James Rosenquist to its Art Collection cups decorated by international artists, illycaffè blends beauty with responsibility.
The 2025 edition was particularly special, with finalists participating in an audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican and engaging in discussions on regenerative agriculture and artificial intelligence at the FAO headquarters. These moments underscored the award’s role in fostering dialogue and innovation within the coffee industry. With illycaffè’s commitment to sustainability—highlighted by its Benefit Company status and B Corp certification—the event was a testament to how coffee can be both a global commodity and a force for positive change.
illycaffè, founded in 1933 in Trieste, Italy, has always aimed to bring the best coffee to the world. Their unique 100% Arabica blend, crafted from the top 1% of Arabica beans, is served in over 140 countries, from cafés to homes. Their Università del Caffè, operating in 24 countries, educates growers, baristas, and enthusiasts, spreading the culture of quality coffee. With a turnover of €630 million in 2024 and 157 single-brand points of sale in 28 countries, illycaffè continues to lead the industry in both excellence and sustainability.
What do you think? Is the consumer’s voice the future of coffee awards, or should tradition and expertise remain the ultimate judges? Share your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your perspective!