The global coffee brand illycaffè has founded the Ernesto Illy Foundation with the aim of developing and building on the legacy of ideas, activities and proposals left by Ernesto Illy. The company is encouraging people who care about developing knowledge, ethics and sustainability revolving around coffee to donate for researches in these fields. The illy has a special gift for those who contribute — a limited edition coffee cup set.

Starbucks Corporation got a mighty and growing rival, an Italian IllyCaffe SpA, which is successfully taking over the US premium coffee market. The Trieste-based corporation signed agreements with around 30 independent coffee shops, many of which are located in traditional Starbucks area, and is going to win one hundred more all around America in coming 3 years — not only in the USA, but in Canada and Mexico as well.