1) HOMI COFFEE EXPERIENCE, the exhibition's new event space for the independent home decoration and tableware retail sector is dedicated to the world and culture of coffee.  Illy will be participating with its own stand and many other presentation activities. What exactly do you offer? 

The new exhibition area dedicated to the world of coffee will be an important showcase for illycaffè. This is why we have decided to take this opportunity to speak about our green and innovative approach through a series of novelty products dedicated to the preparation of an optimal coffee even at home. At our stand we will take visitors on a journey to discover the ideal solutions for savouring the unique taste of the illy blend even at home without forgetting beauty and design.

The E.S.E. line will be on display, which stands for Easy Serving Espresso. Some of the products are available in new colours, such as the super-compact and sustainable coffee machine “illy easy”, which promotes the use of E.S.E. pods at home (the pods are certified compostable and can be disposed as wet waste). But there’s more. HOMI Independent will also be the occasion to introduce the illy Iperespresso coffee machines for domestic use, such as the new X1 Anniversary (Eco Mode) and the Y3.3 in three new pastel colours.

In addition, experts from our Coffee University will take part in the events at the new space offering illycaffè workshops dedicated to coffee enthusiasts who wish to expand their knowledge of the world of coffee in a simple and informal way by combining creativity and learning. The events are free of charge and will alternate over the days of the fair, either in the morning or in the afternoon for a duration of about 40 minutes each.

2) Why did you choose to participate in HOMI? How can you 'support' Independent Retail, the main target audience for this edition? 

Taking part in HOMI is an excellent opportunity for illy to present new products that will become available from this Fall at one of the most established trade fairs celebrating the excellence and sustainability of Made in Italy products. As a company, we have always supported Independent Retail, offering sustainable and innovative solutions aimed at improving the coffee consumer experience.

3) Design and sustainability seem to be increasingly core values for Illy. Is that so?  How do they take shape in your product offer?

In a simple cup of coffee, product quality, sustainability and beauty can coexist. This is the recipe that illycaffè offers to the world and that the company pursues with an ethical approach.

This is why sustainability, the central theme of HOMI Independent this year, has always been part of illycaffè's history. A long journey has led us to achieve a very important goal in 2021: that of becoming the first Italian coffee company to receive B Corp certification, and to initiate a comprehensive corporate sustainability plan to become Carbon Neutral by 2033, the centenary of our foundation.

On the other hand, everything that is made in illy goes hand in hand with beauty and art, the founding values of the brand, starting with the logo, designed by artist James Rosenquist, up to the cups of the iconic illy Art collection, decorated by over 100 international artists, and the machines designed by some of the most acclaimed designers.

4) You will also be present in the “Idea Room” with an innovative coffee machine: can you give us some hints? 

The X1 Anniversary E.S.E. & Ground will be introduced in the Idea Room; this machine is an evolution of the famous machines designed by internationally renowned architect and industrial designer Luca Trazzi. Equipped with new energy-saving technologies, this coffee machine combines two different brewing systems: E.S.E. certified compostable paper pods and ground coffee, to minimise environmental impact. A contemporary design classic gets a makeover by combining sustainability, innovation and versatility. Indeed, in addition to its appearance, it is at the heart of technological innovation that the philosophy of the new X1 Anniversary E.S.E. & Ground can express itself introducing the Eco-mode system, which gives value to an increasingly careful and conscious use. Thanks to the fast heating technology, the machine is always able to dispense coffee, steam and hot water, eliminating the wait time associated with reaching the correct temperature and automatically going into stand-by after each brew. Thus, what is seemingly a small convenience actually translates into significant energy savings.