Illy Launches First-Ever Extra Dark Roast Coffee In US

It's not often that a new roast is introduced by illy, the family-owned company known for its scientific and artful approach to all things coffee. Today stands out as a notable exception, on National Coffee Day, with the US launch of illy Extra Dark Roast, an even bolder approach to the world-renowned illy blend of 100% Arabica from the best coffee growers around the world.

The researchers at illy headquarters in Trieste, Italy spent months testing combinations of roasting temperatures, and roasting and cooling times, to achieve a precisely targeted aroma and flavor profile that would create a uniquely balanced, signature longer-roasted coffee lacking in the current premium coffee marketplace.

The new illy Extra Dark Roast offers an intense aroma with enticing notes of toasted bread, caramel and a finish of dark chocolate. It is available in illy's proprietary, pressurized 250 gram cans optimized to ensure freshness, ground ideally for at-home filter, drip and French Press preparation.

"The extra dark roast market has for years been saturated with overroasted beans, marked by an unpleasant, overly bitter taste," said Mark Romano, Senior Vice President of Quality, Education, and Sustainability for illy North America. "There are over 1,000 flavors and aromas that emerge as coffee is roasted. It takes skill, experience and scientific knowledge to push the parameters without burning beans, and create appealing aromas and flavors. We have achieved this goal with new illy Extra Dark Roast."

Illy Extra Dark Roast is available at select retailers, illy caff retail shops and cafs and www.illyusa.com (msrp $15.00). Illy currently offers K-Cups for illy Medium and Dark roast and will launch illy Extra Dark roast for K-Cup later this fall.

Follow illy North America on social media:
Twitter: @illyusa
Facebook: www.facebook.com/illy
Instagram: www.instagram.com/illy_coffee

About illycaff

Illycaff was founded in Trieste in 1933; the company manufactures and markets a unique blend of 100% Arabica espresso coffee and is the leading brand in top quality coffee. Almost 7 million cups of illy coffee are consumed daily throughout the world. Illy coffee is sold in more than 140 countries and is served in over 100,000 of the world's finest restaurants and cafs. The stores and monobrand illy shops are approximately 230 in 43 Countries. The company established and runs the Coffee University with a view to fostering and spreading the culture of coffee; this center of excellence provides comprehensive academic and hands-on training for coffee growers, baristas and fans covering every aspect of the product. The company has approximately 1,177 people on its global payroll, and in 2015 posted consolidated revenues of 437 million. Illy purchases green coffee beans directly from growers of the highest quality Arabica, based on partnerships underpinned by the principles of sustainable development. Out of its Trieste headquarters the company encourages long-term partnerships with the world's best growers in Brazil, Central America, India and Africa, sharing know-how and technology and paying higher than market compensation.

SOURCE illycaff