Italian premium coffee brand Illy is venturing into the self-service market with the launch of Illy On The Go coffee machines.
The new bean-to-cup self-service coffee bars have been developed via a partnership with coffee-to-go specialist Beanology to deliver ‘a top-quality drinking experience’. They’re currently rolling out with a target to achieve 1,000 placements during the next five years with a focus on venues in the retail, foodservice, leisure, education, and convenience sectors.
The machines – which Illy said are made of 95% recycled products, as well as 30% being made from waste coffee grounds – will service Illy’s blend of 100% Arabica beans. They play growing demand for both self-service and premium options in the market, the supplier added.
Illy is aiming to tap into the growing self-serve coffee market which was worth nearly £4.8 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach just shy of £7 billion in 2029 [The Business Research Company]. However, consumers are no longer willing to compromise on quality for the sake of convenience, the supplier noted highlighting rising demand for premium espresso-style drinks, and café-level taste in a quick, automated format, especially among younger generations and busy professionals.
Illy’s latest move will play to the demand with the UK the first market for the launch.
“We know a growing number of consumers are looking for convenience in their coffee. However, consumers simply aren’t willing to compromise on taste or ethics,” said Illy UK & IE managing director Marcello Canetti.
“We’ve spent decades perfecting our premium blend of 100% Arabica beans, and we’re proud to bring our signature taste to a self-serve machine. The Illy name will give both consumers – and our retail and foodservice partners – confidence that their coffee will always be of a barista-level quality, whatever the format,” Canetti added.
The Beanology team will be on hand to support with full installation, servicing and brand guardian support.
“Demand for on-the-go coffee has evolved rapidly, with customers now expecting café-quality drinks delivered through reliable, automated formats,” added Kerry Burvill, founder of Beanology. “Beanology was developed to meet that need with innovative machine solutions. Our partnership with illy brings a clear point of difference to a market that now expects a higher standard.”
Coffee is becoming an increasing focus for bakery businesses looking to capitalise on demand for baked goods and hot drinks. Research by coffee supplier Lincoln & York found that the beverage is a major factor in consumers’ choice of bakery outlet. Several firms have switched things up of late, for example independent chain Cornish Bakery partnered with Origin Coffee, Pretzel specialist Auntie Anne’s teamed up with Lincoln & York, and Sandwich Sandwich added Seattle’s Best Coffee to its menu.
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