Rwanda and El Salvador Triumph at the 2025 Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award
November 10 - 2025
Coffee Geography Magazine
In a celebration of global coffee excellence, the tenth edition of the Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award reached its climax within the splendid halls of Rome’s Palazzo Colonna. This flagship sector event, which annually honors the pinnacle of quality and sustainability in coffee production, crowned Rwanda with its highest honor, the “Best of the Best” award.
The prestigious accolade was bestowed upon the Ngamba Coffee Washing Station – Sucafina S.A., represented by Emmanuel Akiba. The winning coffee was celebrated for its outstanding quality and commitment to sustainable practices, perfectly encapsulating the flavor profile that illycaffè seeks from coffee origins around the world. In a parallel triumph that underscores the power of consumer preference, El Salvador secured the inaugural “Coffee Lovers Choice” award. This prize, determined directly by coffee drinkers, was claimed by Finca Villa Mercedes of Agroindustrial Yaya, represented by Juan Hosè Herrera, signaling a growing international appreciation for the country's unique and distinctive coffees.
Andrea Illy, Chairman of illycaffè, emphasized the award's profound impact, stating, “The Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award is a benchmark for promoting quality, transparency, and sustainability in coffee production.” He further explained that the recognition provides global visibility to producers and encourages the adoption of environmentally and socially responsible practices, serving as a fundamental tool for supporting their growth in international markets.
The selection process was a rigorous affair. The “Best of the Best” was chosen by a technical jury of internationally renowned experts, including technicians, illy Chef Ambassadors, and journalists, who evaluated competing samples based on strict criteria of quality, aroma, and sustainability. This year also introduced a new consumer jury, which convened for the first time in the ITA Airways lounges in Rome—a partner of illycaffè—transforming the space into a vibrant venue for tasting and shared passion to present the Coffee Lover's Choice award.
The ceremony attracted a distinguished gathering of representatives from the global coffee supply chain and institutional figures, with renowned director and maestro Francis Ford Coppola as the guest of honor, mingling with entertainment personalities such as Claudia Gerini and Alessandro Borghi.
The 2025 edition was rich with significance beyond the awards gala. The event commenced with the 27 finalists participating in an audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican and was further enriched by a meeting at the FAO headquarters. There, leading international experts explored strategic levers like regenerative agriculture and artificial intelligence to address the systemic challenges facing the coffee sector, fostering valuable dialogue among key players.
Founded in Trieste in 1933, illycaffè remains a family-owned company dedicated to offering the world's best coffee. Its unique 100% Arabica blend, composed of nine different ingredients, represents just the top 1% of Arabica beans globally. With over ten million cups served daily in more than 140 countries, illycaffè continues to orient its strategies toward a sustainable business model, making this award a true testament to its enduring mission.