The Trieste-based coffee roaster highlighted the creation of a C-level sustainability taskforce and greater renewable energy use across its business as leading environmental practice improvements last year
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illycaffè distributes to horeca business in over 140 markets globally | Photo credit: illycaffè
Italian coffee roaster illycaffè has been re-certified as a B Corp with a 90.4 B Impact Assessment score – 10 points higher than its previous accreditation in 2021.
In a press release, Trieste-based illycaffè said it strengthened its sustainability governance last year through a company taskforce comprising its entire C-level executive. ESG goals were also set as part of management incentive packages.
The business cut its energy consumption by 12.9% in 2023, with 95.5% of electricity used across its entire business last year generated from renewable sources – 19% higher than 2022.
“The choice of pursuing our business goals by creating lasting and shared value along the entire supply chain is a positive economic model that, as a B Corp we are committed to promoting, because we are convinced that now more than ever, the private sector must also do its part to support the transition to models that guarantee the future of people and the environment,” said Cristina Scocchia, CEO, illycaffè.
Founded in 1933, illycaffè is one of the world’s most prominent coffee roasters with distribution to horeca business in over 140 markets globally. The business also operates 159 branded cafés across 30 markets, with a strong presence in Italy, the US, China and South Korea.
illycaffè achieved 6% year-on-year sales growth to reach €595.1m ($645.8m) in 2023, while group net profit rose 67% to €23.7m ($25.7m).
B Corp certified companies meet high standards of social and environmental performance and are evaluated by B Lab across five impact areas – governance, workers, community, environment and customers. Candidates must score a minimum of 80 points across impact areas to become B Corp-certified and must recomplete the assessment every three years.
Other Italian coffee B Corps include Turin-based coffee roaster Costadoro S.p.A. and bakery business Forno Brisa.