A Design Icon: The illy X1 Anniversary Edition Pays Homage to a Legacy of Innovation

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Aug 22, 2017, 09:02 ET

NEW YORK, Aug. 22, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The X1 illy espresso machine, created more than twenty years ago, blazed a path for in-home espresso preparation. Today, that continues with the introduction of new X1 Anniversary edition, which embodies the ethos of illy innovation and aesthetics even incorporating a styling cue from the illetta, the invention of founder Francesco Illy patented in 1935, recognized as the first espresso machine to introduce automatic water dosing and high pressure.

The new X1 Anniversary edition is an evolution in form and functionality from the original Luca Trazzi design that has been sold since 1996. It is steeped in heritage yet has undergone meticulous revisions including a profile accentuated by new curved lines and a new cup-rest that adjusts to varying heights.

Front and center of the coffee machine sits a round black thermometer gauge with white lettering, a focal point invoking the company's rich history of beauty and science incorporating a vintage illy logo inspired by the original illetta pressure gauge.

Built for the illy Iperespresso capsule system, the X1 Anniversary edition includes major functional updates mainly the ability to brew a cup of drip coffee in addition to espresso. Other features include a steam wand for frothing milk, an automatic flow stop, a memory function for cup volume, and an automatic descaling program.

The X1 Anniversary Edition for the Iperespresso system is available starting August 21^st online at www.illy.com and at illy caffè coffee bars and shops. It will available in three finishes: Stainless Steel ($699), Matte Black ($599), and Red ($599).

illy Iperespresso is a technological innovation protected by five patents entirely conceived and developed for home espresso brewing at the illycaffè Research & Innovation labs in Trieste, Italy. Unlike the traditional preparation process in which the espresso is brewed all at once through percolation, in the Iperespresso capsule, the coffee is extracted in two phases: first infusion, then emulsion. This two-stage process ensures the optimal extraction of the coffee's aromas, making it possible to brew espresso that has a smooth and full-bodied aroma with a rich, velvety, and long-lasting crema. With Iperespresso, the coffee never comes into contact with any part of the machine.

illy Iperespresso and coffee capsules are available at www.illy.com starting at $19 (21ct tin of espresso) or $16.50 (18 ct cube for drip capsules)

Both the Iperespresso and brewed coffee capsules are recyclable through illy's RENEW program and can be accessed in three ways:
1) Through the illy a casa subscription program. As a program benefit, members are invited to participate and provided with complimentary RENEW collection bags and pre-paid shipping labels.
2) By dropping used Iperspresso capsules in RENEW designated bins at participating retailers
3) By purchasing a Recycle Kit through illy Customer Care 1-877-469-4559

Contact:
Adam Paige / [email protected]

About illycaffè

illycaffè is an Italian family business, founded in Trieste in 1933 and committed to offering the greatest coffee to the world. illy is the world's most global coffee brand, producing the unique illy 100% Arabica blend made of 9 of the world 's best selections of Arabica; each day more than 7 million cups are served in over 140 countries in the finest cafés, restaurants, hotels and in offices and homes. illy has become the standard forerunner of espresso, and thanks to three critical innovations, is considered the leader in the science and technology of coffee. With the bestowing of the first "Ernesto Illy Award for quality espresso coffee" in 1991 in Brazil, illy also pioneered direct sourcing, sharing know-how and paying a premium price for the best quality, based on partnerships underwritten by the principles of sustainable development. The company also founded the University of Coffee with the aim of fostering and spreading its culture, providing comprehensive academic and hands-on training for coffee growers, baristas and coffee lovers in order to cover every aspect of the product. Everything 'made in illy' is enhanced by beauty & art, which represent founding values of the brand, starting from its logo – designed by an artist, James Rosenquist – and including the renowned illy Art Collection, comprised of over 100 cups designed by international artists. In 2016 the company was employing 1,269 people, and posted consolidated revenues of €460 million. There are approximately 230 stores and mono-brand illy shops in 43 countries.

SOURCE illycaffè