The new bean-to-cup self-service coffee bars are currently rolling out, with a target to achieve 1,000 placements during the next five years. The unit itself is made of 95% recycled products, as well as 30% being made from waste coffee grounds.
According to The Business Research Company the global self-serve coffee bars market was worth nearly £4.8 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach just shy of £7 billion in 2029. Illy’s premium blend is served via more than 2,000 UK hospitality venues.
Marcello Canetti, managing director UK & IE at illy, said: “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.
“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.”
These new self-serve coffee bars will launch in partnership with Beanology, combining illy’s understanding and standards of both the coffee-making process and the product with Beanology’s tailored on-the-go solutions to deliver a good drinking experience.
Kerry Burvill, founder of Beanology, added: “Demand for on-the-go coffee has evolved rapidly, with customers now expecting café-quality drinks delivered through reliable, automated formats. 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.”