illycafè has presented the tenth edition of the Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award, with the Ngamba Coffee Washing Station – Sucafina S.A. taking out the ‘Best of the Best’ award.
Represented by Emmanuel Akiba, the washing station was presented the award due to the “outstanding quality and sustainability of its coffee, perfectly embodying the characteristics illycaffè seeks from its various origins”.
The technical jury who selected the Best of the Best winner was made up of a range of coffee experts. Technicians Carolina Castañeda, Matilde Maria Montero, and Philip Schuter were joined by illy Chef Ambassadors Francesco Apreda, Caterina Ceraudo, and Matteo Metullio.
Journalists Luis Manuel Blasco Alis, Pierre de Gasquet, and Adriano Sack made up the rest of the panel.
“The Ernesto Illy International Coffee Award is a benchmark for promoting quality, transparency, and sustainability in coffee production,” says Chairman of illycaffè, Andreas Illy.
“The recognition granted to the winners has a significant impact on local communities, providing global visibility to producers and encouraging the adoption of environmentally and socially responsible agricultural practices.
“In a sector where quality arises from passion, tradition, and innovation, the award remains a fundamental tool for supporting the growth and competitiveness of producers in international markets.”
The ceremony was attended by representatives from the global coffee supply chain and institutional circles. Director Francis Ford Coppola was the guest of honour, while the event opened with an audience with Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican.
Finca Villa Mercedes of Agroindustrial Yaya, represented by Juan Hosè Herrera, claimed the ‘Coffee Lovers Choice’ award, which was awarded directly by consumers.
