United flyers can finally breathe a sigh of relief — the despised coffee currently found onboard and in United Clubs is on the way out and Italian coffee maker illy is on the way in.
Starting next month we will begin to see illy in United Clubs and beginning next summer (2016) illy will be offered onboard all United flights. That’s a long roll out time for flights, but I imagine there is still quite a generous supply of FreshBrew (dubbed FreshPoo by many UA flyers) still on hand…I certainly do not drink it.
Chosen after extensive testing with United customers and employees – including in-flight taste tests – illy reflects the airline’s global network as well as United’s commitment to creating an elevated, distinctive premium experience for its customers.
Based in Trieste, Italy, with more than 80 years of history in the coffee industry, illy’s distinct flavor comes from a unique blend of the top one percent of Arabica beans, purchased directly from the best growers in Brazil, Central America, India and Africa.
Noted for its strong commitment to sustainability, illy’s internationally certified supply chain includes farmers who earn above-market prices in exchange for meeting quality standards – enabling the company to offer world-class blends.
United must be proud — it even produced a video and an infographic about this:
I don’t know that illy is any better than Starbucks or Peets (and I am not so proud to admit that I am becoming more of a coffee snob), but I do know it is great coffee — most recently I enjoyed it at the Park Hyatt Chicago. A lot of it…
As a loyal United flyer, I am exited about the coffee and even more excited that United seems to finally understand that little things matter and this small gesture will go a long way toward showing customers it has turned over a new leaf…or bean.
Illy dark roast is my daily drip brew at home, with Illy red espresso in the afternoon. Good stuff.
Between this and Goose IPA & Buffalo Trace, it’s almost like UA is trying to offer a quality experience!
The coffee epitomized how tone deaf Smisek and all of United became after the merger