illycaffè, the global coffee company renowned for its commitment to sustainable quality, has announced the appointment of Michelin-starred chef Johannes Nuding (pictured) as a new member of the Chef Ambassador program. Highly awarded and currently at the helm of the restaurant Schwarzer Adler in Hall in Tirol, Austria, Nuding shares with illy a vision rooted in excellence and in the respectful enhancement of raw ingredients.
Johannes Nuding has built his culinary identity in some of Europe’s most prestigious kitchens, working alongside culinary masters such as Joël Robuchon and Pierre Gagnaire. He later reached the pinnacle of international gastronomy as Executive Head Chef of The Lecture Room & Library at the iconic Sketch in London, where he earned three Michelin stars.
In 2022, Nuding chose to return to his Tyrolean roots to breathe new life—together with his wife Lilit—into the historic Schwarzer Adler inn, a building with more than four centuries of history, now transformed into an elegant and contemporary restaurant. Within this setting, he has developed a cuisine that highlights local and seasonal ingredients, interpreting them with innovation, sensitivity, and deep respect for the environment.
This philosophy closely mirrors illycaffè’s values: from the careful selection of the finest coffee origins and respect for their identity, to the ambition of elevating every ingredient through technique, knowledge, and artisanal excellence. In 2025, Schwarzer Adler was awarded two Michelin stars, a recognition that confirms the quality and consistency of the path undertaken.
“In Johannes Nuding, we recognized an approach to cuisine that speaks our same language: care, research, and authenticity. His ability to transform selected raw materials into profound sensory experiences is perfectly aligned with what we have always pursued at illycaffè. We are proud to welcome him as our Chef Ambassador and to build together a project that unites technique, sensitivity, and a culture of excellence,” said Cristina Scocchia, Chief Executive Officer of illycaffè.
Through the illycaffè Chef Ambassador program, Nuding will have the opportunity—supported by the faculty of the Università del Caffè—to work with the ingredients of the illy blend, composed of the nine finest pure Arabica varieties from nine different origins, to create his own personalized coffee. The result will be a unique coffee, in harmony with his gastronomic style and sensory sensibility. Johannes Nuding’s signature blend will be available exclusively at the Schwarzer Adler restaurant, sealing the synergy between two realities united by the same pursuit of excellence.
“From the very first taste of illycaffè coffee, I perceived an immediate harmony: the same care and the same search for quality. Meeting the team in Trieste and listening to their stories was truly inspiring—each person brings with them an authentic passion and a deep respect for the land and for those who cultivate it,” commented chef Johannes Nuding. “This collaboration feels completely natural to me: we are bringing together craftsmanship, nature, and a shared commitment to creating an experience conceived with intention and respect. I can’t wait for everyone to taste what we have built together.”
Launched in 2017, the illycaffè Chef Ambassador program is an exclusive initiative involving some of the world’s most prestigious chefs. It is structured into three categories: the illycaffè Masters of Excellence, comprising leading Michelin-starred chefs; Sustainable Chefs, recipients of the Michelin Green Star; and Pastry Chefs, the masters of contemporary high-end pastry.
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