United Airlines Adds Ready-to-Drink Illy Cold Brew Coffee and Oat Creamer to Inflight Menu

Beginning today, July 1, United Airlines will offer Illy cold brew coffee in ready-to-drink cans on most flights over 300 miles, making United the only major U.S. airline to serve premium cold brew coffee on most flights. Made with Illy’s unique blend of 100% Arabica beans and cold-brewed for 12 hours, the cold brew coffee promises a rich, balanced flavor. It will be complimentary in United’s premium cabins and available for purchase in United Economy as part of the airline’s inflight menu.

Free cold drinks on selected Redeye flights

To celebrate the new offering, illy and United are partnering to offer complimentary premium iced coffee to travelers on select Redeye flights from San Francisco and Los Angeles to New York/Newark between June 26 and July 3. Passengers on these flights will be the first to taste the new beverage.

Illy and United Airlines’ enthusiasm

Jack Edwards, President of illy North America, said, “We are excited to continue our successful partnership with United Airlines to bring our premium, ready-to-drink chilled beverage to their passengers. This collaboration allows us to share the illy experience with a broader audience and provide a delicious refreshment option for travelers.”

Aaron McMillan, general manager of hospitality programs at United Airlines, said, “As more people fly this summer, we’re excited to offer passengers a new premium beverage and are proud to be the only major U.S. airline to currently offer cold brew coffee onboard most of our flights. We know passengers love to perk up their spirits while traveling, and Illy Cold Brew Coffee in Cans is the perfect beverage for coffee lovers looking to stay energized and focused while traveling.”

Courtesy of United Airlines

Meeting the growing demand for cold brew coffee

According to the National Coffee Association’s Spring/Fall 2023 report, 55% of RTD coffee consumers drink it multiple times per week. RTD has become the most consumed type of coffee among Millennials and Gen Z, who together make up 43% of the population. The popularity of cold brew coffee has skyrocketed, increasing 300% since 2016, with a notable 45% increase since January 2023.

This partnership underscores United’s commitment to delivering a premium customer experience and illy’s dedication to delivering delicious, high-quality coffee. Additionally, starting today, July 1, United will also offer oat milk creamer.

For more information about illy and its products, please visit illy.com.