Anticipation is building in Durban, South Africa, as the city prepares to host Creative Coffee Week, an event poised to invigorate the local and international coffee scene. Spanning two days, this gathering is designed to offer a rich tapestry of learning, networking, and sensory experiences for everyone from industry veterans to casual coffee lovers. It signifies the start of a series of events planned across South Africa for the year, promising a dynamic platform for engagement within the coffee community.
The Durban installment of Creative Coffee Week, scheduled for July 30th and 31st, will unfold with a distinct focus on education and connection. Day one is particularly geared towards comprehensive learning, commencing at the Acacia House. Attendees will have the chance to participate in various cupping sessions, featuring select coffees from esteemed origins such as Cup of Excellence, Origins Unusual, Colombia’s Finest, and Green Coffee Supply. Furthermore, in-depth discussions on coffee blending techniques and sensory analysis will be held, providing valuable insights into the nuances of coffee appreciation and production.
The educational agenda extends to a series of engaging talks and panel discussions with prominent figures in the coffee world. A highlight includes a Q&A session with the renowned World Barista Champion, Mikael Jasin. Head Judge Stephen Vick will deliver a presentation on the Cup of Excellence, sharing his expertise on evaluating high-quality coffees. There will also be a critical panel discussion addressing the Specialty Coffee Association's (SCA) integration of the Q Grader certification. Additionally, several talks will delve into coffee origins, including an intriguing session dedicated to the burgeoning coffee cultivation within South Africa itself. Following these structured sessions, the event will transition into specialized breakaway groups, catering to particular interests such as competitive barista skills and advanced coffee evaluation.
The second day promises an even more vibrant and interactive experience. The morning will kick off with an energetic coffee party at Humble Coffee, complemented by a Colombian pop-up cafe. An exciting mini-origin trip to the southern coast is also on the agenda, offering participants a direct glimpse into coffee’s journey from farm to cup. A truly unique offering is the optional omakase coffee service, where Mikael Jasin will collaborate with Joannes Richter, South Africa's Chef of the Year. This exclusive experience is crafted to deliver a multi-sensory journey, meticulously blending precision, passion, and artistic flair in every dish and coffee preparation.
Durban's Creative Coffee Week is just the beginning of a broader initiative. Future events are already slated for Cape Town and Johannesburg in September and December, respectively, ensuring that the momentum generated in Durban continues to foster growth and innovation throughout South Africa’s coffee landscape.
This premier coffee event not only offers a unique blend of education and entertainment but also serves as a crucial gathering point for networking and collaboration. It underscores the vibrant and evolving nature of the coffee industry in South Africa, promising to leave a lasting impact on all participants.