The Specialty Coffee Expo, scheduled to take place from April 25 to 27 in Houston, Texas, promises to be a landmark event for coffee enthusiasts and professionals alike. As the largest B2B specialty coffee trade show in North America, it will bring together an array of industry experts, including roasters, café owners, exporters, producers, equipment manufacturers, importers, and baristas. This year's expo introduces several exciting elements, such as the first-ever World Coffee Roasting Championships held in the United States, alongside numerous competitions, awards, lectures, workshops, and networking opportunities.
This year’s Specialty Coffee Expo is set to make history with its diverse lineup of events and activities. One of the most anticipated highlights is the hosting of the World Coffee Roasting Championships in the U.S., where skilled roasters will be judged on their ability to assess green coffee quality and develop profiles that enhance sensory attributes. Additionally, the Coffee Design Awards and Best New Product Awards aim to recognize excellence in design and innovation within the specialty coffee sector. Attendees can also look forward to over 50 lecture sessions covering topics ranging from starting a mobile coffee business to improving financial access for women at origin.
Beyond the competitive aspect, the event offers hands-on learning experiences through workshops focused on crop profiling, coffee shop workflow efficiency, and understanding fruit flavors in coffee. The Cupping Exchange will feature both public and private tasting sessions, while the Coffee Science Foundation will display cutting-edge research on sensory science, coffee genetics, market trends, and quality evaluations. Key exhibitors include Ecotact, SEB Professional, Blue Diamond Growers, and Cumbres, each showcasing innovative solutions and products designed to revolutionize the coffee industry.
Networking remains a cornerstone of the expo, with the Roaster Village serving as a central meeting point for attendees to interact with pioneering roasters and explore the latest trends in roasting, sourcing, and brewing. Green coffee packaging companies like Ecotact will present hermetic packaging solutions ensuring freshness from farm to cup, while automated brewing solutions from SEB Professional aim to help operators maintain profitability despite rising coffee prices. Plant milk brands such as Blue Diamond Growers will introduce new product lines tailored specifically for the food service sector.
In addition to the main event, various after-parties and satellite events will take place across Houston, offering further opportunities for connection and collaboration. These gatherings provide a platform for participants to engage in discussions, celebrate achievements, and forge meaningful relationships within the specialty coffee community.
As the Specialty Coffee Expo continues to grow, this edition in Houston marks a significant milestone in its evolution. With plans to rebrand as World of Coffee San Diego next year, aligning with similar events globally, the expo solidifies its role as a driving force behind innovation and progress in the specialty coffee industry. For those eager to stay ahead in this dynamic field, registration and participation in the numerous activities offered promise invaluable insights and connections.