Latest news with #YannisApostolopoulos


SBS Australia
24-05-2025
- Business
- SBS Australia
Taking coffee from 'functional beverage' to 'indulgence'
Indonesia, one of the world's largest coffee producers, has just hosted a global event that's turning heads, and turning up the heat, in the specialty coffee world. This is the World of Coffee Jakarta 2025, the first time this prestigious international coffee showcase has been held in a coffee-producing country. And for Indonesia, it's more than just an honour ... it's a statement. From cutting-edge brewing competitions to ethically sourced beans, thousands gathered in Jakarta for a full-bodied celebration of everything coffee. At the heart of it is the Specialty Coffee Association, or SCA, which launched the World of Coffee expo back in 1999. This year, it finally made its way to the farms and forests where so much of the world's finest coffee begins. Yannis Apostolopoulos, the CEO of the Specialty Coffee Association, says the aim is to reframe how we think about coffee. "I think what we're trying to do is to excite consumers in consuming coffee. Coffee is moving away from being a functional beverage to becoming more of an indulgement. And what we want to do is to get consumers through a journey that they find coffee exciting as food or wine, so that people can actually enjoy coffee and maybe understand the value that they bring to the value chain and to the people that are producing coffee all around the world." He's talking about a deeper experience, one where coffee sits alongside wine and fine cuisine, with respect for every hand along the supply chain. One of those hands belongs to Mikael Jasin, the World Barista Champion in 2024. He's a familiar face here, brewing with the same meticulous care farmers use when harvesting cherries. 'At least for me, it's making sure that the approach that I do when I make this coffee is the same standard at least to the approach that the farmers have done to their coffee, the roasters have done to that coffee, and then me as the barista at least maintain the same standard, if not better. So that the customer when they drink it, they can enjoy that coffee to the best potential of that coffee." He says it's about preserving the integrity of the bean, from farm to roast to cup. That sense of duty, he admits, becomes even more intense when he's making coffee for others. 'Coffee, there's still so many people that are involved in the steps and it's very easy to mess it up. So, when I make coffee - and especially when I make coffee for people, when I make coffee for myself, I'm a bit more relaxed - but for people, I want make sure that I'm serving the best of that coffee ." And it all begins with the farmers. On the volcanic slopes of Bandung, West Java, coffee cherries ripen in the sun. This is home to Java Halu Coffee, run by Rani Mayasari. At her booth in Jakarta, she beams with pride. It's taken 15 years to build her farm, empower women, and make it here. And now, she's sharing Indonesia's story with the world. "It's proof that maybe our world is more better. It's our hope in the coffee industry, our hope, our economy, our politics more better in next year. It's like a medicine for us. It's like a painkiller for us, you know? Because a lot of effort that we already doing in 15 years. So it's like a good food, healthy food, or soulful food maybe for us. So our soul happy, our body happy, so we can make it in these three days." She says serving her first harvest to international buyers is more than a sale, it's a celebration of identity, resilience, and the soulful joy of good coffee. Young coffee lovers, too, are finding inspiration here. Among them, 18-year-old Jamie Elijah Yauw. He's just graduated high school but already dreams of joining the industry. 'I think every step of the way at the industry is amazing. It's beautiful, it's inspiring, and to be here, meeting people who've worked with farmers, meeting people who make the tools we use every day, meeting people explain how they roast their coffee and seeing the effort that people put, or see how much they love, how much they put their whole life into coffee, is so inspiring. Where for me to see people like that, it's just making me awestruck, really.' And then, the grand finale, the World Brewers Cup 2025. After three days of intense competition, China's George Jinyang Peng emerged as this year's champion. "I feel so very excited and very happy, and maybe a little bit shocked." With over 50 participants and more on the horizon, the competition mirrors the fast-growing specialty coffee market, especially in producing nations like Indonesia, Brazil, and Vietnam. According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation, the global coffee industry now generates more than $200 billion in annual revenue. In 2024 alone, the price of Arabica surged by 58 per cent. And with growing interest in transparency, sustainability, and quality, events like World of Coffee Jakarta are redefining the bean, not just as a drink, but as a story. For Indonesia, that story is just beginning. And it smells like a fresh brew of national pride and global respect.

Associated Press
11-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Specialty Coffee Expo Rebrands as World of Coffee, Joining Globally Renowned Event Series
2026 Trade Show and Conference, Under New Name, Planned for San Diego, CA IRVINE, CA / ACCESS Newswire Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), the largest global coffee trade association dedicated to making coffee better, has announced the rebranding of its flagship North American event, the Specialty Coffee Expo, as World of Coffee. The final edition under the Specialty Coffee Expo name will take place in Houston from April 25-27, 2025, before debuting as World of Coffee San Diego on April 10-12, 2026, at the San Diego Convention Center in California. Click here to watch video announcement. Attendees and exhibitors at World of Coffee San Diego will continue to experience the same dynamic community and industry-leading event they have come to expect. The show will feature a diverse range of exhibitors, world-class workshops, cutting-edge technology, and elite coffee competitions, all within a globally recognized brand known for fostering business, community, and innovation. As excitement builds for World of Coffee San Diego, attendees can look forward to a fresh era of industry collaboration and discovery. The rebranded event will serve as the premier destination for professionals looking to expand their reach, explore new innovations, and build meaningful connections across the global coffee landscape. 'Renaming Expo to World of Coffee brings North America's premier coffee trade show into the globally recognized World of Coffee brand, reinforcing our commitment to international growth, collaboration, and innovation in the coffee industry,' said Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the Specialty Coffee Association. 'We chose the name World of Coffee because, in times of division, demonstrating unity is more important than ever. Our goal is to bring together coffee professionals and stakeholders worldwide, aligning the event with our broader purpose. World of Coffee will build on Expo's 30-year legacy, continuing to connect industry leaders, exhibitors, and enthusiasts to explore emerging trends, cutting-edge technology, and new business opportunities - all while celebrating the vibrant global coffee community.' With a 30-year legacy of growth and international expansion, the Specialty Coffee Expo was recently recognized as one of Trade Show Executive's 2024 Fastest 50 events for growth in total attendance. This momentum makes the transition to World of Coffee a natural next step in elevating North America's role within the global coffee industry. As part of the World of Coffee series - which hosts premier coffee events in Central America, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia - World of Coffee San Diego will provide an enhanced platform for ambitious businesses entering new markets and seeking to source from new regions. Since its inception in Europe in 2010, World of Coffee has consistently set new records as the largest and most influential coffee trade show, bringing together thousands of professionals from across the specialty coffee supply and value chain. The Specialty Coffee Association plays a pivotal role as a global convener, helping businesses navigate international opportunities and challenges. Through World of Coffee San Diego, SCA will further its mission of connecting industry leaders, facilitating strategic partnerships, and providing a space for professionals to engage with emerging trends shaping the future of specialty coffee. Booking is now open for exhibitors on the show floor at World of Coffee San Diego 2026 and interested exhibitors are encouraged to contact the SCA at [email protected] to secure booth space. For sponsorship and partnership opportunities, please contact [email protected] for more information on supporting this event. The 2025 event, which will still be under the Specialty Coffee Expo name, will welcome more than 17,000 attendees from 85 countries to Houston, TX April 25-27. Educational programming included as part of the show's offering will cover the latest in sustainability, business innovation, scientific advancements, and specialty coffee trends. The expansive sold out Exhibition Hall will feature 649 exhibiting companies showcasing the best in coffee innovation, culture, and sustainability as well as networking opportunities that support commerce and trade. Registration for Specialty Coffee Expo is open at All SCA members receive a discount on registration. For sponsorship, exhibitor, or registration inquiries, email [email protected] or visit Specialty Coffee Expo. About the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) is the largest global coffee trade association dedicated to making coffee better by fostering a global coffee community and supporting activities to make specialty coffee a thriving, equitable, and sustainable endeavor for the entire value chain. Through collaboration and progressive approaches, it supports the industry through research, standards, education, and events. Working around the world, the SCA elevates worldwide standards, providing value and connectivity to the growing global community. To sponsor and support the Specialty Coffee Expo and the continued work of the SCA, contact [email protected]. To learn more, visit or follow @specialtycoffeeassociation on social media. # # # For further information, contact:


Globe and Mail
05-03-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
World of Coffee Geneva 2025 to Showcase 450+ Specialty Coffee Brands, Innovations, and Cutting-Edge Technology June 26-28
A Must-Attend Event Bringing Together 13,000 Coffee Professionals, Enthusiasts, and Innovators from Around the Globe GENEVA, SWITZERLAND / ACCESS Newswire / March 5, 2025 / World of Coffee Geneva 2025 marks the final opportunity for companies to exhibit at a Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) trade show in the 2024-2025 cycle, following the wildly successful World of Coffee Dubai, Specialty Coffee Expo (sold out show floor) and World of Coffee Jakarta (sold out show floor). This highly anticipated event will welcome 13,000 international coffee professionals from every part of the specialty coffee value chain, from producers to C-suite executives of large, multinational companies to the Palexpo SA in Geneva, Switzerland, from June 26-28, 2025. "World of Coffee Europe is thriving in a period of remarkable growth, with increasing attendance and a growing number of exhibitors and sponsors recognizing the immense value of in-person engagement," said Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the Specialty Coffee Association. "Switzerland is home to some of the world's most innovative companies and has become an epicenter of specialty coffee study, innovation, technology, and business. World of Coffee Geneva is the only European event dedicated to amplifying and enriching the entire specialty coffee supply and value chain. We invite companies aligned with our mission to Make Coffee Better to join us." World of Coffee Geneva is the largest European event dedicated to specialty coffee professionals. It offers unparalleled opportunities to showcase products and innovations to an audience of buyers, roasters, and industry leaders; build credibility and expand brand awareness among 13,000+ international attendees; strengthen business relationships with key decision-makers in the coffee industry; and gain direct access to high-value customers, with 25% of attendees planning to invest over $1 million. This event is proudly supported by leading sponsors: Attendees, many who are industry changemakers, will engage with key players from Swiss-based coffee leaders and global innovators, including Nestlé Professional, Blaser Trading, Danstar, Eversys, Fonte Drinks, Thermoplan, Animo, Rex Royal, EC Success Food Sàrl, Ferrum Analytics, Gilda Kaffeemaschinen AG, HACO Ltd., Hamburg Coffee Company (HACOFO), La Dame de Café, Oatly, Olympia Express, Seb Professional, Sucafina, System-Partikel-Technik Sympatec GmbH, Swiss Trading Solutions, Voghera Coffee, Volcafe, WIPF AG, ZURIGA, and many more. One of the most vibrant areas on the trade show floor, the Roaster Villages, provides a unique platform for small and emerging roasting companies to connect with attendees, showcase specialty coffees, and attract new wholesale customers and brand partnerships. This high-energy section fosters innovation, collaboration, and visibility among coffee professionals. Additionally, exhibitors and Roaster Village participants can engage attendees through exclusive experiences such as the Cupping Rooms, with dedicated spaces for producers, distributors, roasters, and wholesalers to present their coffees to potential buyers and traders. World of Coffee Geneva 2025 will highlight Europe's vibrant coffee roasting industry, featuring participants such as 17g Coffee, 2:AM, A Planter's Daughter, ANÄNA COFFEE FOOD, BB Coffee Company GmbH, Bean In Progress Coffee Roasters, Benesso Coffee, Boreal Coffee Roasters Sarl, CAFE GRANJA LA ESPERANZA SACI, Capadócia Coffees Comercio de Cafes Especiais LTDA, Clearpath Coffee, Cloud Picker, COFFEE BIRD LIMITED, COFFEE PIRATES About Coffee GmbH, COFFEE REPUBLIC S.A., Coffee Roasting Man, Cofinet, Corde Coffee Sarl, CTS GROUP SRL, Dabov, Daterra Coffee, Dimitri's Coffee, DRIP COFFEE GMBH, DROPSHOT, Fazendas Dutra, Four Hundred (MG) Coffee Roastery, Hacienda La Esmeralda, Haskos- Caffe' Luigi Ltd., Herz & Son GmbH, HORACE CAFE, INCONEXUS SAS, Istmo Producers Collective GmbH, JNP Coffee, KÁVOHOLIK s. r. o., KROSS COFFEE ROASTERS, Lykke Coffee Farms, Mae Coffee, Mare Terra Coffee, Miro Coffee, Monte Alegre Coffees, Noordpoort Coffee BV, Ocafi, Ojo de Café, Ojo GmbH, Omwani Coffee Company LTD, ORIOLI COFFEE LDA, Plotcoffee GmbH, Prana Chai Europe GmbH, Primrose Specialty Coffee, Recanto Farm, Rent a Barista GmbH, Sensorio Coffee Lab, Spojka Roastery s.r.o., Stoll Kaffee AG, Stow Coffee Roasters, Taf Coffee, TERRES ET HOMMES, The Brick Coffee Roastery, The Coffee Board e.K, The Goodlife Coffee, and many more. "World of Coffee Geneva 2025 is the ultimate venue for launching new products, connecting with key buyers, and securing game-changing partnerships. With direct access to thousands of industry professionals, media, and high-value customers - 25% of whom plan to invest over $1 million - this event offers unparalleled opportunities for business growth," Apostolopoulos added. "Beyond business, World of Coffee Geneva is a celebration of coffee culture, uniting professionals passionate about coffee quality, sustainability, and innovation." In addition to the expansive trade show floor featuring 450+ exhibiting companies, attendees can engage with several unique activations, competitions, and educational opportunities, including: World Coffee Championships - World Latte Art Championship, World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship, World Cup Tasters Championship, and Cezve/Ibrik Championship Best New Product Competition Coffee Design Awards 30+ Cupping Sessions 2 Roaster Villages SCA Lecture Series & Workshops Coffee Business Lounge Green Coffee Connect Registration for World of Coffee Geneva 2025 is now open at with early bird discounts available until March 31, 2025. SCA members receive exclusive registration discounts. Interested in Exhibiting or Sponsorship? Space is limited, and past events have sold out. Take advantage of this opportunity to connect with 13,000+ coffee professionals. Contact Margaret Andreucetti at margareta@ or sponsorships@ Live floor plan access is available here. The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) is the largest global coffee trade association dedicated to making coffee better by fostering a global coffee community and supporting initiatives that drive specialty coffee as a thriving, equitable, and sustainable industry. Through collaboration and progressive approaches, the SCA supports the industry through research, standards, education, and events. Working worldwide, the SCA elevates coffee quality standards while connecting a growing global community. To sponsor and support the World of Coffee and the continued work of the SCA, contact sponsorships@ Learn more at or follow @specialtycoffeeassociation on social media. # # # View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire


Globe and Mail
25-02-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Specialty Coffee Expo to Feature the World Coffee Roasting Championship During Flagship Event April 25-27 In Houston, TX
Other Competitions Include Coffee Design Awards and Best New Product Awards HOUSTON, TX / ACCESS Newswire / February 25, 2025 / For the first time, The World Coffee Roasting Championship (WCRC), the only world coffee competition in North America in 2025, will be held at the Specialty Coffee Expo taking place at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas, from April 25 to 27, 2025. The WCRC which began in Nice, France in 2013 with 11 champions/representatives, celebrates excellence in coffee roasting, evaluating competitors on their skills in coffee evaluation, preparation, blending, and roasting. In 2025, the championship is set to reach new heights, with participation from up to 28 Competition Bodies from across the globe, making it the largest championship to date. In the World Coffee Roasting Championship, sponsored by Stronghold Technology, Inc., Official Production Roaster, competitors are judged on their ability to create and execute roast plans using provided green coffee. Competitors showcase their skills through sample roasting, the open cupping process, and their ability to deliver their target roast profile by completing a modified SCA Coffee Value Assessment (CVA) Descriptive Assessment. Judges evaluate accuracy through competitors' self-assessments and conduct double-blind sensory tests across multiple categories. For full details and rules, click here. "We are thrilled to be hosting the World Coffee Roasting Championship at our trade show in Houston, Texas, in April. This exciting three-day international competition is where attendees can witness dozens of elite roasters compete for the championship title. We look forward to crowning the winner on Sunday, April 27, the final day of the Specialty Coffee Expo," said Yannis Apostolopoulos CEO, The Specialty Coffee Association. "Our broader mission is dedicated to uniting coffee professionals from across the globe to make coffee better. Through events like the World Coffee Roasting Championship and the Specialty Coffee Expo, we provide platforms that inspire, engage, and elevate the entire coffee community," Apostolopoulos added. "Coffee roasting remains a mystery to many, with roasters working behind the scenes to create magic. The World Coffee Roasting Championship offers a rare moment in the spotlight, bringing together professionals and enthusiasts alike. As a woman in a male-dominated field, it's inspiring to see others encouraged to roast and compete. Beyond competition, the true beauty lies in our community-supporting and uplifting one another," said Diana Johnston, SCAUK Coffee Roasting Champion, 2019 & 2023, WCRC 2023 Competitor, Roaster & Coffee Professional, Owner Roastersaurus. In addition to the WCRC, attendees discover new products and innovations through the Coffee Design Awards and Best New Product Awards. The deadline for submissions for both programs is March 3, 2025. The Coffee Design Awards celebrate this effort through three key categories: coffee spaces, packaging, and branding. To submit a design for the 2025 Coffee Design Awards click here by the Entry Deadline: March 3, 2025. The Coffee Design Awards Branding is about recognizing the brands, identities, and visual environments that companies in coffee use to stand out. The Coffee Design Awards Packaging identifies some of the most compelling coffee packaging designs that look beyond brand adherence from the past year. The Coffee Design Awards Spaces showcases places for making, teaching, and serving coffee. The Best New Product Awards are the ultimate celebration of innovation in the specialty coffee and tea industry! This award program recognizes quality and innovation in coffee and tea. To submit a product for consideration for the best new product, a company must exhibit at the Specialty Coffee Expo. Click here by the Entry Deadline: March 3, 2025. The Specialty Coffee Expo, produced by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), will welcome more than 17,000 attendees from 85 countries, showcasing the best in coffee innovation, culture, and sustainability as well as networking opportunities that support commerce and trade . The Specialty Coffee Expo is proudly supported by Title Sponsor Middleby Coffee Solutions Group, Diamond Sponsor Sanremo Coffee Machines and Platinum Sponsor Pacific Barista Series. Peru will be featured as the Portrait Country, bringing a focus on Peruvian coffee, unique cultural activations, and a pop-up café experience. The expansive Exhibition Hall will feature 600 exhibiting companies offering the industry's most innovative and cutting-edge coffee products. Coffee professionals representing the entire value chain including roasters, retailers, buyers, producers, wholesalers, equipment manufacturers, baristas and more will have the opportunity to learn about integrating specialty coffee into their existing business plans and make purchasing decisions face-to-ace on the show floor. Registration for the Specialty Coffee Expo is now open at Register before March 15, 2025 for early bird discounts. All SCA members receive a discount on registration. For sponsorship, exhibitor, or registration inquiries, email info@ or visit Specialty Coffee Expo. About the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) is the largest global coffee trade association dedicated to making coffee better by fostering a global coffee community and supporting activities to make specialty coffee a thriving, equitable, and sustainable endeavor for the entire value chain. Through collaboration and progressive approaches, it supports the industry through research, standards, education, and events. Working around the world, the SCA elevates worldwide standards, providing value and connectivity to the growing global community. To sponsor and support the Specialty Coffee Expo and the continued work of the SCA, contact sponsorship@ To learn more, visit or follow @specialtycoffeeassociation on social media. About The World Coffee Championships (WCC) The WCC showcase excellence in specialty coffee preparation, and distinction through seven annual competitions with participation from more than 50 Competition Bodies globally. The WCCs are produced by the Specialty Coffee Association and hosted at trade shows annually. The premier competitions include the World Barista Championship, World Cup Tasters Championship, World Latte Art Championship, World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship, World Brewers Cup, World Coffee Roasting Championship, and the Cezve/Ibrik Championship, and show features such as the popular WCC brew bars. Other World Coffee Championships will follow in 2025 with the World Brewers Cup at World of Coffee Jakarta (May 15 - 17, 2025), the World Cup Tasters Championship, World Latte Art Championship, World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship, and Ibrik/Cezve/Ibrik Championship at World of Coffee Geneva (June 26 - 28, 2025), and the World Barista Championship at HostMilano (October 17-21, 2025). # # # View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire