The Specialty Coffee Expo recently took place in Houston, Texas, marking a significant event in the global specialty coffee industry. Starting in 2026, this popular event will be rebranded as the World of Coffee. The expo attracted thousands of coffee professionals from 89 countries and featured a record number of exhibitors, showcasing the growing interest in specialty coffee.
• The 2025 expo had 659 exhibitors, including 135 first-time participants.
• The exhibitor space increased to 116,000 square feet, with projections for 130,000 sq ft next year.
• A key partnership was formed between the Specialty Coffee Association and the Colombian Coffee Growers Federation to improve coffee traceability and standards.
• The Q Grader Program is evolving under a new partnership, offering better training and credentials for coffee assessors.
This rebranding and the new partnerships are crucial for the industry. They aim to enhance quality, transparency, and recognition of specialty coffee globally. The upcoming changes could reshape how coffee is evaluated and appreciated, benefiting producers and consumers alike.
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