Category: News

Dubai hosts the first edition of the “Coffee Art Marathon”

Posted on by Qahwa World

During the period from December 28 to January 28, 2024, the city of Dubai will host the ‘Coffee Art Marathon’ events in its first edition, which is an unparalleled celebration of coffee, music, arts, and culture.

Organized by Art4you Gallery and curated by Ms. Jesno Jackson, this mega event promises to be a vibrant showcase of creativity, sustainability, and the global coffee lifestyle.

Starting from December 28, 2023, until January 28, 2024, the ‘Coffee Art Marathon’ is set to transform Dubai into a hub for artistic and caffeine experiences. With 22 activities focused on coffee and art, the event will emerge as Art4you Gallery’s largest annual international gathering, attracting participants and artists from more than 50 nationalities.

Jesno Jackson, the founder, and curator emphasizes the event’s commitment to sustainability, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and COP28. The marathon’s mission is not only to celebrate the present but also to pave the way for a sustainable future for artists, especially through the unique medium of coffee painting.

The ‘Coffee Art Marathon’ provides a unique opportunity for the coffee community to come together. Café owners, industry experts, baristas, and emerging artists from around the world will mingle and network, strengthening connections and appreciation for the art of coffee. The festival also supports fair trade coffee beans and promotes sustainable practices within the industry.

Art4you Gallery confirms that the Coffee Art Marathon will be a huge festival celebrating independent artists, the arts community, and coffee and food connoisseurs. It aims to be a melting pot of contemporary arts, with a focus on promoting and nurturing creative expression.

Supported by top sponsors such as Gostoso Coffee, Attibassi Coffee, Davidoff, NESCAFE,Monviso, and others, the ‘Coffee Art Marathon’ promises an abundance of coffee to sip, art to admire, and music to soothe the soul. Art4you Gallery will host programs on coffee enjoyment, profiling, and education, and offer a wide range of workshops and tasting options.

The event will feature coffee roasters, traders, equipment suppliers, and more. Art lovers can indulge in events such as Mug Design, Coffee Art Jam, Cultural Art Walk, and bookmark making with coffee painting.

The ‘Coffee Art Gallery’ exbition is one of the highlights of the ‘Coffee Art Marathon’ and will include live art performances such as the longest live drawing challenge, coffee painting, walking painting, and performances by international artists.

Music lovers can enjoy the tunes of the famous violinist Cynthia Kabsa and experience a variety of musical, poetic, and dance performances.

The grand finale on the final day will include an awards night and a competition such as ‘Igniting the Art of Coffee’ and a calendar competition, where winners and participants will be honored. At the various venues hosting the ‘Coffee Art Marathon,’ family entertainment will be present, creating a lively community atmosphere.

Sponsors, support partners, gift partners, media partners, and other collaborators have come together to make the Art of Coffee Marathon a reality in Dubai.

Join the celebration of creative expression and coffee culture at the Coffee Art Marathon as the enchanting city of Dubai becomes a canvas for a month-long celebration of art, music, and coffee.

The Specialty Coffee Association announced the opening of applications to join the Strategic Committee for the World Coffee Championships

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The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has announced the opening of applications for positions within the Strategic Committee for the World Coffee Championships (CSC).

This volunteer leadership group plays a pivotal role in shaping the comprehensive strategy for the World Coffee Championships, in addition to the sub-committees dedicated to competition-specific rules and regulations.

The CSC comprises individuals with diverse experiences in competitions and the coffee industry, actively collaborating on initiatives aimed at enhancing and supporting the competition community, ensuring the continuous progress of the World Coffee Championships (WCC).

Interested individuals can apply for positions involving a two-year commitment to contribute to the development of the WCC. Successful applicants are expected to participate in two monthly meetings and a full-day meeting in September 2024, either in-person or remotely.

The application period is open until January 8, 2024, with notifications to successful candidates expected in mid to late January.

The CSC is specifically seeking a committee with a wide range of experiences, geographies, and backgrounds within the specialty coffee sector.

World Coffee Championships, organized by the World Coffee Events (WCE), are dedicated to recognizing professional excellence, promoting accessibility for all, and emphasizing the collaborative effort required to create and serve specialty coffee.

It is noteworthy that the World Coffee Championships (WCCs) are supported by the Competitions Strategic Committee (CSC), a volunteer leadership group with extensive experience in competitions and the industry.

The CSC regularly convenes throughout the year to collaborate on strategic initiatives, including updates to competition formats, rules, regulations, judges, sponsorship, marketing, and communications. Additionally, smaller working groups are formed to support specific projects, and the committee provides ad-hoc support for arbitration.

The structure of the current CSC was established in 2017, focusing on aligning a vision and purpose for the WCCs, guided by six strategic objectives. In 2020, many ongoing changes were temporarily paused to assess the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on global and national-level competitions. Resuming meetings in 2022, the CSC is reevaluating how the strategic objectives align with the current events landscape.

Recognizing the diversity of perspectives within the group, the CSC is committed to implementing changes rooted in its vision, goals, and community feedback, acknowledging that there is no single correct approach to making these changes.

Saudi Ministry of Culture Approves 20 Research Papers for “Saudi Coffee Research” Grant

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In a significant development, the Saudi Ministry of Culture has formally endorsed the acceptance of 20 research papers submitted from both domestic and international researchers for the prestigious “Saudi Coffee Research” grant. Launched in December 2022 in collaboration with the Saudi Coffee Company, a key entity under the Public Investment Fund umbrella, the grant is specifically designed for researchers and specialists with a keen interest in diverse facets of coffee.

Successful researchers will receive comprehensive financial and scientific support throughout the research process, extending to the publication of scientific papers. This initiative aims to enrich cultural research output pertaining to Saudi coffee, acknowledged as an intangible cultural heritage, thereby playing a pivotal role in advancing the national cultural product.

The grant encompasses three principal tracks. The first track focuses on coffee in the Arabian Peninsula, delving into its historical roots, manufacturing evolution, and dissemination within the Kingdom. The second track is dedicated to exploring the intangible cultural heritage associated with Saudi coffee, including the examination of knowledge, skills, social traditions, practices, and cultural handicrafts intertwined with it. The third track seeks to elevate and advance local content by supporting Saudi coffee production, thereby enhancing its competitiveness and contributing to the Kingdom’s transition towards a sustainable economy.

This initiative was strategically included within the framework of the “Year of Saudi Coffee 2022” initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Culture with the backing of the Quality of Life Program—a key component of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030. In collaboration with the Culinary Arts Authority, the initiative aims to scrutinize the Saudi coffee market, preserve national cultural legacies and values, underscore the intangible heritage linked with Saudi coffee, bolster national identity, and promote Saudi coffee culture on the global stage.

Applications for the “Saudi Coffee Research” grants were opened on December 18, 2022. This initiative underscores a concerted effort to enhance cultural production through research endeavors focused on Saudi coffee, aligning with its status as an intangible cultural heritage intertwined with natural heritage and traditional culinary arts. The grants target a diverse range of researchers and specialists, both within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and abroad, fostering a collaborative and inclusive approach to advancing knowledge in various coffee-related fields.

“Coffee Desk” announced as the main sponsor for World of Coffee Dubai 2024

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The Specialty Coffee Association in the United Arab Emirates announced that “Coffee Desk” has joined the World of Coffee Dubai 2024 as the main sponsor for the event.

The official Instagram account of the World of Coffee Dubai  stated, “We are pleased to welcome “Coffee Desk” as the official sponsor for the current edition of the World of Coffee Dubai 2024″.

The Account adeed:” From crafting caffeine in Poland to transforming the coffee scene in Europe, ‘Coffee Desk’ brings its impressive collection of over 3000 items from more than 150 global brands to the exhibition hall in Dubai in January.”

The specialized coffee association invited the audience to join the event for networking, learning, and exploring the best in the specialty coffee industry. The audience was encouraged to secure their tickets before prices increase at the gates.

The World of Coffee Dubai  is an annual event, and the 2024 edition, scheduled from January 21 to 23, will be the third installment. This event in Dubai has become a focal point for the global specialty coffee community, and the 2024 edition is expected to be 50% larger than the previous one, featuring new features and a refreshed program of workshops and lectures.

Best Product Competition and New Exhibition

A prominent feature of the World of Coffee Dubai 2024 is the Best Product Competition and New Exhibition, a platform recognizing and celebrating innovative products in the specialty coffee and tea industry. The competition is open only to participating companies showcasing their latest innovations that set trends in their respective categories.

The competition includes various categories such as coffee accessories, commercial coffee preparation and presentation equipment, consumer coffee preparation and presentation equipment, and an open category for products not falling under the mentioned categories.

The deadline for submissions is December 31, 2023, providing companies a short timeframe to present their latest creations to a global audience. Strict rules must be adhered to during the submission process, requiring the product to be new to the company, launched in the market for no more than a year, and commercially available on the same continent as the exhibition for at least six months. No prototypes are allowed, emphasizing the competition’s focus on real-world innovation. Judging will take place on-site, and prestigious awards will be presented during the event.

All entries, regardless of winning status, will be showcased on the New in Coffee platform, providing a source of inspiration for global audiences to innovate in the industry.

Coffee Design Award

In the spirit of celebrating the fusion of great coffee and exquisite design, the Coffee Design Awards have returned to recognize the most inspiring designs in the industry. The competition covers various categories, including vessels, spaces, packaging, and branding, with a focus on aesthetics in enriching the overall coffee experience.

Participation in the Coffee Design Awards is open until December 31, 2023, and participants are required to submit high-quality images for each entry, with a minimum size of 3 megabytes. For packaging, applicants must provide physical samples before the exhibition for inclusion and consideration during judging.

The competition is subject to strict regulations, emphasizing that products must be new in the market within a period of no more than a year from the start of the exhibition. Judging will be conducted carefully by independent judges and exhibition management to determine the winners. All entries will be sent to design.sca.coffee, a platform dedicated to showcasing inspirational designs in the coffee industry.

UAE National Barista Championship

World of Coffee Dubai 2024 will also host the National Barista Championship for the United Arab Emirates, promising to be a passionate and skillful showcase. Coffee industry experts from across the region will compete for the opportunity to represent Dubai in the prestigious World Barista Championship in Busan. This championship is not just a competition but also a platform to showcase talent within the coffee community in the region.

Specialty Coffee Association Community Lounge

Amidst the exciting competitions and exhibitions, visitors are encouraged to spend some time relaxing in the Specialty Coffee Association Community Lounge. This dedicated space provides an opportunity to experience a variety of specialty coffees, explore different preparation methods, and connect with like-minded coffee enthusiasts. It serves as a reminder that behind the competitions and awards, World of Coffee Dubai 2024 is a community of individuals united by their shared love for exceptional coffee.

 

A report reveals the role of heritage in preserving the coffee industry

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For the 12.5 million farming families globally, coffee is more than just a commodity; it is a legacy passed down through generations, serving as a cultural identity and livelihood. In its latest report, Coffee Intelligence, an online publication dedicated to high-quality journalism on crucial topics in the coffee sector, explores the profound importance of heritage in the coffee industry and the critical role roasters play in preserving this legacy.

Eduardo Choza, the director of coffee at Mayorga Coffee, emphasizes that for many coffee producers, it’s a matter of pride and family tradition. The significance of the coffee they produce extends beyond a traded commodity, embodying history, effort, and cultural identity.

Coffee-growing communities have cultivated a wealth of local expertise over centuries, adapting to changing climates through practices passed down through generations. Capucas Coffee Cooperative Limited in Honduras exemplifies this heritage, implementing a circular economy rooted in the region’s culture, showcasing the importance of ancestral knowledge in sustainable farming.

Collaborations between roasters and producers, such as Mayorga Coffee and farmers in Las Capucas, demonstrate the benefits of leveraging generational wisdom. Intercropping methods, inspired by traditional techniques, contribute to efficient land usage and improved soil fertility, showcasing the harmony between people and nature.

The report highlights the historical role of coffee cooperatives in Latin America, advocating for smallholder farmers and fostering socio-economic development. Heritage in coffee production, therefore, becomes a cornerstone of community-oriented business practices, shaping the industry’s social and economic landscape.

However, the report also underscores the challenges faced by many farming communities, particularly in marketing their products based on wider environmental and social factors. Coffee Intelligence emphasizes the need for culturally appropriate technical and financial assistance to bridge this gap, allowing producers to navigate modern economies while preserving their heritage.

Coffee roasters, according to the report, play a crucial role in developing relationships with producers that go beyond a transactional approach. While some roasters use the term “direct trade” for marketability, the report advocates for a genuine commitment to preserving and celebrating a community’s heritage in coffee production.

Mayorga Coffee, as highlighted in the report, takes a nurturing approach, integrating ground-level sustainability investments and celebrating a community’s heritage throughout the supply chain. This authentic commitment to preserving cultural heritage becomes an integral part of the brand and contributes to the true and entire value of the final product.

In conclusion, Coffee Intelligence’s report urges consumers to understand the cultural heritage behind their coffee, emphasizing the need to honor and recognize the legacy poured into every cup. By looking at the coffee industry through the eyes of the people who produce it, there is potential to bring greater equity across the supply chain, creating a more sustainable and culturally rich coffee landscape.

Strada X Unveiled: next generation of Coffee Machines to Hit Markets in 2024

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Coffee enthusiasts across the UAE and the Middle East are eagerly anticipating the upcoming launch of Strada X, the latest innovation in coffee-making machines, designed and created by thirty of the finest baristas from La Marzocco.

In a groundbreaking showcase held yesterday at the headquarters of the Espresso Service Company in Sharjah, representatives from La Marzocco provided an in-depth introduction to the Strada X, set to debut in the market during the second quarter of 2024. The event, attended by a select group of coffee industry experts, featured an extensive two-hour session highlighting the machine’s exceptional features and advantages.

Strada X: Redefining Coffee-Making Excellence

The Strada X stands out as the epitome of user-friendly coffee machines, featuring predictive mass-based profiling integrated with drip tray scales, direct portafilters, and stand-alone mass pumps.

 

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Key Features:

Comprehensive Profiling

The integration of pressure profiles with a target weight, managed by La Marzocco’s predictive mass algorithm, ensures unparalleled shot-to-shot consistency, even with the most intricate pressure curves.
Intelligent saturation and comprehensive profiling combine to deliver unmatched accuracy and repeatability.

Intelligent Saturation

The new Intelligent Saturation feature automates the pre-infusion phase based on back pressure sensed in the group head, guaranteeing full saturation before the pump activates.
Consistent water paths through the coffee result in each shot behaving precisely as ordered by the barista, making Intelligent Saturation the backbone of the Strada.

Paddle-Based Profile Control

A redesigned paddle facilitates real-time pressure boost programming into the software, allowing baristas to monitor the performance of their customized profiles during manual shot pulling.

Direct Coffee Filters

Straight portafilters enhance speed, reduce pressure on baristas, and treat espresso pods more gently.
Automatic steam flow streamlines the workflow, ensuring cleaner group heads and offering a complete reimagining of the traditionally repetitive task of brewing espresso.

Independent Boilers and Pumps

Group head boilers enable simultaneous custom brewing temperatures, while a separate steam boiler provides on-demand steam pressure.

Independent pumps, including an external pump for stable pressure during intelligent saturation and group head-specific pumps for unique synchronized pressure profiles, contribute to the machine’s unparalleled performance.

La Marzocco’s Strada X promises to revolutionize the coffee industry with its innovative features, setting a new standard for excellence. As coffee aficionados eagerly await its market debut in 2024, the machine’s advanced technology and user-friendly design are poised to make a significant impact on the way espresso is brewed and enjoyed in the UAE and the broader Middle East region.

International Coffee Organization Releases ICO Indicator Prices for December 2023

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The International Coffee Organization (ICO) has released the Indicator Prices for December 2023, providing insights into the market performance of various coffee types. The prices are measured in US cents per pound and cover Colombian Milds, Other Milds, Brazilian Naturals, and Robustas.

Here are the ICO Indicator Prices for December 2023:

Date Colombian Milds Other Milds Brazilian Naturals Robustas
01-Dec 169.76 206.59 207.96 181.33
04-Dec 166.36 202.16 202.67 176.13
05-Dec 170.09 205.22 207.59 180.95
06-Dec 163.92 196.87 199.24 172.53
07-Dec 166.00 198.87 201.78 175.25
08-Dec 166.47 202.09 202.12 174.54
11-Dec 172.54 208.28 208.59 183.27
12-Dec 173.43 208.39 207.51 181.93
13-Dec 176.27 211.46 210.57 184.96
14-Dec 178.03 213.57 212.69 187.21
15-Dec 177.64 213.25 210.93 185.90
18-Dec 178.13 213.00 212.24 186.81
19-Dec 186.04 222.92 221.99 196.55

Summary:

  • Average Prices (US cents/lb): Colombian Milds (172.67), Other Milds (207.90), Brazilian Naturals (208.14), Robustas (182.11), ICO Composite Indicator (132.11).
  • High Prices (US cents/lb): Colombian Milds (186.04), Other Milds (222.92), Brazilian Naturals (221.99), Robustas (196.55), ICO Composite Indicator (143.72).
  • Low Prices (US cents/lb): Colombian Milds (163.92), Other Milds (196.87), Brazilian Naturals (199.24), Robustas (172.53), ICO Composite Indicator (124.84).

Note: The ICO has adopted a new system for price collection from May 2021. For additional details, refer to ICO’s rules on indicator prices.

International Coffee Organization releases its “Coffee and Outlook” report for December 2023

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The International Coffee Organization issued its report for December 2023, entitled “Coffee Report and Outlook…December 2023.”

The extensive report covering various aspects of coffee production, consumption and trade around the world reveals trends and forecasts for the global coffee market.

The report confirms that global coffee production witnessed a marginal increase of 0.1% to reach 168.2 million bags, indicating significant shifts in production as production grows in the Americas and declines in the regions of Asia, Oceania and Africa.

According to the report, a 4.8% increase in South America, driven by increased production in Brazil every two years, mitigated the decline in Asia and Africa, resulting in a combined production of 100.5 million bags in the Americas.

The report indicated that the division of production between Arabica and Robusta reflects the dominance of the Americas, with Arabica production increasing by 1.8% to 94.0 million bags while Robusta production decreased by 2.0% to 74.2 million bags.

The report expects coffee production for 2023/24 to rise by 5.8% to 178.0 million bags, with the impact of biennial production playing an important role, especially in Brazil.

The report suggests that adverse weather conditions will affect expectations, especially in light of the expected occurrence of the El Niño phenomenon.

Regarding consumption trends, the report confirms that, despite positive growth expectations, global coffee consumption in 2022/23 recorded a sudden decline of 2.0% to 173.1 million bags.

The report attributed the decline in consumption to several factors, most notably the high cost of living, low disposable income, and the large withdrawal from inventories.

In addition, the difficult global economic conditions, characterized by high inflation and increasing interest rates, affected consumption rates, which was observed in 2022/23.

Regarding consumption expectations for the year 2023/24, the report confirms that, assuming global economic growth exceeding 3.0%, global coffee consumption is expected to rebound, growing by 2.2% to reach 177.0 million bags. Non-producing countries will contribute significantly to this increase.

At the market level, the report expects that the global coffee market will achieve a surplus of 1.0 million bags in the next coffee year 2023/24.

Click here to view the full report

ITC creates pioneering alliances for sustainable coffee and circular economy initiatives during COP28 in Dubai

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The International Trade Centre (ITC) has taken decisive steps towards fostering a circular economy and promoting sustainable coffee value chains by solidifying strategic partnerships during the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai. The move aims to amplify the voices of producers and small businesses in critical climate discussions.

In a pivotal move, ITC and the International Coffee Organization (ICO) inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on December 3, outlining plans for groundbreaking projects across the ICO’s 75 member countries. Under this agreement, coffee producers will undergo comprehensive training covering value addition, circular economy practices, sustainable production methods, enhanced productivity, coffee quality improvement, and resilience to climate change—all geared towards generating decent and living incomes.

A second milestone occurred on December 10, as ITC, ICO, and the Center for Circular Economy in Coffee (C4CEC) joined forces through another MoU. This collaboration is designed to empower coffee farmers and producers to derive sustainable value from traditional waste streams. Both agreements are contingent on final validation by the International Coffee Council (ICC).

Historic Momentum in ITC and ICO Partnership

The partnership between ITC and ICO, spanning several years, gained fresh momentum with the recent appointment of Dr. Vanúsia Nogueira as Executive Director of the ICO. Activities under this historic alliance include collaborative efforts in coffee data management, sustainability initiative mapping, circular economy initiatives, compliance with the European Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, value addition at coffee origin, and innovative financing for the coffee sector.

Through these newly established partnerships, ITC aims to formalize and expand its collaboration, building upon the foundation laid by their initial MoU in 2000, which aimed to create a more inclusive coffee sector for producers.

Accelerating Circular Economy in the Coffee Sector

The Center for Circular Economy in Coffee (C4CEC), a global precompetitive platform funded by the Lavazza Foundation, the Polytechnic of Turin (PoliTo), and the University of Gastronomic Sciences (UNISG) in Italy, is at the forefront of advancing circular economy in the coffee sector. Supported by ICO, ITC, and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), C4CEC is set to put circular economy principles into practice.

The collaboration between ITC, ICO, and C4CEC aims to disseminate knowledge to small businesses, value chain operators, farmer organizations, and consumer-facing companies worldwide. This initiative builds upon the partnerships established through the ITC Coffee Guide Network and the circular economy working group co-facilitated by ITC, ICO, and the Lavazza Foundation.

COP28 Trade House: A Platform for Circular Economy Exploration

The COP28 Trade House provided a platform for ITC and its partners to delve into the circular economy within the coffee sector. Hernan Manson, Head of Inclusive Agribusiness, Food Systems, and Trade at ITC, moderated a session titled ‘Global Green Deal: How would it fit the Global South?’ The panel explored transformative measures for global food systems in the face of climate change.

Mario Cerutti, Lavazza Foundation Secretary, and Lavazza Group Head of Institutional Relations & Sustainability, emphasized the necessity for unified action within the coffee industry, highlighting the potential of the Center for delivering environmental benefits and improved incomes for coffee growers and stakeholders.

Dr. Vanúsia Nogueira, Executive Director of the International Coffee Organization, affirmed the commitment to drive impactful change in the coffee sector through the enduring partnership with ITC, marking the alliances formed at COP28 as a significant step towards a sustainable future for coffee farmers and advancing circular economy practices.

International Coffee Organization (ICO):
The ICO is the sole intergovernmental organization supporting exporting and importing countries to enhance the sustainability of the coffee sector, providing a high-level forum for stakeholders and official statistics on coffee production, trade, and consumption. ICO Website

International Trade Centre (ITC):
ITC, the joint agency of the World Trade Organization and the United Nations, assists small and medium-sized enterprises in developing and transition economies to become more competitive in global markets. The Alliances for Action initiative seeks to transform food systems through ethical, climate-smart, and sustainable agricultural value chains.

Specialty Coffee Association announces the opening of applications for the 2024 Coffee Design Awards in Chicago

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Get ready for a brew-tiful announcement! The Specialty Coffee Association is thrilled to invite coffee enthusiasts and creative minds to submit their designs for the upcoming Coffee Design Awards at the Specialty Coffee Expo in Chicago, Illinois, USA, happening from April 12-14, 2024.

What are the Coffee Design Awards?

Great coffee deserves great design, and that’s exactly what the Coffee Design Awards celebrates! This competition recognizes outstanding design in specialty coffee based on uniqueness, sustainability, and innovation. It’s a chance to showcase and honor the best creativity in the world of specialty coffee.

Competition Categories:

  1. Branding: The Coffee Design Awards Branding is about recognizing the brands, identities and visual environments that companies in coffee use to stand out. It’s about the logos, the style guides, the stationery, the posters, the flyers, the digital comms – anything and everything that’s not the product itself or the space. Submissions should include logo files, style guides, and up to three high-res examples of the brand in-use on promotional assets, not including products or vessels.
  2. Packaging: The Coffee Design Awards Packaging identifies some of the most compelling coffee packaging designs that looks beyond brand adherence from the past year.
  3. Spaces:The Coffee Design Awards Spaces showcases places for making, teaching, and serving coffee.

Competition Submission Rules:

  • Entries must be new to the company and introduced into the marketplace no more than one year before April 12, 2024.
  • Include high-quality photos of each submission (minimum 3MB).
  • For Packaging entries, applicants must send a sample ahead of the show for display and judging.
  • Provide as much information as possible about your submission.
  • A submission fee of $250 is required for each entry.
  • Deadline for submissions is March 1, 2024.

How to Submit:

Visit coffeeexpo.org/coffee-design-awards to submit your design and find full details, terms and conditions, and judging criteria.

Judging Rubric:

Entries will be judged based on the following criteria, rated from 0 to 5 per question:

  • Does this design offer an appealing alternative to others on the market?
  • Is the design aesthetically appealing?
  • Is the product in line with consumer preferences and industry trends? Explain why.
  • Does the design convey a clear sustainability message?
  • Is the overall result a positive, creative experience?

Recognition and Display:

Winners will be showcased at the Specialty Coffee Expo 2024, on the Design in Coffee platform, in SCA social media, press releases, and on SCA News. Each winner will also receive a special digital mark to celebrate their achievement.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exciting celebration of coffee design! Submit your entry now and let your creativity shine in the 2024 Coffee Design Awards.

Registration Now Open for 2024 Specialty Coffee Expo

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The Specialty Coffee Association announced the opening of registration for the Specialty Coffee Exhibition 2024, set to captivate coffee enthusiasts at the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago from April 12 to 14, 2024.

As the preeminent B2B event for specialty coffee professionals in North America, the Expo is more than just a gathering; it’s an immersion into the forefront of the coffee industry. With registration now officially open, here’s what you can expect at this caffeine-infused extravaganza:

Expo Highlights:

  • Exhibition Extravaganza: Over 575 exhibitors will transform the Expo floor into a vibrant showcase of innovation. Attendees can explore cutting-edge products and services while networking with professionals spanning roasters, retailers, producers, importers, and baristas.
  • Competition Frenzy: The Best New Product Competition beckons exhibitors to submit their latest creations across diverse categories, including Coffee Accessories, Commercial and Consumer Coffee Preparation Equipment, and more. Simultaneously, the Coffee Design Awards will honor outstanding design in coffee spaces, branding, and packaging.
  • Roaster Village: Serving as a dynamic meeting point, the Roaster Village connects attendees with smaller roasters and boutique green coffee importers. Here, participants gain insights into the latest trends in sourcing, handling, roasting, brewing, and distribution.
  • Educational Experiences: Enthusiasts seeking knowledge will find a plethora of opportunities. Dozens of lectures by industry experts, workshops covering an array of topics relevant to coffee professionals, and the latest coffee research showcased during the Coffee Science Foundation Scientific Poster Session.
  • World Coffee Championships: Elevating the stakes, the 2024 Specialty Coffee Expo will host two prestigious championships – the World Brewers Cup and World Cup Tasters Championship. Coffee professionals from around the globe will converge in Chicago to compete at the highest level.

Registration Details:

To ensure a spot in this unparalleled gathering, early registration is recommended. Various discount levels, including an early bird discount available until March 1, 2024, can be accessed at coffeeexpo.org.

Accommodations:

For those planning their stay in Chicago, special hotel rates are available through the Expo reservations webpage.

Best New Product Competition and Display:

Exhibitors at the 2023 Specialty Coffee Expo can vie for recognition in the Best New Product Competition. Submissions are open from December 13, 2023, to March 1, 2024, with categories spanning Coffee Accessories, Commercial and Consumer Coffee Preparation Equipment, and more. All submissions will be digitally displayed on the New in Coffee platform.

Coffee Design Awards:

In recognition of design excellence, the Coffee Design Awards celebrate innovation in coffee spaces, branding, and packaging. Submissions are welcome from December 13, 2023, to March 1, 2024, with selected entries permanently displayed on the Design in Coffee platform.

World Coffee Championships:

The 2024 Specialty Coffee Expo proudly hosts two World Coffee Championships – the World Brewers Cup and World Cup Tasters Championship. Coffee professionals worldwide are invited to compete and showcase their skills on the global stage.

Don’t miss out on this caffeinated adventure! Register now for the 2024 Specialty Coffee Expo and immerse yourself in the epicenter of the specialty coffee universe.

roundbreaking Introduction of the “Victoria Arduino Black Eagle Maverick” at DMCC Coffee Center

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Today marked a momentous occasion for us in the “QahwaWorld” as we ventured into the Dubai Multi Commodities Center’s Coffee Center for the first time. It also marked our initial encounter with the 2023 World Barista Championship runner-up, Daniele Carvalho Ricci.

The significance of the day was heightened by the distinguished presence of several experts and pioneers in DMCC coffee industry, including Saeed Al Suwaidi, Director of Agricultural Commodities at the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre, and Federico Ortel.Managing Director, Simonelli Middle East Branch

In this exceptional meeting, Daniele Carvalho Ricci and Federico Ortel presented the “Victoria Arduino Black Eagle Maverick,” a coffee machine that transcends the ordinary, offering intelligence and ease of use. More than a mere espresso machine, it stands as a versatile drinks station, capable of serving various types of coffee, tea, cascara, and hibiscus.

Daniele Carvalho Ricci, utilizing his exceptional skills as a “barista,” introduced the new machine in a distinctive and enchanting manner. The audience had the pleasure of tasting a variety of beverages prepared in the spirit of Daniele and the capabilities of the “Victoria Arduino Black Eagle Maverick” machine.

Regarding the new “Victoria Arduino Black Eagle Maverick” machine, Victoria Arduino stated, “It is the most intelligent and easy-to-use coffee machine we have developed so far. It provides complete control over the temperature and steam of the drink, allowing for quick and smooth transitions between various coffee types. This represents an entirely new sustainable technology that revolutionizes the coffee-making process.”

The machine operates on T3 G technology, granting the coffee maker absolute control over three different temperatures. It is user-friendly and sustainable, featuring a new motor that ensures precise temperature control with minimal energy consumption, only heating the necessary amount of water for extraction.

Victor Arduino added, “This machine doubles the steam pressure, reducing the amount of water required by half to produce a sweeter and longer-lasting foam. It also maximizes the recycling of used energy, making it the most efficient and sustainable option.”

 

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Introducing PureBrew technology, a revolutionary three-phase extraction method utilizing pulsating water pressure frequencies:

Phase 1: Pre-Infusion – Low-frequency, low-intensity pulses allow the coffee puck to absorb water and the grind to stabilize fully.
Phase 2: Infusion – High-pressure (9 bar) frequencies squeeze out all the oils and flavors.
Phase 3: Post-infusion – Water frequency is reduced to minimize the extraction of negative compounds.
The entire concept of PureBrew originated from a simple question: wouldn’t it be great to have a coffee machine that allows switching from espresso to filter coffee at the touch of a button?

The machine also features Advance Steam technology, boasting higher pressure and quality steam, producing a creamier milk that is stable and longer-lasting. The advanced Steam by Wire offers three pressure settings for purging, single, or double, allowing flexibility based on cup or milk jug size, reducing waste and benefiting both business and the environment.

Incorporating Gravimetric technology, the machine provides baristas with enhanced consistency and control over coffee brews by allowing them to read the weight of coffee in the cup from the Group display. For maximum precision, extraction can now be stopped at the desired weight.

The new low-profile design not only adds a practical aspect but also facilitates improved engagement between the barista and the customer. With these groundbreaking features, the “Victoria Arduino Black Eagle Maverick” emerges as a game-changer in the coffee world, setting new standards for efficiency, sustainability, and user experience.