Simonelli Group and UNICAM Present “Science Driven Coffee Cup” Conference

Posted on September 6, 2026September 6, 2026 by Qahwa World

Source: Simonelli Group / University of Camerino / RICH
Author: Qahwa World
Date: September 6, 2026

Simonelli Group and UNICAM Present “Science Driven Coffee Cup” Conference

International scientific coffee conference in Italy on November 19-20, 2026.
Brings together researchers, industry experts, and professionals from around the world.
Fields include chemistry, biology, neuroscience, data science, and consumer research.
Organized by RICH in partnership with the University of Camerino.
Hosted at Simonelli Group Campus in Belforte del Chienti, Italy.
Celebrates the 10th anniversary of RICH (2016-2026).

The Research & Innovation Coffee Hub (RICH) and the University of Camerino (UNICAM) have announced the first edition of Science Driven Coffee Cup. This is an international scientific conference dedicated to innovation and interdisciplinary research in the coffee sector.

The event will take place on November 19-20, 2026, at the Simonelli Group Campus in Belforte del Chienti, Italy. Registration and further information are available at the dedicated conference website.

A Platform for Dialogue Between Academia and Industry

Science Driven Coffee Cup has been designed as a platform for dialogue and collaboration among academia, research institutions, industry, and the wider coffee community. The conference will bring together researchers, professionals, companies, and experts from different countries to advance knowledge about coffee through an integrated scientific approach.

Fields including chemistry, biology, neuroscience, data science, and consumer research will provide complementary perspectives on challenges and opportunities across the coffee value chain, from raw materials to the consumer experience.

**Science Driven Coffee Cup Event Details**
Item	Details
Event	Science Driven Coffee Cup 2026
Date	November 19-20, 2026
Location	Simonelli Group Campus, Belforte del Chienti, Italy
Organizers	RICH and University of Camerino
Host	Simonelli Group
Disciplines	Chemistry, biology, neuroscience, data science, consumer research

Building a Bridge Between Science and Industry

Marco Feliziani, CEO of Simonelli Group, said: “Technological development cannot exist without scientific research and the continuous growth of knowledge. This is why we have been collaborating for decades with universities and international research centers active in a variety of scientific fields. The performance of our technologies is the clearest proof of this commitment.”

Feliziani noted that Simonelli Group and the University of Camerino established RICH in 2016 to contribute directly to coffee research and create a bridge between academia and industry. “The objective of RICH is to generate new knowledge and expand the scientific understanding of coffee, creating value across the entire supply chain.”

He added: “Science Driven Coffee Cup is the result of this vision: sharing research outcomes, encouraging dialogue among experts, and continuing to build the future of coffee on a solid scientific foundation.”

University of Camerino Leadership

Graziano Leoni, Rector of the University of Camerino, said the partnership demonstrates how cooperation between universities and industry can turn research and knowledge into innovation and value. “The role of a university is not only to generate new knowledge, but also to create the conditions for that knowledge to be shared, transferred, and translated into opportunities for development.”

He added that this is one of the core missions of UNICAM, supported through investment and practical initiatives. Leoni also thanked the UNICAM researchers involved in RICH, describing their expertise and engagement with the business community as a driving force behind knowledge transfer and innovation.

RICH 10th Anniversary

The conference will also mark the 10th anniversary of the Research & Innovation Coffee Hub. Established in 2016 by Simonelli Group in partnership with the University of Camerino, RICH focuses on coffee research from a scientific and multidisciplinary perspective. Its work covers coffee and coffee-based products, milk and alternative beverages, with activities including scientific publications, educational initiatives, and participation in conferences internationally.

A Forum for the Coffee Research Community

In addition to scientific sessions, the Science Driven Coffee Cup program will include networking opportunities, presentations on developments in coffee science, and exchanges with international experts from the disciplines represented at the conference. The organizers aim for the event to become a significant meeting point for both the scientific and professional coffee communities.

About the Organizers

Simonelli Group is a manufacturer of professional espresso machines, grinders, and filter coffee machines. The company operates in more than 130 countries and exports more than 95% of its production. Its portfolio includes three brands: Nuova Simonelli, Victoria Arduino, and 3TEMP.

RICH was established in 2016 to investigate coffee from a scientific and multidisciplinary perspective and to disseminate knowledge to support the development of the coffee industry.

The University of Camerino, founded in 1336, offers programs through five schools covering architecture and design, biosciences and veterinary medicine, law, pharmaceutical and health product sciences, and science and technology. The university emphasizes academic excellence, teaching innovation, scientific research, technology transfer, public engagement, and collaboration with industry.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Science Driven Coffee Cup?An international scientific conference dedicated to innovation and interdisciplinary research in the coffee sector, held in Italy on November 19-20, 2026.

Who is organizing the conference?RICH in partnership with the University of Camerino, hosted by Simonelli Group at its campus in Belforte del Chienti.

What disciplines are represented?Chemistry, biology, neuroscience, data science, and consumer research.

What anniversary is being celebrated?The 10th anniversary of RICH (2016-2026).

Where will the conference take place?At the Simonelli Group Campus in Belforte del Chienti, Italy.

How can I register?Through the dedicated conference website: sdcc.unicam.it

Coca-Cola Makes Last-Minute Effort to Revive Costa Coffee Sale Talks

Posted on December 16, 2025December 16, 2025 by Qahwa World

London – Qahwa World

Coca-Cola is reportedly making a final attempt to keep negotiations alive over the potential sale of Costa Coffee, as discussions with its preferred buyer have slowed due to disagreements on valuation.

According to international media reports, talks between the US beverage group and London-based private equity firm TDR Capital have reached an impasse. TDR, the owner of UK supermarket chain Asda, was recently named the leading contender to acquire Costa Coffee. The proposed transaction would reportedly cover Costa’s UK and global operations, while excluding its approximately 300 stores in China.

Sources familiar with the matter indicate that Coca-Cola is seeking a valuation close to $2 billion for the 4,200-store coffee chain. This figure represents a significant reduction from the $4.9 billion the company paid when it acquired Costa Coffee in early 2019. A final decision on the future of the brand is expected before December 21, 2025.

In an effort to secure an agreement, Coca-Cola is said to be open to alternative deal structures, including the sale of a controlling stake rather than a complete exit.

The company began formally reviewing strategic options for Costa Coffee in August 2025. The move followed comments from outgoing Chief Executive James Quincey, who acknowledged to investors that the performance of the coffee business had fallen short of expectations and had not delivered the returns initially anticipated.

Several investment groups have previously expressed interest in Costa Coffee. These include US-based Bain Capital and China’s Centurium Capital, which owns Luckin Coffee. Other major private equity firms, including Apollo and KKR, are understood to have withdrawn from the process in recent months.

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

Posted on December 22, 2023December 6, 2025 by Qahwa World

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.