Tag: Coffee Championships

Lisbon to Host World of Coffee Europe 2027, First Time in Portugal

Posted on by Qahwa World

Source: Specialty Coffee Association |
Author: Qahwa World |
Date: June 5, 2026

Lisbon to Host World of Coffee Europe 2027, First Time in Portugal

Key Highlights:

  • The Specialty Coffee Association announces Lisbon as host for World of Coffee Europe in June 2027.
  • This is the first time the event will take place in Portugal.
  • The venue is the Lisbon Exhibition and Congress Centre in the Parque das Nações district.
  • Three world championships will be held: Latte Art, Coffee in Good Spirits, and Cezve/Ibrik.
  • SCA CEO praises Lisbon’s strategic location and cultural exchange potential.
  • The event aims to unite the specialty coffee industry globally.
  • Exhibitor and sponsor registration is now open via the official website.

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has announced that World of Coffee Europe 2027 will take place from June 17 to 19, 2027. The Lisbon Exhibition and Congress Centre will serve as the official venue. This marks the first time Portugal has hosted this global event.

The announcement continues the SCA’s mission to unite the specialty coffee industry worldwide. The event aims to advance coffee excellence, foster business growth, and support professional development through education, innovation, and collaboration.

Lisbon Exhibition Centre: A Strategic Venue in the Heart of the Capital

The Lisbon Exhibition and Congress Centre (FIL) is located in the dynamic Parque das Nações district. This area is one of Lisbon’s most vibrant and well-connected neighbourhoods. The venue combines contemporary design with flexible event infrastructure. It offers plenary halls, breakout spaces, one-stop-shop services, and state-of-the-art facilities.

Furthermore, the centre has excellent access from Lisbon’s international airport. Hotels, local transport hubs, dining, and cultural attractions are all within easy reach. This makes it an ideal environment for international business and collaboration.

Item Details
Event Full Name World of Coffee Europe 2027
Dates June 17–19, 2027
Venue Lisbon Exhibition and Congress Centre (FIL)
District Parque das Nações, Lisbon, Portugal
First time in Portugal Yes

CEO: Lisbon Understands Cultural Exchange

Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the Specialty Coffee Association, said: “World of Coffee exists to bring our global industry together in a way that creates real value for businesses, for professionals, and for the future of specialty coffee.” He added: “Lisbon is a city that understands that kind of exchange. It sits at the intersection of cultures and trade relationships that are fundamental to our value chain.”

Apostolopoulos continued: “The conversations at World of Coffee Lisbon will shape how our industry innovates, collaborates, and builds the resilience and sustainability that specialty coffee demands in the years ahead.”

Three World Championships to Take Place in Lisbon

World of Coffee Europe 2027 will host three major international competitions. These are the World Latte Art Championship, the World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship, and the Cezve/Ibrik Championship. Champions in each discipline will be crowned on the final day of the show.

These championships attract top talent from around the world. They also provide an opportunity to showcase skill and creativity in specialty coffee.

Championship Discipline
World Latte Art Championship Milk painting art
World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship Innovative coffee and alcohol drinks
Cezve/Ibrik Championship Traditional brewing methods

Exhibitor and Sponsor Registration Open

The Specialty Coffee Association is now accepting enquiries from prospective exhibitors and sponsors. Interested parties can visit the official event website for full information and participation terms. The event is expected to attract major coffee companies, equipment manufacturers, and service providers from around the world.

It is worth noting that Lisbon has become a preferred destination in Europe due to its culture and connectivity. This makes it an ideal choice for a global event of this scale.

Frequently Asked Questions About World of Coffee Europe 2027

Q: When will the event take place?

A: June 17 to 19, 2027.

Q: Where exactly will it be held?

A: At the Lisbon Exhibition and Congress Centre (FIL) in the Parque das Nações district.

Q: Is this the first time in Portugal?

A: Yes, this is the first World of Coffee event in Portugal.

Q: What championships will be held?

A: Three: Latte Art, Coffee in Good Spirits, and Cezve/Ibrik.

Q: How can I register as an exhibitor?

A: Visit the official website europe.worldofcoffee.org for details.

World of Coffee Europe is the premier event in the specialty coffee sector on the continent. Do not miss the opportunity to attend this global gathering in Lisbon 2027. Follow our updates for the latest news and registration details.

Prepared and edited by: Qahwa World – Based on a press release from the Specialty Coffee Association issued June 5, 2026.

All rights reserved. Republication with attribution permitted.

Publication date: June 5, 2026

Jane Espante: Cezve Is a Trust and Winning a Responsibility

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Dubai – Ali Al zakary

Fresh from being crowned 2026 World Cezve/Ibrik Champion, Jane Espante spoke to Qahwa World in her first interview following the historic win. The championship, the first World Coffee Championship of the year, was held as part of World of Coffee Dubai.

Representing the United Arab Emirates, Espante claimed the title after a strong final-round performance in a competition hosted in Dubai for the first time in its history. Her victory reaffirmed that one of coffee’s oldest brewing methods remains fully capable of expressing the present and shaping the future—when approached with respect and authenticity.

Asked what winning the 2026 World Cezve/Ibrik Championship meant to her, Espante’s answer was clear and direct.
“It means trust,” she said, explaining that cezve is the oldest coffee brewing method and one that shaped the coffee culture we know today—from brewing techniques to the idea of gathering around a shared cup. “Holding this title is a great honor because it allows me to respect this heritage and continue carrying it forward. This win confirmed to me that patience and sincere intention still matter in today’s coffee world.”

Reflecting on the moment her name was announced, Espante described the feeling as surreal. “I thought about the hours of training, the mistakes, and everyone who believed in me and supported me. My team gave their time, effort, and dedication to reach this moment. This win is for them.”

Jane Espante to Qahwa World: Cezve Is a Trust and Winning a Responsibility

On balancing tradition with her own creative identity, Espante said she viewed tradition as a foundation rather than a limitation. “I stayed true to the core techniques, then expressed my story through flavor, pacing, and presentation—without compromising the soul of cezve coffee.”

Speaking about representing the UAE and winning on home ground in Dubai, she said the moment was deeply meaningful. “The UAE gave me the space to grow, learn, and dream bigger. Winning here feels like giving something back to the place that shaped my professional journey.”

As for the impact of the title on her future, Espante emphasized the responsibility that comes with it. “I want to teach more, share knowledge, and show that traditional coffee is not just part of the past—it has a real place in the future of the industry.”

She concluded with a message to future competitors: “Respect the craft, but don’t erase yourself. Learn the rules deeply, then let your story guide how you present them. Honesty is always felt in the cup.”

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 to Host Over 2,100 Exhibitors from 78 Countries

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Countdown Begins for the Region’s Largest Coffee Industry Event

Dubai – Qahwa World

World of Coffee Dubai 2026, the Middle East’s premier specialty coffee trade event, is set to take place from 18 to 20 January at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Now in its fifth edition, the event will bring together more than 2,100 exhibiting companies and brands from 78 countries, representing the full spectrum of the global coffee industry—from producers and roasters to equipment manufacturers, café operators, traders, and hospitality leaders.

Organized by DXB LIVE in partnership with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), the event spans 20,000 square metres and offers a dynamic platform for trade, innovation, professional development, and cultural exchange within the specialty coffee sector. Dubai’s strategic location underscores its role as a global hub connecting coffee-producing origins with high-growth consumer markets and international trade centres.

  • A Fully Integrated Experience

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 features immersive experiences across key zones including Roasters Village, Producers’ Village, Cupping Rooms, and the Brew & Espresso Bar. Visitors can engage directly with leading global brands, sample specialty coffees, and participate in hands-on sessions. Dedicated technology zones will highlight innovations in roasting and brewing systems, automation, and sustainability, reflecting the future direction of the specialty coffee industry.

  • Championships Celebrating Expertise and Heritage

The event will host the UAE National Championships, the Roasting Championship, and the Cezve/Ibrik World Championship, showcasing barista artistry, technical precision, and heritage coffee preparation techniques. These competitions spotlight skill, craftsmanship, and the evolving standards of specialty coffee worldwide.

  • Three Live Auctions Over Three Days

The Dubai Coffee Auction programme runs throughout the event, including the Coffee Equipment Auction (18 January), the Microlot Auction (19 January), and the Exhibitors’ Coffee Auction (20 January). These auctions provide transparent platforms for price discovery, connecting international buyers with producers and brands.

  • A Platform for the Global Coffee Economy

“World of Coffee Dubai has evolved into a central platform supporting the global coffee economy,” said Khalid Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President of DXB LIVE. “The 2026 edition highlights the scale and impact of our championship and auction programmes, creating tangible commercial and cultural value for the global coffee community.”

Shouq Bin Redha, Exhibition Director, added: “By bringing together global standards, trade, and education, World of Coffee Dubai strengthens the UAE’s position within the international specialty coffee sector and supports professional growth across the region.”

Shouq Bin Redha, Exhibition Director

Event Details

  • Dates: 18–20 January 2026

  • Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre, Za’abeel Halls 1, 4, 5, and 6

  • Time: 10:00am – 6:00pm daily

  • Registration and Media Accreditation: www.worldofcoffeedubai.com

About World of Coffee Dubai
World of Coffee Dubai is the region’s leading coffee trade exhibition, connecting local, regional, and international professionals. The event features specialty zones, professional competitions, educational sessions, and opportunities for business networking, showcasing the best of coffee innovation and culture.

About SCA
The Specialty Coffee Association is the world’s largest nonprofit membership organization for coffee professionals. It promotes inclusivity, education, and shared knowledge to advance the specialty coffee industry globally.

About DXB LIVE
DXB LIVE, the event management arm of Dubai World Trade Centre, delivers world-class exhibitions, conferences, festivals, and private events. With expertise spanning creative, technical, and operational services, DXB LIVE organizes over 100 major events annually and designs more than 500,000 square feet of exhibition space.

DXB LIVE Announces Fifth Edition of World of Coffee Dubai 2026

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Dubai – Qahwa World

DXB LIVE, the integrated event management and experiential agency of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), has announced the return of World of Coffee Dubai for its fifth edition, taking place from 18 to 20 January 2026 at Za’abeel Halls 1, 4, 5, and 6 at the DWTC.

Organised by DXB LIVE in collaboration with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), World of Coffee Dubai has rapidly grown to become the leading coffee industry event in the Middle East, bringing together producers, roasters, traders, and experts from across the globe. The 2026 edition builds on this success, reinforcing Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for coffee trade, culture, and innovation.

Since its inception, the exhibition has quadrupled in size, reflecting the region’s expanding coffee landscape. International exhibitors now account for around 77% of total participants, underscoring the global coffee community’s confidence in Dubai as a meeting point for business and innovation.

The event coincides with the strong growth of the UAE’s coffee market, currently valued at over USD 3.2 billion (AED 12 billion) and projected to grow 8.4% annually, reaching USD 4.5 billion (AED 16.5 billion) by 2029. Across the MENA region, the market is expected to exceed USD 11 billion (AED 40 billion) within the same period. This expansion is fueled by rising demand for specialty coffee, shifting consumer preferences, and sustained investment in quality, sustainability, and technology—all of which are reflected in this year’s enhanced edition.

Commenting on the announcement, Khalid Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President of DXB LIVE, said: “This exhibition embodies the UAE’s vision to be a global hub for specialty coffee, bridging producing regions and fast-growing markets. With participation expanding each year, World of Coffee Dubai has become an international platform uniting leading experts, brands, and innovators—reflecting Dubai’s spirit of innovation and reaffirming its pivotal role in shaping the future of the coffee industry both regionally and globally.”

Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the Specialty Coffee Association, added: “World of Coffee Dubai has become one of the key events where the global coffee community comes together under one roof. Each new edition strengthens its position as an exceptional international showcase, thanks to the outstanding calibre of participants who help define the future of specialty coffee.”

Khalid Al Mulla, CEO of the SCA UAE Chapter, emphasized the event’s educational impact: “What distinguishes World of Coffee Dubai is its commitment to learning and knowledge exchange. It’s more than a marketplace—it’s a place where ideas are shared, skills are refined, and partnerships are built, creating a sustainable and thriving ecosystem for the coffee industry.”

The 2026 edition will feature the most diverse and inclusive program to date, including three national coffee championships—the UAE National Barista Championship, UAE National Cup Tasters Championship, and UAE National Roasting Championship—alongside the Best Coffee Design Awards, the Best New Product Competition, and two exclusive coffee auctions featuring some of the world’s rarest beans.

World of Coffee Dubai continues to serve as a global platform celebrating coffee culture, fostering innovation, and connecting tradition with progress. Exhibitors can now secure their spaces, and early-bird tickets for visitors are available through the official website: dubai.worldofcoffee.org

World of Coffee and World Brewers Cup Head to Bogotá, Colombia in 2027

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Dubai – Qahwa World

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has officially announced that World of Coffee Bogotá 2027 will take place in Colombia’s vibrant capital city from September 30 to October 2, 2027, hosting the prestigious World Brewers Cup competition.

The announcement was made during the first round of the 2025 World Barista Championship at HostMilano, where SCA CEO Yannis Apostolopoulos and Federación Nacional de Cafeteros de Colombia (FNC) CEO Germán Alberto Bahamón Jaramillo jointly revealed the exciting news.

Strengthening the SCA–FNC Partnership

This milestone event marks a new chapter in the collaboration between the SCA and FNC. Both organizations are joining forces to bring together the world’s top coffee professionals and competitors in one of the globe’s most dynamic coffee-producing nations. Their partnership recently deepened through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) focused on integrating the SCA’s Coffee Value Assessment methodology into the FNC’s national coffee quality processes.

A Return to Latin America’s Coffee Heartland

World of Coffee Bogotá 2027 follows World of Coffee Panama 2026, which will feature the World Barista Championship. Bogotá’s selection continues the SCA’s commitment to hosting world-class coffee events in producing countries, strengthening ties between origin and the global specialty coffee community.

The 2027 edition will also celebrate the return of a World Coffee Championship to Colombia after sixteen years — the last being the 2011 World Barista Championship held in Bogotá. This return underscores Colombia’s enduring importance to the global coffee industry and its role as a leader in quality, innovation, and sustainability.

A Global Gathering for Coffee Professionals

World of Coffee Bogotá 2027 will welcome exhibitors, sponsors, and attendees from every segment of the specialty coffee value chain. Visitors will be able to experience live World Brewers Cup performances, attend professional sessions, and engage with leading experts in coffee innovation and trade.

World of Coffee and World Brewers Cup to Take Place in Bogotá, Colombia in 2027

Additional details regarding exhibitor registration, speaking opportunities, and program highlights will be released in the coming months on the official SCA and World Coffee Championships platforms.