Specialty Coffee Expo Archives

World Coffee Championship Announces the Names of the Qualifiers for the Championship Final in Chicago

Posted on April 14, 2024December 6, 2025 by Qahwa World

Chicago – QW : – Continuing the thrilling start to the ongoing World Coffee Championship held during the Specialty Coffee Expo Chicago 2024, the Specialty Coffee Association has announced the names of the qualifiers for the championship final, totaling 6 individuals representing Japan, France, Indonesia, Czech Republic, Austria, and Australia.

The Specialty Coffee Association stated in a press release that on Day 2 of the World Coffee Championship, following a fierce competition where 12 competitors took the stage in the semi-final this morning, we announce and congratulate the six qualifiers for the championship final, who will compete for the title today, Sunday, April 14, starting at 8:30 AM Central Time in the United States.

Without a specific order, the association announced the names of the six qualifiers and the countries they represent:

Wataru Iidaka, Japan

Charity Cheung, France

Ryan Wibawa, Indonesia

Jackie Tran, Czech Republic

Martin Wölfl, Austria

Tom Hutchins, Australia

The association invites the audience to join and follow the global event, saying: Join us to watch the final stage this evening. You can follow the action up close at the Specialty Coffee Expo in Chicago or watch the live stream on chicago.wcc.coffee to witness every exciting moment. Don’t miss out on the excitement and thrill amidst the competition of the outstanding players vying for the World Coffee Championship title!”

International Coffee Organization to Attend Specialty Coffee Expo in Celebration of 25 Years of Coffee Excellence

Posted on April 8, 2024December 6, 2025 by Qahwa World

The International Coffee Organization (ICO) has announced its participation in the upcoming Specialty Coffee Expo, marking a significant milestone in the world of coffee. The Expo, scheduled to take place from April 12th to 14th, will serve as a platform to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Cup of Excellence, a renowned event that has redefined standards of coffee quality globally.

Since its inception in 1997, the ICO has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality and sustainability of coffee production worldwide. The partnership between the ICO, the International Trade Centre/World Trade Organization, and the Common Fund for Commodities led to the creation of The Gourmet Project, a pioneering effort to elevate coffee quality and prices. This initiative laid the foundation for the Cup of Excellence, which has since become a cornerstone of the specialty coffee industry.

The Cup of Excellence, born out of the collaborative efforts supported by the ICO, has transformed the coffee landscape over the past 25 years. Through transparent competitions and rigorous evaluation processes, the Cup of Excellence has not only unearthed exceptional coffees but also empowered farmers and elevated standards of coffee production worldwide.

During the Specialty Coffee Expo, ICO representatives will participate in a series of events dedicated to commemorating the Cup of Excellence’s legacy and envisioning its future:

Panel Discussions: ICO experts will contribute to panel discussions exploring the impact of the Cup of Excellence on specialty coffee roasters, farmers, and the broader coffee community.
Farmers’ Stories: Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from farmers who have triumphed in the Cup of Excellence competitions, sharing their personal journeys and the transformative effects of the program on their livelihoods.
Roasters’ Strategies: ICO representatives will join discussions on how successful roasters leverage Cup of Excellence coffees to attract and retain customers, emphasizing the economic benefits of investing in quality.

As the coffee industry continues to evolve, the ICO remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting excellence and sustainability. Through initiatives like the Cup of Excellence, the ICO aims to empower coffee producers, foster innovation, and ensure a prosperous future for the global coffee community.

The Expo will culminate in a grand finale, where attendees can participate in a draw by collecting stamps on their official Cup of Excellence fun passports. Prizes will be awarded to lucky winners, adding an exciting conclusion to the celebration of 25 years of coffee excellence.

The Specialty Coffee Expo promises to be a momentous occasion, bringing together industry leaders, coffee enthusiasts, and stakeholders to honor the legacy of the Cup of Excellence and chart a course for the future of specialty coffee. Join the ICO and fellow coffee aficionados in celebrating a quarter-century of unparalleled quality and innovation in the world of coffee.

Specialty Coffee Expo 2024 Introduces Exciting New Features for April Show

Posted on April 4, 2024December 6, 2025 by Qahwa World

Dubai, April 5, 2024 (qw) – This year’s Specialty Coffee Expo is geared up to showcase its commitment to sustainability amidst mounting pressure on companies to embrace eco-friendly practices. Collaborating with industry leaders like Caravela Coffee, Pacific Foods Barista Series, and Barista Attitude, the expo is unveiling innovative strategies to offset its environmental footprint.

Carrie Gibson, Events Director at Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), announces, “We’re launching the ‘Sustainable Expo’ initiative, channeling financial aid to Latin American coffee farmers for planting native trees. This green endeavor aims to improve soil health, mitigate erosion, and sequester carbon.”

Through agroforestry systems, the expo plans to offset 1600 to 2000 metric tons of CO2 emissions by planting 6000 native trees, benefitting over 150 coffee farms across several countries. In addition to its ‘Sustainable Expo,’ scheduled for April 12-14 in Chicago, the expo is designed to cater to the global coffee community’s diverse needs.

Gibson emphasizes, “Our expo offers not just a vibrant atmosphere but also a platform for business growth and professional development. With features like the Roaster Village and the Best New Product competition, attendees can expect a unique experience tailored to their preferences.”

Introducing two new features, Green Coffee Connect and Retail Buyers Lounge, the expo aims to foster inclusive business relationships and provide a space for retail professionals to network and engage in meaningful discussions.

Furthermore, the expo offers extensive educational opportunities, including lectures and workshops, addressing critical industry topics. Gibson adds, “Education is paramount for success in this industry, and our workshops provide in-depth insights into specific subjects.”

With substantial growth anticipated, the expo remains committed to upholding SCA’s values and mission, ensuring a rewarding experience for every participant.

Gibson, reflecting on her role, expresses pride in contributing to the expo’s success and sustainability initiatives. She concludes, “Each year, seeing the expo come together is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a testament to the collaborative efforts of our dedicated team and the vibrant coffee community we serve.”