The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) is excited to announce that its flagship event, the North American Specialty Coffee Expo, will be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX from April 25-27, 2025. This prestigious gathering is set to attract more than 17,000 attendees from 85 countries, highlighting the best in coffee innovation, culture, and sustainability. It will also provide a range of networking opportunities for those in the coffee trade.
According to Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the Specialty Coffee Association, “The Specialty Coffee Expo is more than just an event—it’s a platform where the global coffee industry unites to address current challenges and celebrate future opportunities. In 2025, resilience will be essential as we navigate the impacts of climate change, rising costs, and shifting consumer demands. The expo will highlight innovative solutions and facilitate important collaborations across the coffee value chain.”
The Exhibition Hall will feature over 600 exhibitors, showcasing the latest coffee products and technologies. Coffee professionals—including roasters, retailers, buyers, producers, and baristas—will have the chance to explore new business opportunities, make purchasing decisions, and learn about integrating specialty coffee into their operations.
Education Program and Workshops
The 2025 education program will include over 20 workshops and 60 lectures led by top industry experts. Topics will cover Emerging Sustainability Regulations (such as EU Deforestation Legislation), E-commerce Strategies, Consumption Trends, and Technology and Automation. Additionally, there will be scientific sessions and updates on research from organizations like the Coffee Science Foundation and World Coffee Research.
Special Events at the Expo
Several special events are planned throughout the three-day expo, including:
World Coffee Roasting Championship: The only global coffee competition in North America for 2025, where elite roasters will compete for the championship title.
Awards: Attendees can discover new products and innovations through the Best New Product Awards, Coffee Design Awards, and Sustainability Awards.
Interactive Experiences: The Roaster Village and Cupping Exchange will offer attendees a chance to explore coffees from boutique roasters and green coffee importers.
Networking Opportunities: From happy hours to evening parties, attendees will have numerous chances to connect with peers and exhibitors.
Retail Buyers Lounge: Designed for retail professionals, this area will provide curated programming for networking and learning.
Green Coffee Connect: This special session will highlight the challenges in green coffee production and explore new ways to engage with this critical sector.
Middleby Coffee Solutions Supports the Event
As Title Sponsor, Middleby Coffee Solutions expressed excitement for the 2025 Specialty Coffee Expo. Tim FitzGerald, CEO of Middleby Corporation, commented, “We are proud to support the Specialty Coffee Expo, a premier event showcasing the latest trends and innovations in the coffee industry. Our brands are dedicated to delivering high-quality coffee solutions, with a focus on innovation, performance, and reliability. We’re excited to help specialty coffee operators strengthen their relationships with their customers and enhance the coffee experience.”
Testimonies from Past Attendees
The Specialty Coffee Expo has been a valuable experience for attendees around the world. A first-time attendee from Colombia shared, “It was invaluable to witness the development of the coffee value chain globally.” Another international attendee noted, “We’ve been attending the expo since 2010—it’s an essential investment for staying updated in the industry.” One more attendee added, “The SCA Expo is still the premier space for coffee professionals to network and stay ahead of the curve.”
With a growing reputation for offering unmatched networking and learning opportunities, the 2025 Specialty Coffee Expo in Houston is expected to be an unforgettable event for coffee professionals and enthusiasts alike.
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