Coffee Knowledge Hub

Competing in coffee is a journey of continuous learning and skill. Christos Sotiros emphasized that success doesn’t come overnight—it’s a process. Keep refining your craft year after year and don’t be discouraged by a single experience. Set Clear Goals: Chris advises setting clear, achievable goals, especially for newcomers. Familiarize yourself with competition rules, score sheets, and judging criteria. Your performance should tell a story that resonates with judges, who score based on specific parameters. Draw Inspiration, But Be Authentic: Learn from other competitors, but avoid copying. Develop your unique approach. Inspiration can come from trade shows, articles, or even studies. Chris recommends starting with a simple concept, executed well, instead of overly complex ideas. Enjoy the Process: Competitions are intense, but Chris encourages enjoying the experience. Don’t stress about winning—if you compete again, focus on improving your performance. Develop a Strong Theme: Build your presentation around a theme, personal story, or concept tied to a specific coffee. This creates a narrative that engages judges and sets you apart from others. Choosing the Right Coffee: Select coffee that inspires you and fits your theme. Chris shared advice on maintaining consistency, especially when competing internationally—consider the quantity of coffee, arrival time, and managing roast dates during competition. Collaboration with Producers: Work with a coffee producer to find the perfect competition coffee, combining expertise to elevate your presentation. Coffee Doesn’t Have to Be from Specialty Regions: You don’t need coffee from Panama or Colombia to succeed. What matters is whether the coffee aligns with your concept and story. Coaching and Team Support: Having a coach is highly recommended, especially for beginners. A coach helps you understand rules and gives valuable feedback. Surround yourself with a supportive team—if they understand your performance, so will the judges. Personal Growth Through Competition: Competitions offer more than a chance to win. They expand your knowledge, keep you updated with global trends, and push you outside your comfort zone. They also help develop soft skills like performing under pressure. Watch the Replay of the Masterclass here: https://lnkd.in/eDRwJmfx #coffeeknowledgehub

Premiumisation in Coffee: Health & Wellbeing as a Key Opportunity A recent Euromonitor report highlights a game-changing opportunity for premiumisation in the coffee sector: health and wellbeing. What does this mean for us in the coffee industry? Simply put, consumers are willing to spend more on coffee and drinks that promise to improve their health and wellbeing. There’s a growing demand for beverages that not only taste great but also make people feel better. This is the moment for coffee businesses to diversify their product offerings with healthy options that cater to this trend. Think plant-based drinks, ginger shots, and matcha lattes - these healthy alternatives are more than just a trend. They’re becoming a key driver of revenue in the coffee space. Take Ændre, a deli and café based in Hamburg, as an example. For January and February, they’ve launched their RESET program - a customer-focused initiative designed to help people kickstart healthy routines. Alongside promoting their own food and beverage offerings, Ændre has partnered with local businesses to create a holistic health and wellness experience. It’s a fantastic example of how businesses can tap into the health trend while boosting customer loyalty, community engagement, and even sustainability. The RESET program isn’t just a trend—it's a blueprint for how we can elevate our businesses and create lasting connections with customers by putting health and wellbeing at the forefront of what we do. We’ll be sharing insights from Janine Ophetveld, owner of Ændre, in an exclusive interview on the Coffee Knowledge Hub in the coming weeks. Don’t miss it! Join the Coffee Knowledge Hub today to stay updated on the latest industry news, trends, and opportunities. https://lnkd.in/eSS6JwBP #SpecialtyCoffee #Premiumisation #HealthAndWellbeing #CoffeeTrends #PlantBased #CustomerEngagement #SustainableBusiness #CoffeeInnovation

Reena Arora-Sánchez, storyteller and global communications leader is giving this presentation on how to build your brand with earned media. In this lecture you'll learn - how to determine the difference between paid and earned media - how to develop media relationships and introduce yourself to the media - how to craft an interesting story pitch, providing a hands-on example - how to become a subject matter, that is you learn where to look and continue to build on that. Watch the lecture here: https://lnkd.in/eXQEubiB #coffeeknowledgehub #coffee #coffeecareers #coffeelife #coffeeculture #coffeeroasting #coffeegeek #coffeecommunity #coffeepeople #coffeecourse

Congratulations to Andrea Batacchi, 2025 Italian Brewers Cup Champion & Youth Academy Alumni! We’re thrilled to celebrate Andrea Batacchi, who just won the 2025 Italian Brewers Cup, and who is also an alumni of the 2023 Youth Academy program! Reflecting on his experience, Andrea shared: "Youth Academy was an incredible opportunity in so many ways. It brought together people from different backgrounds and fields, creating an environment that was both inspiring and valuable. The chance to connect with passionate coffee professionals, including teachers, competitors, and champions, was one of the highlights. We’re all still in touch and support each other." For Andrea, the experience didn’t stop at the classroom. Traveling across Italy, visiting cafes, and meeting fellow baristas and roasters provided him with hands-on knowledge and a deeper understanding of the coffee industry. Additionally, the courses focused on elevating his skills as a Barista gave him the edge he needed to succeed. Now, as the newly crowned Italian Brewers Cup Champion, Andrea emphasizes the incredible networking opportunities the Youth Academy offers, which have played a huge role in his career. Where can the Youth Academy take YOU? Applications for the 2024 Italian edition close on February 28. Don’t miss the chance to invest in your future in coffee! Apply today and take your skills—and connections—to the next level. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/eCPmjuMV #CoffeeProfessionals #BaristaEducation #YouthAcademy #ItalianBrewersCup #CoffeeNetworking #CoffeeCommunity

Coffee is more than just a beverage; it is a complex mixture of bioactive compounds that can influence health in diverse ways. Among these compounds, cafestol and kahweol, two diterpenes found in coffee, have taken attention for their potential benefits and risks. These insights are based on a recent study conducted by @agnese_santa and the University of Camerino Food Chemistry team, in collaboration with the University of Padova and Simonelli Group SpA. The good news is, the concentration of cafestol and kahweol in coffee, depends significantly on the brewing method. Unfiltered methods: techniques like the French press and Moka pot allow more oils and fine particles to pass into the final brew, resulting in higher concentrations of these compounds. Paper-filtered methods: methods such as Chemex and V60 use paper filters that trap oils and fine particles, effectively reducing the diterpene content in the coffee. Other factors influencing diterpene levels include the coffee variety, geographical origin, roasting degree and other post-harvest procedures. For instance, light roasting retains higher diterpene levels than darker roasts. Moreover also grind size, water temperature and the application of pressure during brewing influence their content. Robusta coffee contains cafestol and traces of kahweol, whereas Arabica coffee has higher levels of both compounds. From the literature the presence of 16-O-methylcafestol (16OMC) has been used as a marker for distinguishing Robusta coffee . Read more about the study, potential health benefits and risks and what this research means for coffee drinkers in a new article, now available on the Coffee Knowledge Hub 🔗https://lnkd.in/e-V9A732. #coffeeknowledgehub #coffee #coffeecareers #coffeelife #coffeeculture #coffeeroasting #coffeegeek #coffeecommunity #coffeepeople #coffeecourse

The first ever Coffee Science and Education Summit on February 6th and 7th will offer talks, keynote lectures and workshops. The mornings are reserved for the lectures (see the images for the program of Day 1 and Day 2 of the Summit), while the workshops will take place in the afternoon. Local roasters will showcase their coffees during the coffee breaks of the official program on both days. Please register ahead for the workshops. Find more info and the full program here: https://lnkd.in/dMkvMK7N #coffeeknowledgehub #coffee #coffeecareers #coffeelife #coffeeculture #coffeeroasting #coffeegeek #coffeecommunity #coffeepeople #coffeecourse

As we look ahead to 2025, it's clear that the coffee industry is embracing a digital transformation. From consumers to producers, retailers to roasters, new technologies, automation, and AI are reshaping how we do business. But with these advancements come both incredible opportunities and new challenges. Let’s explore the potential—and the pitfalls. Opportunities: 🔧 Automation in Coffee Preparation Baristas are already using automation to perfect tasks like milk foaming and tamping, while systems that connect machines and grinders allow for automated grind adjustments. This ensures consistency and frees up time for baristas to focus on customer experience. 💡 AI for Menu Creation Cafe owners can now rely on AI (like ChatGPT) to help create unique seasonal menus. For holidays like Valentine’s Day or upcoming spring events, AI can generate personalized options based on trends and customer preferences. This is a great way to stay ahead of the curve with minimal effort. 🔥 Precision in Roasting Automated roasting profiles are helping roasters maintain more consistent results. With technology improving how we monitor and follow roasting profiles, businesses can streamline their processes and maintain quality at scale. 🏠 Consumer Convenience At-home brewing is being revolutionized by super-automatic machines, while apps using AI offer frictionless pre-ordering and pickup. The rise of robot-made coffee may soon be part of our daily lives, offering speed and precision. 🌱 Transparency with AI & Virtual Reality AI-driven sensory evaluation and virtual farm tours are increasing transparency in the coffee supply chain. Consumers are now more connected to the origin of their coffee, promoting ethical sourcing and sustainability. Challenges: While the promise of increased efficiency and precision is undeniable, these technologies bring new challenges to the table. First, what is the actual problem you're solving? The tools and applications of new tech and Ai are solutions, but are they the solutions to your problems. Solving problems you are experiencing in the short, medium and long term requires certainty about the actual problem, which may not be what it appears. Continue reading about any other potential challenges Tech & AI may have on your business here: https://lnkd.in/eC_JJ88F #CoffeeInnovation #TechInCoffee #AIinCoffee #AutomationInCoffee #2025CoffeeTrends #CoffeeBusiness #RoastingTechnology #BaristaTools #FutureOfCoffee #CoffeeTech #Sustainability #DigitalTransformation

Learn about the intricacies of leases and negotiations from Dale Willerton, the lease coach and author of Negotiating commercial leases & renewals for Dummies. It's a Must watch if you're about to sign a lease contract for a cafe or coffee shop for the first time, or if you're thinking about a lease renewal or open up a new location. This presentation was delivered at SCA Expo in Chicago in 2024 and mainly is US centric, but much of what is discussed is universal or could be extrapolated to your geography. Watch the lecture here: https://lnkd.in/dwAmH9h8 #coffeeknowledgehub #coffee #coffeecareers #coffeelife #coffeeculture #coffeeroasting #coffeegeek #coffeecommunity #coffeepeople #coffeecourse

Another World of Coffee Event means another WoC Runners Event, too. We are kicking off the WoC Runners calendar of events with a beautiful run in Dubai. Starting and finishing at Dubai's most luxurious coffee house Mokha 1450. 5KM Run Location: It is behind Mokha 1450 Coffee Lounge outlet, a beautiful area to run outside and off road. When? February 11th, Run starts at 7:15am Where? Mokha 1450 Coffee SPACE IS LIMITED - PLEASE RSVP TO RESERVE YOUR PLACE. Click here for more infos and RSVP https://lnkd.in/edBrxgG6 #coffeeknowledgehub #coffee #coffeecareers #coffeelife #coffeeculture #coffeeroasting #coffeegeek #coffeecommunity #coffeepeople #coffeecourse

How are you advancing your sustainability agenda in 2025? As we navigate a year of price pressures and shifting market dynamics, it’s easy to put sustainability on the back burner. But the truth is, sustainability can be your competitive edge. As a coffee professional your commitment to sustainability not only strengthens your brand but also adds tangible value in the eyes of your customers. Sustainability reporting is a powerful tool that can set you apart in an increasingly conscious market. It's not just about what you're doing - it's about how you measure and communicate your efforts effectively. Being able to showcase your sustainability credentials will help you build trust and loyalty, both upstream with producers and downstream with consumers. That’s why we’ve created a Sustainability Reporting course in collaboration with The Chain Collaborative. Available on the Coffee Knowledge Hub. This course will help you understand the steps you’re already taking, how to measure your impact, and most importantly, how to report and communicate your sustainability efforts in a clear, transparent, and compelling way. In today’s market, sustainability is not just a trend - it’s a critical part of doing business. Now is the time to invest in understanding how you can integrate and communicate sustainability in a way that drives real value. Join the course and stay ahead of the curve. Let’s build a more sustainable coffee industry together. https://lnkd.in/e8BYhTEa #Sustainability #CoffeeBusiness #SustainabilityReporting #CoffeeProfessionals #CoffeeBuyers #CoffeeImporters #CoffeeProducers #SustainableCoffee #CoffeeKnowledgeHub #2025Trends #SustainabilityInBusiness