International Coffee Convention: A Turning Point for Coffee’s Future
The International Coffee Convention (ICC) kicked off today in Mannheim, Germany, under the theme “Coffee in Transition,” bringing together some of the brightest minds in the global coffee industry. The two-day event, running from October 17–18, 2024, is set to explore critical trends shaping the future of coffee, addressing sustainability, technological advancements, and the ever-present challenges posed by climate change.
In her opening speech, Dr. Vanúsia Nogueira, Executive Director of the International Coffee Organization (ICO), emphasized the importance of collaboration within the coffee sector. She highlighted that the ICC aims to bring stakeholders from all corners of the coffee world—farmers, roasters, traders, and coffee machine manufacturers—together to find real, science-based solutions to the industry’s most pressing challenges.
Coffee in Transition: A Deep Dive Into the Industry’s Future
The convention features a dynamic program, touching on a wide range of topics that are central to coffee’s future. Discussions include the cultivation of lesser-known coffee species, such as Robusta, Stenophylla, and Racemosa, and how these species can be integrated within the framework of the Nagoya Protocol to ensure sustainable use of genetic resources.
Another key focus is on innovations in coffee farming systems, where experts are examining policies to prevent deforestation and exploring cutting-edge fermentation and processing technologies.
The Role of Science in Coffee Sustainability
One of the most anticipated sessions is the satellite workshop co-hosted by the ICO, the Global Crop Diversity Trust, the Coffee Consulate, and Dr. Christophe Montagnon of RD2Vision. This exclusive, invitation-only session will dive deep into the application of the Nagoya Protocol in coffee, with particular focus on the conservation and sustainable use of coffee genetic resources.
Discussions during the workshop aim to address the ambiguity in the current rules and to develop guidelines that will help governments and industry players safeguard the future of coffee.
Exploring Health Benefits and Sustainable Business Practices
Another key session at the convention will focus on coffee and health, where leading scientists will present research on coffee’s nutritional benefits and its role in promoting health. Additionally, participants will explore the business side of coffee, delving into innovations in roasting, preparation, and the evolving café culture.
The event will also shed light on the sustainable utilization of coffee by-products, a topic that has gained significant momentum in recent years. Experts will address both the challenges and opportunities in turning coffee waste into valuable resources, paving the way for a greener, more circular coffee economy.
Shaping the Future of Coffee
With the world rapidly changing, the coffee industry must adapt to the effects of climate change, shifting consumer habits, and advances in digitalization. The ICC provides a platform for researchers, practitioners, and industry leaders to present the latest findings and offer practical solutions that can be implemented across the coffee value chain.
As the convention progresses, participants and attendees are encouraged to submit abstracts for the chance to publish their research in a special issue of the MDPI Biology and Life Sciences Forum and compete for the prestigious Kaldi Awards.
This gathering in Mannheim is more than just an event—it’s a pivotal moment for the global coffee industry as it grapples with the challenges and opportunities of an uncertain future. By fostering collaboration and driving innovation, the ICC is shaping a sustainable path forward for coffee lovers worldwide.
