On the Eve of the World of Coffee Brussels, CQI CEO Delivers a Message on 2026 Achievements and Future Plans

On the eve of the World of Coffee Brussels, taking place from June 25 to 27, Michael Sheridan, CEO of the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI), delivered a message to the international coffee community. He reviewed the achievements of the first half of 2026, a period marked by significant milestones and qualitative developments, while also announcing the Institute’s participation in the event with a rich program featuring live demonstrations, tastings, and meetings with prominent partners.

This message comes at a critical time, as the global coffee industry undergoes rapid transformation, highlighting the growing role of educational and training institutions in enhancing production quality and improving producers’ livelihoods — priorities that remain at the core of CQI’s mission.

New Programs to Support Producers and the Coffee Community

Among the key highlights of the message was the launch of two new programs during the first half of the year. The first is the “Matching Grant Fund,” an initiative designed to catalyze co-investment in coffee-growing communities by providing matching financial grants to support development projects in producing regions. The second is “CQI Insider,” a digital platform that aims to connect the global community of coffee professionals, creating a space for communication and the exchange of experiences and ideas among those working across all stages of the value chain — from the farm to the cup.

Coffee Corps Relaunched After Comprehensive Upgrade

In addition, the Institute relaunched the “CQI Coffee Corps” program, one of its most celebrated initiatives in history, following a comprehensive upgrade and refinement. The first group of volunteers has already been selected for the new version of the platform, which is designed to strengthen peer-to-peer education among coffee professionals and enable them to share field knowledge and expertise directly. This program reflects the Institute’s commitment to building a more connected and collaborative coffee community.

Training Programs Development and Curriculum Updates

In the training domain, the first half of the year witnessed a significant achievement with the completion of a comprehensive review and two successful pilots of Version 3.0 of the Processing Professional (PHP) course, one of the Institute’s most impactful programs. The updated course has already been delivered across three continents — Africa, Asia, and Latin America — reflecting the Institute’s global reach and its ability to connect with coffee-producing regions worldwide.

Additionally, the fifth cohort of the Processing Expert Course was convened, representing the Institute’s most advanced training program, designed to develop a select group of experts in coffee processing. Students from this cohort are expected to transition soon from the classroom to the field, applying their learning in real-world settings and contributing to raising quality standards across the coffee industry.

Participation in Brussels 2026: Exclusive Activities at Booth 7655

As part of these ongoing efforts, CQI is participating in the World of Coffee Brussels 2026, one of the most significant global events in the specialty coffee sector. Booth 7655 at the Brussels Expo Convention Center will serve as the hub for the Institute’s activities, featuring live demonstrations, tastings, and meetings with prominent partners and experts.

Key highlights of the Institute’s three-day program include:

• Exploring the New Le Nez du Café Kit: Featuring Viva Lenoir, President of the company behind the kit’s creation, who will be available to answer questions and share what’s new in this updated edition of the aroma training kit.
• Live High-Precision Moisture Meter Demonstrations: Presented by Ben Collier, Managing Director of Sinar Technology, highlighting the importance of moisture meters and sharing maintenance tips.
• Fine Canephora Coffee Tasting: With Lukas Harbig, creator of the Canephorum event, and partner Gloria Pedroza, Head of NKG’s Quality Services Department. Visitors will have the opportunity to taste exceptional Canephora coffees and gain insights into the latest developments in this segment.
• Meet & Greet with Bean Voyage: As part of the Women Powered Coffee Summit, representatives from the organization will meet with booth visitors to discuss the role of women in the coffee industry.

Looking Ahead: The Second Half of 2026 Promises Even More

CEO Michael concluded his message by indicating that the second half of 2026 will be even more eventful, with plans to launch new programs, update training curricula, forge strategic partnerships, and implement ambitious investments and projects — all aimed at fulfilling the Institute’s core mission: improving coffee quality and the lives of those who produce it worldwide. He emphasized that updates on these initiatives will be announced in the coming months, inviting the coffee community to follow and participate in these developments.

Frequently Asked Questions About CQI and Brussels Activities