Trieste, Italy – Qahwa World

The International Coffee Convention (ICC) 2026 will be held in Trieste this October, bringing together scientists, industry leaders and policy experts to address some of the most pressing challenges facing the global coffee sector.

Under the theme Coffee at the Crossroads: Climate, Consumers and Circularity, the event will examine how coffee production and trade are adapting to climate change, shifting consumer demand and the growing push toward circular and sustainable systems.

The ICC has positioned itself as a unique international forum that connects applied scientific research with real-world decision making across the coffee value chain. Unlike traditional trade fairs or academic conferences, the convention is designed to translate research into practical insight for industry professionals.

Previous editions were held in Mannheim in 2023 and 2024, where the format gained recognition for combining interdisciplinary science with industry-focused discussion. The 2026 edition continues this model with a programme structured around six key tracks.

These cover climate and agriculture, sustainability and processing, market and consumer trends, technology and innovation, ethics and social equity, and trade and regulation. Topics include climate resilience in coffee farming, circular economy approaches in processing, digital transformation, supply chain transparency, and evolving regulatory frameworks in major coffee markets.

The convention brings together a wide range of expertise, including agronomists, economists, geneticists, sensory scientists and behavioural researchers, alongside producers, traders, roasters and technology providers. Organisers say this mix is intended to strengthen collaboration between research and industry practice.

ICC 2026 will also open a call for papers, inviting contributions that combine scientific rigor with practical relevance. Submissions are expected to address challenges and opportunities across the coffee sector, from cultivation and processing to technology, sustainability and trade.

The two day event focuses on concentrated dialogue, applied insight and professional networking, with an emphasis on connecting science and industry in a way that supports real decision making.

Previous ICC proceedings and conference materials remain publicly accessible, offering insights into the research and discussions from earlier editions.