The global coffee community is gathering this weekend at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston as the 2025 Specialty Coffee Expo officially opens its doors. With the ribbon ceremoniously cut and the aroma of freshly brewed coffee filling the air, thousands of industry professionals from around the world are poised to connect, collaborate, and shape the future of specialty coffee.
The opening ceremony was held in the presence of Garfield Kerr, newly appointed President of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), and Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the SCA, along with other leading officials and distinguished guests. Their participation underscores the significance of this year’s Expo as a milestone event in the specialty coffee industry’s evolution.
Organized annually by the Specialty Coffee Association, the Expo is recognized as the world’s premier coffee trade show, bringing together a dynamic mix of coffee growers, roasters, baristas, equipment manufacturers, researchers, educators, and enthusiasts.
A Global Celebration of Specialty Coffee
The excitement in Houston is palpable as attendees—representing every link in the coffee value chain—embark on three days of discovery, learning, and inspiration. As the largest specialty coffee event of its kind, the Expo is a critical platform for showcasing innovations, discussing industry challenges, and forging new partnerships across continents.
This year, Promperu has been honored as the Expo’s official Portrait Country, shining a spotlight on Peru’s rich coffee heritage, diverse microclimates, and exceptional bean quality. Visitors can experience Peru’s vibrant coffee culture through tastings, exhibitions, and direct engagement with producers.
The 2025 Specialty Coffee Expo is proudly supported by leading industry partners:
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Title Sponsor: Middleby Coffee Solutions Group
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Diamond Sponsor: Sanremo Coffee Machines
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Platinum Sponsor: Pacific Foods Barista Series
Their contributions ensure the event maintains its world-class standing while fostering innovation and excellence throughout the industry.
Key Attractions and Experiences
Attendees have access to an expansive range of activities across the Expo floor, including:
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Exhibition Halls featuring hundreds of exhibitors presenting the latest in coffee technology, brewing equipment, sustainable solutions, and green coffee sourcing.
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The Roaster Village, where micro-roasters and established brands alike offer samples of unique coffees and innovative roasting profiles.
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The Design Lab, a curated exhibit showcasing the best in coffee space architecture, branding, packaging, and product design.
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Lectures and Workshops, providing education on a wide array of topics including coffee science, sustainability, market trends, and business development.
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Cupping Rooms, offering opportunities to taste coffees from around the world and understand emerging profiles and processing methods.
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The US Coffee Championships stages, where top competitors in brewing, barista skills, coffee tasting (cup tasters), and roasting showcase their talents and vie for national titles.
The Specialty Coffee Expo is not only about business; it’s about community, creativity, and pushing the boundaries of what coffee can be.
Renewed Focus on Sustainability
Since 2012, sustainability has been a core principle guiding the organization of Expo events. In 2025, the SCA reaffirms its commitment to reducing environmental impact through several important initiatives:
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This year’s Expo will partially offset its carbon footprint by supporting agroforestry and forest restoration projects in Burundi, in partnership with Sucafina and implemented by the Kahawatu Foundation.
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The initiative is supported by industry leaders Barista Attitude and Pacific Barista Series, reinforcing the collective responsibility of the coffee community to act against climate change.
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Attendees are encouraged to participate in sustainability efforts by learning more about these initiatives and integrating sustainable practices into their own operations.
By addressing environmental concerns head-on, the SCA and its partners demonstrate that growth and responsibility must go hand-in-hand.
A Catalyst for Growth and Innovation
The Expo serves as a catalyst for professional and personal growth. Attendees gain not only new technical skills and market insights but also a deeper understanding of the global issues that shape the coffee industry. From emerging brewing methods to innovations in fermentation, from discussions about climate resilience to the latest trends in coffee marketing, the knowledge exchange is constant and transformative.
Each year, participants leave the Expo with renewed energy, armed with the tools and inspiration to continue elevating coffee excellence in their own communities.
An Invitation to Engage
The 2025 Specialty Coffee Expo continues through the weekend, offering countless opportunities to discover new ideas, forge meaningful connections, and celebrate a shared passion for coffee. The SCA encourages all attendees to share their experiences and moments of inspiration using the official event hashtag #coffeeexpo2025 across social platforms.
Badges are available at coffeeexpo.org, and visitors are advised to explore the full program to make the most of their Expo journey.
As the coffee community comes together once again, one thing is clear: the Specialty Coffee Expo is not just an event—it is a movement. A movement fueled by a love for coffee, a dedication to craft, and a vision for a more sustainable, inclusive, and innovative industry.