The Specialty Coffee Expo 2017 was held from April 20 to 23 at the Washington State Convention Center in Seattle, Washington, USA. This annual event, organized by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), is one of the largest gatherings in the coffee industry, bringing together professionals, enthusiasts, and innovators from around the globe.
Key Highlights:
1. Exhibitors and Attendance:
Over 500 exhibitor participated, showcasing products like coffee equipment, beans, roasting technologies, and packaging innovations.
Thousands of attendees from over 75 countries attended, including coffee growers, roasters, baristas, and industry professionals.
2. Educational Opportunities:
Lectures and workshops covered various topics such as sustainability, coffee farming practices, brewing techniques, and advancements in coffee technology.
Panel discussions featured global experts discussing the future of specialty coffee and its challenges.
3. Competitions:
The US Coffee Championships were a major attraction:
Barista Championship: Kyle Ramage from North Carolina won and represented the US at the World Barista Championship.
Brewers Cup and Cup Tasters Championship also took place, showcasing excellence in brewing and tasting.
4. Special Focus:
Kenya was featured as the “Portrait Country” for 2017, with special exhibits highlighting its coffee culture, heritage, and contributions to the industry.
5. Networking and Innovations:
The expo provided a platform for networking and collaboration among coffee professionals.
Innovative products such as new brewing devices, grinders, and green coffee processing tools were launched.
Legacy:
The 2017 Specialty Coffee Expo solidified its role as a leading event for advancing knowledge and innovation in the coffee industry while celebrating the global coffee community. It set a benchmark for future expos with its diverse programming and international reach.
SPECIALTY COFFEE EXPO, Seattle, 2017
