Lecture Description

Join us for an exploration into the intriguing realms of olfaction and gustation sciences. This presentation delves into the fundamental principles of olfactory and gustatory neuroscience, addressing the latest research findings shaping our understanding of flavor perception. Discover how our olfactory receptors, including retro-nasal and ortho-nasal pathways, and taste buds discern the myriad flavors and aromas. We will also discuss the brain regions responsible for perceiving and analyzing these sensory inputs, and how these experiences are encoded as memories, enabling us to recognize similar flavors in the future. While we aim to provide a comprehensive overview, it's essential to acknowledge the complexity of this field. This presentation offers a basic foundational understanding, recognizing the depth and intricacy that lie beyond the surface.

Date: Saturday, June 29, 2024
Time: 14:15 - 15:15
Location: Lecture Room 2

This lecture is free to attend with a World of Coffee entry badge. Register to attend World of Coffee Copenhagen here.

Lecturers / Presenters

Louai Zaidan (he/him)
Development Manager, Synapse Torréfaction

Louai cofounded the first coffee shop of Synapse Roasting company along with his two partners Julien and Caroline. He currently takes care of the development projects of the company. Louai judged in many national competitions, including French barista championships, Brewer’s cup, and latté art. He also won twice the second place of the French ibrik championship. Coming from a medical scientific background, he’s curious about understanding the perception of flavors and aromas in coffee.

Lecture Description

Building markets for broader embrace of Canehphora to suppliment specialty consumption is increasingly pertinant in the face of climate change, producing countires are readily identifying the need and benefits, but markets need to follow. Using quality perception intiatives and broadening the dimensions of what faciliates effective supply chain sustainability hold the key to opening markets for wider consumption and exposure to Canephoras immense potential and diversity.

Date: Saturday, June 29, 2024
Time: 14:15 - 15:15
Location: Lecture Room 1

This lecture is free to attend with a World of Coffee entry badge. Register to attend World of Coffee Copenhagen here.

Lecturers / Presenters

Nick Mabey (he/him)
Chief Operating Officer, Assembly Coffee and Volcano Coffee Works

Originally from New Zealand, Nick has been based in the UK since 2012, founder of Assembly Coffee and Director at Full Steam Espresso Ltd Nick is invloved in numerous development projects specailising in supply chain development from the DRC, Myanmar and Brazil among others.

Fabiana Carvalho, PhD (she/her)
Researcher, University of Campinas, Brazil

Fabiana Carvalho is a Brazilian neuroscientist who received her MSc in Biochemistry and her PhD in Psychobiology studying neural processes of perception and memory. She has also worked as a postdoctoral researcher on a project investigating sensory perception as an anticipatory and constructive process instead of a mere passive and reactive process.

She is currently a collaborating researcher at the University of Campinas, Brazil. Her research project “The Coffee Sensorium” is focused on understanding multisensory flavour perception and how it impacts the coffee drinking experience. She has published several scientific articles showing the effect of coffee cups and packaging on sensory and hedonic judgements of specialty coffee. This research project has several collaborators such as the SCA (Coffee Science Foundation) and Prof Charles Spence (University of Oxford, UK).

In addition, “The Coffee Sensorium” is also participating in the development of the Canephora Flavour Wheel as a descriptive tool for conilon and robusta coffees. This project is being conducted together with Prof Lucas Louzada (IFES, Brazil) and Dr Enrique Alves (Embrapa RO, Brazil).

Lecture Description

Join us in this panel as we delve into the transformative role of direct cash transfers, specifically micro-grants, in bolstering the resilience of smallholder farmers within coffee communities. While traditional sustainability efforts often revolve around capacity building, this discussion aims to challenge preconceptions about cash transfers by examining their impact on various facets of farmers' lives beyond just income. Rather than viewing them as mere handouts, we will scrutinize the thriving income index, emphasizing qualitative aspects such as stress levels, agency, and overall well-being.

Date: Saturday, June 29, 2024
Time: 13:00 - 14:00
Location: Lecture Room 2

This lecture is free to attend with a World of Coffee entry badge. Register to attend World of Coffee Copenhagen here.

Lecturers / Presenters

Abhinav Khanal (he/him)
Co-Founder & Executive Director, Bean Voyage

Abhinav Khanal is a social entrepreneur focused on reducing inequities in the world. He is the founder of two ventures: Bean Voyage and Little Big Fund.

Bean Voyage is a feminist non-profit social enterprise that works to build thriving businesses with smallholder women coffee farmers. Through a unique bundle of training, finance, mentorship, and global market access, Bean Voyage supports women in coffee-growing regions in achieving economic independence.

Abhinav is also the Co-Founder & Chief Thought Officer of Little Big Fund, a social impact organization that provides tools, networks, and funds to changemakers around the world.

Abhinav has a B.A in Politics from Earlham College, and is a Facilitator of the Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Social Change Course and Design Thinking Course at the Centre for Executive Education, United Nations Mandated University for Peace.

Sunghee Tark (she/her)
Co-founder and CEO, Bean Voyage

Sunghee Tark is the co-founder and CEO of Bean Voyage, a feminist non-profit social enterprise that collaborates with smallholder women coffee producers in Latin America. Her interest in the specialty coffee industry has initially stemmed from her passion to understand the intersectionality of income and gender inequality and she looked at coffee as one of the tools to address the issue. She explored this interest through academic research at the London School of Economics where she finished her master’s degree in 2019. Her research explored the role that coffee producers’ cooperatives play in promoting gender equality in farming communities and how to better engage different stakeholders. Through her work with Bean Voyage, a feminist non-profit social enterprise that she co-founded with Abhinav Khanal, she collaborates with smallholder womxn coffee producers and youths in coffee communities to co-create a sustainable supply chain that works for all. She is also the 2019-2021 Specialty Coffee Association’s LEAD Scholar (Leadership, Equity, and Diversity), Byron Fellow, Re: Co Fellow, Davis Scholar, Socap Entrepreneur fellow and Ackerman-Nicholson Scholar.

Nora Burkey (she/her)
Founder and Executive Director, The Chain Collaborative

Nora Burkey founded The Chain Collaborative in 2014 in order to invest in community-led development in the coffee sector. She holds a master’s degree in Sustainable Development from the School for International Training, where she focused on gender in development and food systems. She is part of the Creator’s Group for the SCA Coffee Sustainability Program and is currently an Authorized SCA Trainer. Under the banner of TCC, she consults on a number of coffee projects, has written for several coffee magazines and blogs, and has taught at a variety of educational institutions. She speaks English and Spanish.

Nic Lauten (he/him)
Executive Director, Kula

Nic Lauten is the Executive Director for Kula, a nonprofit organization that exists to eradicate poverty through the development of entrepreneurs in Rwanda's coffee communities. With over 15 years working in economic development and 6 years residing in East Africa, Nic is energized by impact and by seeing farmers create new realities for themselves and their families. Through the Kula Fellowship Program, which combines agronomy training, business development and microfinance, coffee farmers on average double their harvest and triple their income within one year of graduation.

Lecture Description

In recent years, highly sophisticated, experimental post-harvest processing styles have been developed in many countries. This trend is reflected in a diversity of processing method, for instance anaerobic naturals where coffee cherries are being fermented for several days in closed containers prior to drying the cherries. To analyse the impact of such an anaerobic step during an in cherry fermentation, we have analysed coffee from four different processes, all produced from the same coffee from Chepsangor Hills Estate in Kenya by Rosabella Langat and obtained through Crankhouse coffee. This allowed us to compare traditional processes such as washed and natural coffee with coffees that went through such an in cherry fermentation and how processing affected both physical and chemical composition in both green and roasted coffees. The impact of post-harvest processing on final flavour is able to drastically change the flavour profile of coffee, which will be discussed in the presentation.

Date: Saturday, June 29, 2024
Time: 13:00 - 14:00
Location: Lecture Room 1

This lecture is free to attend with a World of Coffee entry badge. Register to attend World of Coffee Copenhagen here.

Lecturers / Presenters

Sebastian Opitz (he/him)
Head of Green Coffee at the Coffee Excellence Center, ZHAW

Dr. Sebastian Opitz is the head of green coffee at the Coffee Excellence Center of the Zurich University of Applied Sciences in Switzerland. The main research focus lies on connecting properties of green coffee with cup profile by using a wide variety of analytical chemistry methods and sensory evaluation to explore the impact of origin (coffee variety and species, terroir, post-harvest processing etc.) on final cup. As a AST in green coffee Sebastian is part of the SCA green coffee creators group that develops the curriculum of the SCA Coffee skills program and also teaching green coffee from tree to trade in continuous educations programs of the ZHAW.

Lecture Description

The future of coffee is at risk. Climate change, regulatory environment shifts, a lack of young farmers willing to take up the trade, farming communities struggling with intergenerational poverty - these complex challenges threaten our industry as a whole, and each hinges on a fundamental issue that has been unaddressed for too long. Regardless of what is happening on a highly speculative NY Commodities Market, coffee farmers have real and continually increasing costs, driven by demands for particular qualities, new legal requirements for export and certifications. The historical record shows that the vast majority of coffee farmers simply aren’t paid enough for their efforts and final product. Meanwhile, we all know that there is no future for the coffee industry if there is no business case for the coffee farmers.

This panel, moderated by Fairtrade, brings together representatives from a coffee roaster, retailers and farmers from Latin America and Africa to discuss the urgent need to build stable financial foundations for coffee farmers. In the context of striving towards “Sustainable Coffee” -- industry leaders will be challenged to consider: Are we investing in the future of coffee with the prices we’re paying to the farmer?

Date: Saturday, June 29, 2024
Time: 11:45 - 12:45
Location: Lecture Room 2

This lecture is free to attend with a World of Coffee entry badge. Register to attend World of Coffee Copenhagen here.

Lecturers / Presenters

Michael Schiedel (he/him)
CEO, Freehand Coffee Company

I am passionate about making a positive impact on the world through sustainable and responsible practices. That is why I founded the Freehand Foundation, a unique microloan project that supports coffee farmers in Honduras. Our company is part of the MIKO Group, a global coffee company with over 200 years of history and founder of the PURO Rainforest Coffee project. We aim to shape a new tomorrow for our business and the industry as a whole. I am honored to be a part of this great team as we constantly strive to create more value for our customers, partners, and stakeholders.

Rikke Ramm Eberlein (she/her)
Senior Consultant, CSR, Lidl Danmark K/S

Rikke Ramm Eberlein is a Senior Consultant, CSR at Lidl Denmark K/S, where she has the responsibility of the development and implementation of the international and national CSR strategy.
Rikke Ramm Eberlein has a diverse educational background and combines the dynamics of Business, Sustainability, NGO's and cross-disciplinary projects - where knowledge and diverse, cross functional perspectives are shared and new insights emerge.

When we meet and interact at these intersections, Rikke Ramm Eberlein is convinced that we’ll find inspiration and create solutions together to achieve the visionary goals of creating a better and brighter world - especially when facing megatrends like sustainability, technological change, hyper-connectivity and diversity.

To date, many companies’ global climate action has mainly focused on lowering carbon emissions and developing new green technologies. Yet, climate action also concerns people. It is about empowering people to take part in shaping a better tomorrow, and it is about strengthening the resilience of local communities. That has been the core mission of Rikke Ramm Eberlein through +14 years.

Aske Skovmand Bosselmann (he/him)
Associate Professor, University of Copenhagen

Aske Bosselmann is an Associate Professor at the University of Copenhagen, where he has carried out research, teaching and advisory services related to coffee since 2007. Topics covered in his research include quality aspects, agroforestry and climate smart practices, productivity, farmer livelihoods, global value chains, and lately also rootstocks. He has done field work on three continents in the coffee belt and is collaborating with major international research centers and coffee companies. He always has a handful of MSc students doing research abroad; currently pollination studies in Vietnam and value chain analysis in Uganda.

Netsanet Nega (she/her)
Marketing/Commercial Manager, Bench Maji Forest Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union

Ms. Netsanet Nega is a distinguished Marketing/Commercial Manager at the Bench Maji Forest Coffee Producer Farmers Cooperative Union, located in South Western region of Ethiopia Bench Sheko zone. Since joining the union six years ago, she has worked closely with over 21,350 farmers, significantly contributing to the cooperative's success. The union is established in 2004 with 14 PCs but now reached to 85 primary coops.Holding BAs in Marketing Management and Environmental Studies, alongside an MA in Tourism Development, Netsanet has furthered her expertise through recent online courses in CSR, specialty coffee marketing, and digital coffee marketing. Also engaged in different discussion of EUDR and CS3D while being professional bariste, she has played a pivotal role in exporting coffee to the US, Europe, and Asia. She is a dynamic force in the coffee industry.

Monika Firl (she/her)
Senior Coffee Advisor, Fairtrade International

With more than 25 years’ experience in coffee, Monika has coordinated Farmer-to-Farmer learning programs, while living and working in Latin America and has worked as the Green Coffee Buyer, Producer Relations Manager and Director of Sustainability in North America. She currently serves as Senior Coffee Advisor with Fairtrade international. Her cumulative experience provides perspective on the extraordinary changes within Specialty Coffee and amongst ethical and sustainability initiatives. Understanding the urgent need for integrated solutions has fueled her interest in building collaborative relationships across the supply chain and bridging economic and ecological goals that simultaneously support coffee production and farmer livelihoods.

Lecture Description

This session will give roasters the practical tools they need to prepare for EUDR compliance requirements in their supply chains while continuing to engage on transformation. Focusing on the case study of EUDR, which has already gone into effect, from an integrated upstream approach, panelists will also discuss the general regulatory environment as it is developing within the EU and globally. Furthermore, panelists will provide advice on how participants meet compliance requirements while continuing to work towards their own sustainability goals.

Date: Saturday, June 29, 2024
Time: 11:45 - 12:45
Location: Lecture Room 1

This lecture is free to attend with a World of Coffee entry badge. Register to attend World of Coffee Copenhagen here.

Lecturers / Presenters

Giacomo Celi (he/him)
Head of Partnerships, Sucafina

Giacomo Celi is the Head of Partnerships at Sucafina. Giacomo is an Agriculture Engineer by degree with a Master in Food Quality Management at Wageningen University and a visiting research on coffee agro-forestry modelling at the University of Oxford. Giacomo has over 20 years of experience in the coffee industry covering roles in operations, sustainable procurement and corporate sustainability. We worked across the supply chain for illycaffe, Caffe Nero, AB Agri and Mercon.

Robin Sampson (he/him)
CEO, Trade in Space

Robin has established a rich and varied career in the space and satellite applications sector. Having worked to deliver low-cost, satellite informed bush-fire detection systems to protect people and farms in continental Africa, he founded Trade in Space in 2017 to explore how satellite applications could improve agricultural transparency and sustainability. In 2021 Trade in Space launched their flag ship product which is now used by global coffee and cacao traders to evidence legislative compliance to sustainability laws and support corporate reporting. Trade in Space leverage space-based technologies to support agricultural supply chains.

Bavo Vandenbroecke (he/him)
Sales Manager, Sucafina

Acting as Sales Manager of Sucafina Specialty EMEA, Bavo supports a passionate sales team that is focused on bringing value to both roaster clients, as well as committed producers. Facilitating this link with a clear focus on sustainable supply chains and exquisite service to all stakeholders, is what our team is about. Bavo has an MBA in Sociology. After extensive traveling in coffee producing regions all over the world, he has been working professionaly in coffee since 2016. Understanding that coffee is a unique commodity that thrives through, and because of relationships, Bavo aims at contributing to the coffee industry's development towards a net zero, equitable, and fairer trade environment for all actors involved in the coffee value chain.

Lecture Description

The complexity and urgency of sustainability challenges in the coffee sector requires collaborative and systemic approaches to effectively address them. Public and private sector actors are investing in sustainability initiatives but not always aware of the work that others are doing. Effective collaboration and strategic investments can amplify the impact of sustainability investments.

This panel discussion will present the new Coffee Sustainability Initiatives Map, an interactive tool that provides more visibility on sustainability and support initiatives in coffee producing countries around the world. Users can discover what is being done, where, and by whom in the coffee sector. The Coffee Sustainability Initiatives Map is co-created and requested by members of the International Coffee Organization’s Coffee Public-Private Task Force and the International Trade Centre through the Coffee Guide Network, supported with co-funding from the European Union. The collective effort shows how collaboration can result in practical resources for collective action.

Panelists will offer public and private sector perspectives of how the map’s insights can be used to inform strategic decision-making, identify gaps and synergies, and as an opportunity for collaboration to address pressing needs in the coffee sector. Panelists will use EUDR preparedness as a practical use-case of the map.

Date: Saturday, June 29, 2024
Time: 10:30 - 11:30
Location: Lecture Room 1

This lecture is free to attend with a World of Coffee entry badge. Register to attend World of Coffee Copenhagen here.

Lecturers / Presenters

Vanúsia Nogueira (she/her)
Executive Director, International Coffee Organization (ICO)

Vanúsia Nogueira comes from a family of coffee producers, and started her career at PwC Consulting, where she was a partner and worked for 15 years. She started working directly with coffee in 2002, always focusing on niche markets. She served as executive director at BSCA from 2007 through April 2022 and took over as Executive Director at the International Coffee Organization in May 2022. Vanúsia holds a PhD in Administration/Marketing from Rosario National University in Argentina, a BS in Systems Engineering and Administration from Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-RJ) and MBAs and post-MBA focusing on Management, Marketing and Advanced Project Management from Fundação Getúlio Vargas in Rio de Janeiro.

Reena Eddiks (she/her)
Senior Sustainability Manager Coffee Tchibo

Tchibo is 75 years old this year. The Hamburg-based coffee roaster is one of the largest in the German-speaking world - and has set itself the goal of only offering responsibly sourced coffee from 2027. As coffee farmers around the world are suffering from both the consequences of climate change and low incomes, a rethink in the coffee trade is urgently needed. Tchibo, the roasted coffee market leader in Germany, Austria, the Czech Republic and Hungary, is rising to the challenge.

Reena is Senior Sustainability Manager for Coffee at Tchibo since 5 years now. As such, she is the main contact point for any external stakeholders - as the ICO, as Enveritas, as WCR or the International Coffee Partners. Next to this, she is managing the built up of sustainability infrastructure in Brazil and Peru. Reena is looking back at more than 15 years in the coffee sector, and has enjoyed different perspectives on the matters. She worked for Volcafe, Modelez and the Hanns R. Neumann Stiftung in the past, after completing her degree in International Communication.

Sjoerd Panhuysen (he/him)
Researcher, Ethos Agriculture

Sjoerd is a principal researcher at Ethos Agriculture, bringing two decades of experience as an agricultural commodity researcher, with a specialization in the coffee sector. His academic background in sociology and development studies has driven his career across a spectrum of roles within international NGOs, encompassing program implementation in Africa, Asia, and Latin America, as well as influential advocacy work within the European coffee market. Sjoerd’s pioneering contributions include the establishment and authorship of the Coffee Barometer, a collaborative initiative among NGOs active within the coffee sector. This biennial report fosters transparent and comprehensive dialogues on sustainability, engaging many different stakeholders.

Hannelore Beerlandt (she/her)
European Commission Senior Advisor

Hannelore is an agricultural economist with long term experience in political economy of food markets. She has done extensive and long term field work and consultancy in value chain development in Africa and South-East Asia for international organisations and universities for more than 30 years, of which she lived 9 years in Africa. Today, she is advisor on global commodities to the European Commission and particularly on Coffee. As such she facilitates the Working Stream on ‘Policies of Importing Countries’, under the Coffee Public Private Taskforce of the International Coffee Organisation and she supports EU Delegations in coffee-producing-countries for the design of support programmes to the coffee sector.

Before she was CEO of AgriCord and has been president of Enabel, the Belgian Development Agency between. She is member of the Board of an innovative Social Impact investor ‘Kampani’ and is member of the Advisory Board of the Institute for Development Policy of the University of Antwerp. She authored several books and articles regarding the link between food policies, food markets and poverty reduction.

Hernan Manson (he/him)
Head Inclusive Agribusiness Systems, International Trade Centre (UN/WTO)

Hernan Manson manages the Inclusive Agribusiness programme of the International Trade Centre, a joint agency of the United Nations and World Trade Organization. ITC focuses on Micro, Medium and Small Enterprises (MSMEs); policymakers and business support organizations to promote competitiveness and trade for good. He is co-author of ITC’s Flagship Publication ‘’ The Coffee Guide’’ which is the world's most extensive, hands-on and neutral source of information on the international coffee trade.

Hernan has been involved in promoting public-private partnerships for sustainable Food and Agriculture systems since 2005. As part of his portfolio, he regularly works with producers and MSMEs in Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean and Pacific regions to implement agricultural value chain development for inclusive and sustainable growth across several ITC programs. Through ITCs market system approach, his team has been particularly active in developing competitiveness and sustainability interventions in several value chains worldwide with a very strong focus and track record in Coffee, Cocoa and value-added food products.

Since 2019, Hernan is a steering committee member of The Smallholder and Agri-SME Finance and Investment Network (SAFIN) - hosted by the International Fund for Agricultural Development - where he collaborates regularly with practitioners and financial stakeholders in developing innovative and practical solutions to financial inclusion and impact investment.

He received his MA in International Public Affairs and Governance at the LUISS Guido Carli School of Government, Italy and holds a degree in Business Management from the Universidad de San Andres, Argentina. He is also a member of the Technical Steering committee of CERALE, a research network focusing on EU Latin America Business and trade linkages, hosted by ESCP Europe Business School.

Lecture Description

Studying coffee extraction can be a daunting subject as there are countless factors that influence it. In this lecture, however, we argue that only five factors really determine how fast and efficient an extraction will ultimately be:

Particle size (and distribution)
Extraction time
Temperature
Concentration difference and
Bed height

First, we provide an overview of the three well-known factors: particle size, extraction time and temperature. Which ranges of these factors are used for which types of extractions and how do changes in any one of them affect the final cup.

Next, we will explain the concept of 'concentration difference' between the coffee particles and the surrounding liquid. Then we will explain why bed height directly affects extraction efficiency and what happens when going to the extremes, such as a very shallow or tall coffee bed height.

Finally, we will synthesize the insights on all five drivers of extraction to formulate practical tips on how to change extraction conditions to achieve a high-quality cup of coffee.

Date: Saturday, June 29, 2024
Time: 10:30 - 11:30
Location: Lecture Room 2

This lecture is free to attend with a World of Coffee entry badge. Register to attend World of Coffee Copenhagen here.

Lecturer / Presenter

Marco Wellinger (he/him)
Head of Coffee Extraction and Sensory, Coffee Excellence Center (ZHAW)

Dr. Marco Wellinger researches coffee at the Coffee Excellence Center at ZHAW (Switzerland). His focus is on disentangling the dynamics of coffee extraction and how to make understanding water more simple. He also performs sensory analysis and is certified as a Q Arabica and Q Robusta grader, SCA sensory professional and authorised SCA trainer (AST). He co-authored the SCA Water Quality and Freshness handbooks. His work with industry partners includes benchmark testing of espresso machines and household filter coffee systems. 2022 he was the main author and teacher of the extraction module in the online course CAS in Coffee Excellence.

Lecture Description

In an era where online learning is increasingly prevalent, knowledge is rapidly evolving and the coffee community is highly international, the ZHAW Coffee Excellence Center (CEC) education team along with educational partners presents an interactive session aimed at addressing the challenges and opportunities for distance learning coffee education.

This session invites participants to join a discussion on innovative approaches to online coffee education, facilitated by experts from the CEC and other renowned coffee educators. Through interactive workshops and discussions, attendees will explore topics such as conveying sensory aspects online, the intricacies of online coffee education, identifying useful tools for virtual teaching, and envisioning the future of online coffee education.

Date: Friday, June 28, 2024
Time: 14:15 - 15:15
Location: Lecture Room 2

This lecture is free to attend with a World of Coffee entry badge. Register to attend World of Coffee Copenhagen here.

Lecturers / Presenters

Sabine de Castelberg (she/her)
Head of Continuing Education, ZHAW Coffee Excellence Center

Sabine joined the ZHAW Coffee Excellence Center as a research associate in 2017 where she is responsible for the continuing education in coffee. There, she drives forward various online continuing education programs in coffee, emphasizing innovation and digitalization. During her research at the university, she focused particularly on socio-economic issues and the challenges faced by smallholder farming families. Her interest lies in coffee sustainability, exploring topics like smallholder farming systems, farmer family livelihoods, and knowledge transfer. Notably, she contributed to a project improving smallholder coffee farming in India and engaged in an international project in Colombia and Bolivia, analyzing coffee value chains and specialty coffee markets through participatory research. With a BSc in Business Administration and Marketing and an MSc in Environment and Natural Resources, her expertise spans interdisciplinary fields.

Sierra (Wen Xin) Yeo (she/her)
Program Coordinator, ZHAW Coffee Excellence Center

Sierra is a Research Assistant and Program Coordinator at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences Coffee Excellence Center, and the U.K. Brewers Cup Champion 2022. She has a decade’s worth of experience as a coffee professional, from barista skills to store management, and prior to her current employment was the Coffee Specialist for Alpro U.K., the largest plant-based retailer in Europe under Danone. She is a licensed Q-Arabica Grader, coffee writer and public speaker.

Gloria Pedroza Labin (she/her)
Head of Quality, NKG Quality Service / Neumann Kaffee Gruppe

Gloria Pedroza Labin is Head of NKG Quality Service at Neumann Kaffee Gruppe. Gloria is originally from Guatemala where she started her coffee career at NKG’ coffee export company back in 1998. She's now based in Zug, Switzerland and manages NKG’s quality lab, offering consultancy services related to green coffee quality and sensory analysis to NKG’s companies and customers worldwide. She's an AST for SCA Sensory Skills and Green coffee as well as Q-Grader Instructor for Arabica and Robusta. Gloria also serves the coffee community in her roles as WCE representative and judge and as Board member of SCA Switzerland and CQI.

Katrin Föhse (she/her)
Global Coffee Expertise Training & Community Manager, Nestlé Nespresso S.A.

Katrin Föhse is responsible for the Coffee Expertise department at Nestlé Nespresso S.A..

She has been collaborating with the Zurich University of Applied Sciences since 2017 and runs the Nespresso internal education program "Certificate of Advanced Studies in Coffee Expertise" together with them.

Katrin has a great passion for coffee as well as people development and is a huge lover of African coffees.

Before joining Nespresso in 2011, she worked as a Coffee Ambassador for Starbucks Germany and then as Global Training Manager at Apple Retail.

Martina Vaculikova (she/her)
Program Coordinator, ZHAW Coffee Excellence Center

Martina is the Research Assistant and Program Coordinator at ZHAW since 2020. Before joining the university, she was involved in training of professionals and adult education in a corporate field where she has entered the world of e-learning creation and online education while working as a curriculum developer. Gained experience and insight helped her in developing and improving the CAS in Coffee Excellence at ZHAW. She keeps searching for educational topics to explore, and ways how improve herself and the educational programs at CEC in the sphere of adult and online education.

Lecture Description

Join us for an enlightening coffee lecture that goes beyond the surface of the coffee industry. Get ready to immerse yourself in a world of coffee category insights, trends, and communication.

In this captivating session, we'll dive deep into the realm of consumer behavior and segmentation. Discover how understanding the diverse consumer segments can be a game-changer for your business, communication strategies, and menu development. Uncover the global coffee trends and explore how they intertwine with the unique characteristics of consumer segments, allowing you to create a coffee menu that truly enhances their coffee experience.

Prepare to unlock the language of semiotics and its transformative power in crafting an impactful out-of-home environment. Learn how to harness the visual cues, symbols, and signs that speak directly to your target audience, creating an atmosphere that resonates and leaves a lasting impression. Delve into the captivating semiotics of cold brew, unraveling the hidden meanings behind its visual representation.

And as we conclude this enlightening journey, gain invaluable insights into the different customer segments and their attitudes towards coffee. Understand what truly matters to them when making decisions, allowing you to tailor your offerings and services to their unique preferences.

Join us for an unforgettable coffee lecture that will empower you with knowledge, creativity, and a fresh perspective on the world of coffee.

Date: Friday, June 28, 2024
Time: 14:15 - 15:15
Location: Lecture Room 1

This lecture is free to attend with a World of Coffee entry badge. Register to attend World of Coffee Copenhagen here.

Lecturer / Presenter

Ann Menard (she/her)
Global Brand Communication and Insight Manager, Nestle Professional

Ann Ménard, Global Brand Communication and Insight Manager for Nestlé Professional, brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the world of specialty coffee. With over 20 years of experience in 360° customer and consumer insights and communication, Ann has dedicated most of her career to beverage categories.

Having grown up on a dairy farm in the USA, followed by living in Europe and working in more than forty countries across the globe, Ann's diverse background has shaped her cultural understanding and sharpened her insight lens. Her deep appreciation for applied semiotics, communication, user experience, and design fuels her drive to develop innovative tools that craft inspiring stories for both customers and consumers.

Currently based in Switzerland, Ann is responsible for global communication, identifying worldwide trends, and crafting regional consumer and customer insights. With her expertise, she actively guides the development of the innovation and beverage strategy for Nestlé Professional.

Lecture Description

Based on her experiences with coffee farmers and cooperative groups, Jeanine Niyonzima will describe elements that make working relationships particularly productive. One key to success is recognizing farmers’ needs beyond their coffee production. Learning what social supports can make a significant difference in their community is just the beginning of conversations with farmers at origin. This is not a zero-sum game: Doing more for farmers does not result in less for your bottom line. On the contrary, it expands the opportunities for everyone involved in the coffee industry. 

Date: Friday, June 28, 2024
Time: 13:00 - 14:00
Location: Lecture Room 2

This lecture is free to attend with a World of Coffee entry badge. Register to attend World of Coffee Copenhagen here.

Lecturer / Presenter

Jeanine Niyonzima-Aroian (she/her)
Owner, JNP Coffee

Jeanine Niyonzima-Aroian, owner, and manager of JNP Coffee, advances the global specialty coffee industry and farmers in her native Burundi, East Africa, by producing, promoting, and trading the specialty coffee grown there. With an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School and a 20-plus-year international career, she entered the coffee industry in 2012.

A strong advocate for women coffee farmers in Burundi, Jeanine supports high-quality production through Dushime® premium incentives for high-scoring coffee, lessons in financial literacy, and leadership skills. Jeanine is committed to educating Burundi’s people for the economic empowerment of self-sustaining coffee communities. She was named to the Sprudge 20 in April 2023.

A current SCA board member, Jeanine is a Licensed Q Grader and certified Q. processor Level 1. She was previously SCA Northeast Regional Coordinator, Community Coordinator for the SCA U.S. Chapter, and host of frequent online Business Chats with a wide range of experts on the coffee industry.

Lecture Description

The global cold brew market is growing exponentially, creating the perfect opportunity for any specialty coffee business to expand.

Determining which coffees are best suited for reaching your goals with cold brew can be challenging since the brewing method produces such different flavors than traditional hot brewing methods. Cold brew cupping can be incredibly useful.

This lecture explores cold brew sensory analysis using the Coffee Value Assessment protocols. Discover how to leverage new sensory methods to unlock the hidden flavor profiles unique to cold water extraction.

Date: Friday, June 28, 2024
Time: 13:00 - 14:00
Location: Lecture Room 1

This lecture is free to attend with a World of Coffee entry badge. Register to attend World of Coffee Copenhagen here.

Lecturer / Presenter

Julia Leach (she/her)
President, Toddy LLC

Julia Leach leads Toddy, LLC, a company that has been at the forefront of cold brewing since 1964. Julia’s team works with cafes and roasters worldwide to help them develop cold brew programs that highlight the nuances of the brewing method and inspire their customers to fall in love with cold brew. She is passionate about the art and science of cold brewing and is active in developing quality cold brew education for the coffee industry. She has presented at SCA Re:co, SCA Expo, NCA Convention, and also frequently presents at industry events around the world.

Lecturer / Presenter

Circularity rethinks the connection between people and planet, resources and products, and value and capital. In coffee, a circular economy system seeks to conserve and regenerate natural resources and ecosystems, promote the well-being of coffee-producing communities, and offer economic opportunities for all stakeholders to increase their competitiveness.

This panel discussion will highlight insights on the work and recent report by the multi-stakeholders working group on Circular Economy in Coffee part of the ITC’s Coffee Guide Network, “Making a Case for Circular Economy in Coffee.” A global panel will showcase practical examples of circular economy processes throughout the coffee value circle, underscoring how a circular economy model can drive innovation, create new business practices, opportunities for significant value addition and new jobs through utilizing agricultural byproducts, with a strong focus on economic opportunities for small and medium enterprises at coffee origin.

We will invite collective action through the Center for Circular Economy in Coffee (C4CEC), a global pre-competitive platform for accelerating the transition from linear to circular. The center builds from the ITC Coffee Guide Network and is evidence of how collaboration can result in practical partnerships for collective action. The goal is to design processes capable of creating positive impact and value-addition for coffee stakeholders globally.

Date: Friday, June 28, 2024
Time: 11:45 - 12:45
Location: Lecture Room 2

This lecture is free to attend with a World of Coffee entry badge. Register to attend World of Coffee Copenhagen here.

Lecturers / Presenters

Giulia Macola (she/her)
Project Manager, International Trade Centre (ITC)

Project Manager focusing on agribusiness and coffee value chains at the International Trade Centre (ITC), a UN organization that achieves broad based socio-economic impact through trade especially working with micro, medium and small businesses.

Jonathan Duran Mora (he/him)
Sales Manager, Coopeagri

Graduated as an Industrial Production Engineer in 2002, immersed in the world of coffee for more than 17 years and in the last 12 he has been in charge of the International Operations Unit of CoopeAgri. Before reaching this position, he worked as Sales Manager for the national market with CoopeAgri coffee brands, he also worked as a Quality Control Manager, cupper and held management positions in distribution and logistics companies in Costa Rica.
He is passionate about coffee, sports, but especially his family.
In the last 2 years he has represented the Coffee Network of Fair Trade Producers of Costa Rica, thanks to his experience in different roles that he has developed in the coffee industry.

Michele Cannone (he/him)
Lavazza Brand Away from Home Director, Luigi Lavazza S.p.A.

Michele Cannone has been the Lavazza Global Brand Away from Home Director since 2013. Previously, he served as the Food Service Director for Italy and the Head of Global Marketing Foodservice within the company. In his current role, he oversees the management and development of the Food Service channel and the OCS/Vending channel, working closely with a dedicated team of fifteen experts.
Before joining Lavazza, Michele gained extensive experience in multinational consumer goods and food & beverage companies, including Procter & Gamble, Guinness, Coca-Cola, Heinz, Unilever, and Cloetta.
He is a frequent speaker at various conventions and conferences, where he shares his deep expertise and passion for the coffee industry.

Sara Yirga (she/her)
Managing Director and Trainer, YA Coffee Roasters

A development professional for over a decade turned coffee enthusiast, leveraging 12 years of experience and a dedication to coffee education, I'm a certified AST and graduate of the prestigious CAS program at ZHAW.

Co-Founder and managing director of YA Coffee Roasters and New Phase Trading & Coffee Services PLC which houses our little but special coffee corner in Addis, Cherish Addis Coffee & Books.
Founder and current board chair, Ethiopian women in coffee, IWCA's Ethiopia Chapter; dedicated to supporting women in the coffee industry.

Alejandro Franco (he/him)
Co-Founder & CCO, Kaffe Bueno

Alejandro, Co-Founder & CCO of Kaffe Bueno, leads business development & strategy, and coffee compound studies.

Lecture Description

Ethiopia, Senegal, and Uganda have developed unique coffee cultures that can facilitate adaptation and development of specialty coffee consumption in Africa and beyond. The panel discussion with short presentations will be made by Dagmawi I. Eminetu and Muna D. Lobe and is based on a qualitative research undertaking in the three countries with regards to historical roots and socio-economic significance of the selected consumption cultures for developing narratives that facilitate the development of specialty coffee from seed to cup. The panel discussion will also connect the business, science, and sustainability of coffee and their intersection to explore emerging opportunity for market linkages and development with regards to emerging trends in the specialty coffee sector. In this regard, the emerging and soon to be relevant African coffee market will be the focus as the new frontier for specialty coffee sector.

Date: Friday, June 28, 2024
Time: 11:45 - 12:45
Location: Lecture Room 1

This lecture is free to attend with a World of Coffee entry badge. Register to attend World of Coffee Copenhagen here.

Lecturers / Presenters

Dagmawi Iyasu Eminetu (he/him)
Serial Entrepreneur, Eshi Safaris LLC

Dagmawi Iyasu Eminetu considers himself a serial entrepreneur and actively integrates the health, education, tourism, and coffee sectors into his daily work. He holds a Master of Science in Biotechnology (USA) and a Master in Coffee Economics and Science (Italy).

Dagmawi I.E. has over 25 years of work experience at various capacities in the United States and Africa. He currently works for Grounds for Health (Vermont, USA) as the Director of Programs and Eshi Safaris LLC (Delaware, USA) as Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). He also provides strategic support to YA Coffee Roasters and New Phase Trading and Coffee Services PLC (Ethiopia) as Co-founder and Innovation Advisor.

Dagmawi I.E. is passionate about and committed to cervical cancer elimination in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) and telling research based African coffee stories that transform the lives of smallholder farmers, women, and young people in coffee growing communities. The later is a passion project that is meant to facilitate value addition and integration into the global specialty coffee culture.

Muna Lobé (she/her)
Communications Expert

My name is Muna D. Lobé and I am a cultural anthropologist and comparative sociologist by training, of Caribbean and African heritage. 
I am also an experienced creative director, skilled communicator and marketer and passionate African contemporary art curator.

Over the past fifteen years, I have honed significant competencies and experience in consulting, strategic communication and marketing, media relations, content creation and branding. Through the founding of a boutique strategy consulting firm, I have meticulously crafted and supported communication strategies for emerging and established organizations internationally. 

I have resided and worked in many locales across the world: Europe, the United States, West and East Africa, the Caribbean and have settled in Dakar, Senegal almost five years ago where I also co-founded a creative design studio.

Lecture Description

Growing coffee is a complex process influenced by many variables such as altitude, soil, cultivars and climatic conditions, but also by cultivation and processing practices. After harvesting, the coffee undergoes fermentation which profoundly influences the organoleptic profile of the bean. The diversity of microorganisms, the characteristics of the pulp, and environmental factors contribute to its variability. This study aims to measure and monitor the evolution of sugars and of acids during the processing phase. In the 2022-23 harvest period, two varieties of coffee (Pacas and Lempira) at three different stages of maturation were fermented with the washed method for 48 hours. During fermentation, both the process water and the coffee beans were analyzed at regular intervals using CDR CoffeLab®. The same green coffee samples were roasted and evaluated by cupping tasting following the SCA protocol. The two varieties responded differently to the fermentation process. The balance between acidity and sugars was fundamental in determining the final quality of the product since a correlation was found between the result obtained in the tasting and the acidity and sugar values ​​measured in the green coffee.

Date: Friday, June 28, 2024
Time: 10:30 - 11:30
Location: Lecture Room 1

This lecture is free to attend with a World of Coffee entry badge. Register to attend World of Coffee Copenhagen here.

Lecturer / Presenter

Massimo Battaglia (he/him)
Coffee Research Leader, La Marzocco Accademia del Caffè Espresso

Massimo Battaglia is a tropical agronomist, specialized in the management of development projects, in the formulation of technical proposals and in agricultural dissemination, in research activities, in horticulture and fruit growing in temperate, subtropical and tropical climates, in the definition of best practices and production specifications for production of quality, in supply chain studies, in the valorization of territorial productions and in the certification of origin. Over the last 15 years, manager of coffee and cocoa projects for the Italian Cooperation in Central America and the Caribbean (Programa CafèyCaffè), in Cuba, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Cape Verde, currently Coffee Research Leader of the Espresso Coffee Academy of La Marzocco in Florence (Italy). He has worked in Italy, China, Cape Verde, Tunisia, Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Libya, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Guatemala, Honduras, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, Ecuador, Colombia, Vietnam, Indonesia.

Lecture Description

Living Income economic analysis has become an increasingly important tool to inform and guide strategies to close income gaps in the coffee sector. The International Coffee Organization’s Coffee Private Public Task Force (CPPTF) is working with national, regional and international stakeholders to use internationally recognized methodologies to measure income gaps and promote collective action to close those gaps. The approach includes building consensus with governments and companies to include living income strategies in national coffee plans to implement initiatives that help to reduce the living income gaps in those countries.

This panel will present examples of this public-private approach in collaboration with companies, governments, intergovernmental organizations, civil society organizations and donors. Attendees will learn about why the public-private partnership approach can help to drive progress in closing living income gaps in producing countries and how companies and other stakeholders can join these efforts.

Date: Friday, June 28, 2024
Time: 10:30 - 11:30
Location: Lecture Room 2

This lecture is free to attend with a World of Coffee entry badge. Register to attend World of Coffee Copenhagen here.

Lecturer / Presenter

Miguel Zamora (he/him)
Coffee Public-Private Task Force Coordinator, International Coffee Organization

Miguel has been involved in agriculture for 30 years, the last 20 in coffee. His career has focused on fostering regenerative agriculture, strengthening sustainable value chains, creating opportunities for sustainable trade between farming communities and the food industry, and improving conditions for farmworkers.

Miguel coordinates the International Coffee Organization’s Coffee Public-Private Task Force, a space to build consensus between governments and companies on priority actions to be implemented to ensure a sustainable and fair global coffee sector at the local and global levels. The Task Force designs methodologies and strategies to close the income gap for farmers towards prosperity.

Vera Espíndola Rafael (she/her)
Independent Consultant

Vera is a Development Economist with a focus on farmer resilience and farmer livelihoods. She currently leads the Strategic Initiatives of export company Azahar Coffee, specifically the cost of production research behind “A Sustainable Coffee Buyer’s Guide,” a pricing tool, and leads the export operations in Mexico. As an advisor for the Mexican Secretary of Agriculture, she focuses on specific coffee-related activities such as living and prosperous income. Since 2016, she has been part of the Mexican delegation for the International Coffee Organization.

She is an active volunteer for the Specialty Coffee Association, served on the 2015-2018 Sustainability Council and the 2019-2022 Board, and is a current Coffee Value Assessment Ambassador. She served on the Board of US-based NGO The Chain Collaborative in 2022 and 2023. Her publication has focused on creating market strategies for producing countries; “A Business Case to Increase Specialty Coffee Consumption in Producing Countries” and IICA on “El Mercado del Café en la región Mesoamericana.”

Lecture Description

The World Economic Forum’s 2022 “Global Gender Gap” report argues that global humanity remains more than 100 years away from gender equity; meaning that “none of us will see gender parity in our lifetimes; nor likely will many of our children.” How can this be possible when there’s so much attention on “empowerment” both globally and in the coffee industry? Sustainability has become an embedded goal throughout specialty coffee, but it will only be achieved if gender equity is realized. This panel of three women, who live and work in Kenya, considers the vital importance of linking sustainability goals with gender equity goals.

Based on her PhD research in Kenya, Dr. Erika Koss highlights what we really know (and what we don’t) about gender in coffee—and discusses why more gender aggregated, intersectional data is needed. She suggests key solutions, exploring why our way forward in coffee must lead to flourishing for all genders. Two owners and directors of coffee estates in western Kenya, Dr. Rosebella Langat of Chepsangor Coffee in Nandi and Gloria Wamaiwa Gummerus of Sakami Coffee in TransNzoia, will share their experiences as farmers and leaders of sustainable businesses that employ and train hundreds of rural women.

Date: Thursday, June 27, 2024
Time: 14:15 - 15:15
Location: Lecture Room 2

This lecture is free to attend with a World of Coffee entry badge. Register to attend World of Coffee Copenhagen here.

Lecturers / Presenters

Dr. Erika Koss (she/her)
Saint Mary's University, Canada ; University of Nairobi, Kenya

Erika Koss, Ph.D., is a writer, educator, and researcher who views coffee through the lens of two life-long passions: literature and human rights. She is an AST and a co-creator of SCA’s Coffee Sustainability curriculum. Erika holds a PhD from Saint Mary’s University in Canada and is Research Associate at University of Nairobi, Kenya. She is founder of “A World in Your Cup Consulting,” her education business focused on sustainability, gender equity, and decolonization of the beverage crops. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Erika lives in Nairobi with her younger son.
IG: @AWorldinYourCup
www.AWorldinYourCup.com

Dr. Rosebella Langat (she/her)
Coffee Farmer, Chepsangor Hills Coffee Farm

Dr Rosebella Langat is an Impact Entrepreneur with a focus on improving the lives of her community
particularly through agribusiness in the Coffee Sector and closing the gender and economic gap. She is
the CEO and cofounder of Chepsangor Hills Coffee Farms producing exclusive speciality coffees
with specific attention to traceability and sustainability with the aim of achieving sustainable
production and consumption of Coffee and creating a synergy between the global north and global
south. Rosebella has a passion to develop and use her knowledge to solve business and community
problems particularly in rural agriculture.

Gloria Wamalwa Gummerus (she/her)
CEO, Sakami Ranchers Ltd.

Gloria Gummerus is coffe grower , ceo of sakami coffee ,co founder of international woman in coffee Kenyan chapter and Nort woman in coffee producers. Director at New Kenya planters cooperative uoin represents smaller coffee Grower’s.

Lecture Description

Electrochemistry is the study of chemical processes that involve the transfer of electrons in a reaction. In coffee production, there are many manifestations of electrochemistry. This seminar will cover our recent work on the topic, and covers topics ranging from the emergence and passivation of static electricity during grinding, to measuring and modifying flavor directly in coffee extracts.

Date: Thursday, June 27, 2024
Time: 14:15 - 15:15
Location: Lecture Room 1

This lecture is free to attend with a World of Coffee entry badge. Register to attend World of Coffee Copenhagen here.

Lecturer / Presenter

Christopher Hendon (he/him)
Associate Professor, University of Oregon

Prof. Christopher H. Hendon is a computational chemist with interests in energy materials and coffee. He obtained his BSc. Adv. HONS from Monash University (2011) and PhD from the University of Bath (2015). After a two-year postdoc at Massachusetts Institute of Technology he joined the University of Oregon in 2017 as a tenure-track professor, where he received tenure in 2023. His research group focuses the emergence of defects in metal-organic molecules and solids. He has published over 100 papers, was named a Cottrell Scholar in 2021, a Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar, and the Samuel R. Scholes Jnr. Lecture for excellence in Scientific Communication.

Lecture Description

Coffee grind size is the most impactful parameter in the hands of a barista to control the espresso extraction. The dial-in procedure involves changing the grind size and with this changing the particle size of the ground coffee to achieve an optimal extraction.

The presentation will explain fundamentals about what is happening to the coffee when grinding at different grind sizes and how this impacts espresso extraction. We will look at how coffee grind size can be characterized more in detail, not only by using a single grind size number.

In the main part of the presentation we will explore the findings of our recent study about the impact of ground coffee fines on the espresso extraction. We will look at why fines are so important, how they can be a characteristic of a grinder, what is their role in the espresso extraction and what are the sensory implications. The data and information provided will benefit better understanding of extraction, grinder qualities and flavour quality of espresso.

Date: Thursday, June 27, 2024
Time: 13:00 - 14:00
Location: Lecture Room 1

This lecture is free to attend with a World of Coffee entry badge. Register to attend World of Coffee Copenhagen here.

Lecturer / Presenter

Samo Smrke (he/him)
Scientific Associate, Zurich University of Applied Sciences

Samo Smrke is a scientific associate at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) in the group of prof. Yeretzian. He is involved in research projects in collaboration with industry partners and in fundamental research on various topics of coffee chemistry and coffee science. He is leading a module of the Coffee Excellence continuing education course at ZHAW, and various other educational programs with partners of ZHAW. Samo is actively participating at coffee conferences, is one of the co-authors of the SCA Freshness Handbook and Water Handbook and has contributed to scientific papers and book chapters about coffee.

Lecture Description

In the dynamic coffee industry, consolidation poses significant challenges and opportunities for small businesses. This lecture offers practical insights into navigating consolidation trends, drawing from recent market data and key transactions involving industry giants like JAB Holdings, Nestle, and boutique brands such as Blue Bottle Coffee. We explore the drivers behind consolidation, including market saturation and the pursuit of innovation.

Through real-world examples, we showcase how small businesses can leverage M&A, venture capital, and private equity to scale up and remain competitive. Additionally, we delve into the transformative role of technology, highlighting advancements in coffee brewing and supply chain management. Success stories from Intelligentsia Coffee and Blue Bottle Coffee demonstrate effective strategies for differentiation and growth amidst consolidation pressures.

This lecture equips entrepreneurs with actionable strategies to navigate consolidation dynamics and thrive in the evolving coffee market.

Date: Thursday, June 27, 2024
Time: 13:00 - 14:00
Location: Lecture Room 2

This lecture is free to attend with a World of Coffee entry badge. Register to attend World of Coffee Copenhagen here.

Lecturer / Presenter

Lukasz Mrowinski (he/him)
Investor, ECK Capital, Coffee On Air

Lukasz Mrowinski, co-founder and ex-CEO of Etno Cafe, a Polish coffee brand (28 cafe chain, a roastery and a cold brewery).

Under his leadership, Etno Cafe (est. 2012) introduced many innovations and experienced dynamic growth through organic expansion and strategic M&A deals, leveraging investor funds for development, which resulted in achieving 7th place in the Food and Beverages category in the Financial Times FT 1000 ranking of 2020.

In April 2022, Lukasz exited Etno Cafe to pursue M&A ventures, joining the Harbour Club. This organization offers practical insights and strategies for entrepreneurs seeking to acquire, revitalize, and divest businesses.

Since May 2020, Lukasz has also been hosting the Coffee On Air podcast.

Before joining the coffee industry, Lukasz was a lawyer and tax advisor for over 12 years, including 6 years at KPMG and 3 years at Credit Agricole.

Lecture Description

This year, the SCA officially adopts the Coffee Value Assessment, which includes advances in sensory science and economics into our cupping and coffee evaluation system. Learn about how these improvements work, especially the new "Extrinsic" coffee evaluation which, for the first time, incorporates a coffee's information into its total quality assessment.

Date: Thursday, June 27, 2024
Time: 11:45 - 12:45
Location: Lecture Room 1

This lecture is free to attend with a World of Coffee entry badge. Register to attend World of Coffee Copenhagen here.

Lecturer / Presenter

Peter Giuliano (he/him)
Chief Research Officer, Specialty Coffee Association

Peter Giuliano is the Executive Director of the Coffee Science Foundation and Chief Research Officer of the Specialty Coffee Association. With more than 30 years’ experience in the coffee trade, his focus now is on promoting research and scientific inquiry on coffee, and bringing evidence-based insights to the coffee industry.

Lecture Description

I am excited to invite you to the Break-out Session on Enhancing Field Data Quality for EUDR Compliance by Meridia and Rabo Foundation as part of the World of Coffee Copenhagen The session is tailored specifically to sustainability and procurement professionals in the coffee industry.

It will provide you with
- concrete solutions to address field data quality challenges
- insights to enhance your organisation’s data collection and management practices

Besides that, we will share valuable insights from our research conducted in the various coffee regions 2022/2023 on producer organizations maturity in data collection, management and field data quality. You will also hear from companies how they are improving data quality in direct and indirect supply chains. Additionally, we provide concrete solutions and tools to assist cooperatives and businesses in improving their data practices.

Date: Thursday, June 27, 2024
Time: 11:45 - 12:45
Location: Lecture Room 2

This lecture is free to attend with a World of Coffee entry badge. Register to attend World of Coffee Copenhagen here.

Lecturers / Presenters

Beatrice Moulianitaki (she/her)
Chief Commercial Officer, Meridia

Beatrice Moulianitaki brings over two decades of extensive experience in the agriculture and food and beverage sectors, spanning commercial, sustainability, and social impact domains. Pioneering pre-competitive collaboration and innovation within the cocoa industry, she is a driving force in fostering positive change. She has worked with esteemed organisations, including Heineken, UTZ Certified, Solidaridad, and The Hershey Company.

Since September 2022, Beatrice has assumed the role of Chief Commercial Officer at Meridia, a leading agtech company specialising in smallholder data verification and compliance in cocoa, coffee, and palm oil. In her leadership, she continues to champion sustainable supply chains and propel meaningful transformation within the agricultural landscape.

Pablo Mendoza (he/him)
Business Development Manager, Meridia

Pablo Mendoza is the Business Development Manager at Meridia, helping organizations comply with deforestation free regulations such as the EUDR.

Lecture Description

Once again the coffee market has been exposed to extreme price volatility. 2024 - 2025 will be no different, as new sets of variables enter the mix, and will certainly place new obstacles for supply chain participants to navigate in an already difficult market environment. This lecture will delve in all of the variables that have affected the coffee market over the past 2 years and will identify the factors that stakeholders in the supply chain will need to negotiate going forward. A look into the financials instruments that are used to transfer these risks to the financial markets will be explained. The lecture will finish by presenting Stonex's Brazil Coffee harvest report and price outlook.

Date: Thursday, June 27, 2024
Time: 10:30 - 11:30
Location: Lecture Room 1

This lecture is free to attend with a World of Coffee entry badge. Register to attend World of Coffee Copenhagen here.

Lecturer / Presenter

Albert Scalla (he/him)
Senior Vice President of Trading, StoneX

Albert Scalla, Senior Vice President of Trading at StoneX, has combined his considerable knowledge of the Coffee, Cocoa and Palm Oil markets with his experience in implementing risk management strategies in Futures, Options and Structured Products in the international commodity markets.

Albert joined Hencorp Futures, later acquired by StoneX 29 years ago, where he has been an important pillar for the development of Price Risk Management programs for all participants in the Coffee, Cocoa and the Palm Oil markets; from producers to final consumers.

Albert has been invited as a guest speaker to several national and international coffee conferences to speak on Price Risk Management for coffee participants in both producing and consuming countries.

Lecture Description

With global demand for coffee is on the rise, Prof. Chahan Yeretzian, Head of the Coffee Excellence Center of The Zurich University of Applied Science, will first discuss the two main challenges for the future of coffee. These include difficulties in ensuring the supply for an already huge and ever-increasing demand on the consumer side (ii) and the growing recognition that traditional coffee cultivation may not be sustainable and future-proof.

In the main section of his lecture, he will then review latest trends and accelerating developments, mainly driven by an eco-system of VC-funded startups, proposing novel solutions beyond tradition, farm grown coffee. Such alternatives include modern formats of coffee substitutes as well as exciting development on cell-cultured coffees.

Coffee substitutes, also known as surrogates, emerged in the mid-19th century and are derived from roasted plant components such as barley, rye, malted cereals, acorn, chicory and various sugars. They had been introduced as an affordable substitute for coffee, preferably from local plants. Recently, an eco-system of VC-funded startups are reinventing the concept of coffee substitutes. The aim is to replicate the coffee experience without using coffee while reducing the ecological impact.

In contrast, cell cultured coffee is a much more radical approach to the multiple challenges that traditional coffee is facing. While 100% coffee, cell cultured coffee is cultivated in the lab from coffee cell tissues to yield a powder that can be roasted and extracted.

Date: Thursday, June 27, 2024
Time: 10:30 - 11:30
Location: Lecture Room 2

This lecture is free to attend with a World of Coffee entry badge. Register to attend World of Coffee Copenhagen here.

Lecturer / Presenter

Chahan Yeretzian (he/him)
Professor - Head of Coffee Excellence Center, Zurich University of Applied Sciences - ZHAW

PROF. DR. CHAHAN YERETZIAN AT ZURICH UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES (ZHAW)
> HEAD OF ANALYTICAL TECHNOLOGY
> HEAD OF COFFEE EXCELLENCE CENTER
> HEAD OF POST-GRADUATE PROGRAMS ON COFFEE

Education & Professional Career:
Since 2007: Professor at Zurich University of Applied Sciences - ZHAW
> 1996-2007: Nestlé R&D on Coffee and Culinary
> Post-doctoral fellow at Technical University of Munich
> Post-doctoral fellow at University of California Los Angeles
> MBA from Univ. of Lausanne/Switzerland
> PhD Chemistry from Univ. of Berne/Switzerland

Board and Advisory Positions
> 2015-18: Board of Directors & Chair of Research Advisory Council of SCA
> 2008-22: Board of Swiss SCA
> Since 2017: Board of ASIC (Association for the Science and Information on Coffee)
> 2017-19: Advisory Board of German Museum in Munich for special exhibition „Kosmos Kaffee“
> Member of Expert Panel “ITC-Alliances for Action Coffee Export Guide, 4th Ed.”
> CEO of Swiss Coffee Alliance GmbH
> CEO & CSO of STEM SA

In the actual economic context, the agro-food economy is focused on the consumer demands regarding food quality and security. The coffee supply chain is experiencing an increasing interest for controls on coffee quality, in order to maintain its high economic value and to protect the consumer from frauds.

The general objective of the project is to develop an analysis model for the characterization of the geographical origin of coffee beans, based on a metabolomic approach for the evaluation of both aromatic-volatile and polar-non-volatile fractions.

We developed two different analytical methods: the first aims to classify the origin of coffee based on the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) profile using a PTR-ToF-MS technique, the second, based on the HPLC-ESI-HRMS, aims to study the non-volatile profile. Through the VOC profiles merged to multivariate statistical analysis it has been possible to distinguish clearly the origin of coffee samples proving that the PTR-ToF-MS is a fast and valuable tool for coffee authentication. With the second approach, we performed a metabolic fingerprint of coffee samples with more than 120 characteristic metabolites and, coupled to a bioinformatic approach, we highlighted that the non-volatile profiles of the Arabica considerably differed within the countries due to their pedoclimatic characteristics.

Date: Saturday, June 24, 2023
Time: 2:15pm - 3:15pm EET

Location: Lecture Room 2

Presenters:

Massimo Battaglia
Coffee Research Leader, Accademia del Caffè Espresso

Massimo Battaglia is Coffee Research Leader at Accademia del Caffè Espresso. Tropical agronomist and over 20 years spent in coffee origin countries, Massimo Battaglia is in charge of the research project on coffee traceability, developed with the University of Florence, ENEA and ACE (Alliance for coffee excellence). He is also the reference person for all projects developed with associations and partners at origins, and institutions and universities at national and international level.

Cosimo Taiti
Researcher, University of Florence

Cosimo Taiti is currently a research fellow at the Department of Agriculture, Food, Environment and Forestry. He has a long well-documented experience in the characterization of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted by plants and or food matrices. He has focused his research also on the role of VOCs in plant-plant and plant animal systems for the purpose of communication studies through volatile substances. Likewise he performs ecology studies about plants' ability to purify soil and indoor air. He performed several lessons for students for the master “Futuro Vegetale” and has been involved in many plants or food research projects. He is the author of over 50 scientific articles on plant and food topics.

Lecture Description

A sustainable approach for the use of espresso waste from a 400-store chain to contribute to the effort for a better tomorrow from an environmental point of view. Strategies, procedures and actions to shift the industry to the green side.

Date: Saturday, June 24, 2023
Time: 2:15pm - 3:15pm EET

Location: Lecture Room 1

Presenters:

Nikolaos Koumaniotis
Plant Manager, Coffee Island

Nikolaos Koumaniotis is the plant manager of Coffee island. He is an electrical engineer and a coffee enthusiast. Studied engineering and policy analysis in TU Delft had the chance to emphasize onto sustainability-related issues. Being on the coffee business almost 10 years now he has experienced the shift to sustainability from it's first steps.

Lecture Description

Biocubacaffè is an open-air laboratory – a sustainability project conceived by the Lavazza Foundation, the Cuban Grupo Agroforestal (GAF) and the Italian Agency for Economic and Cultural Interchange with Cuba (AICEC) that aims to restore Cuban coffee as a local excellence, promote Cuban organic coffee export, and activate internal market considering environmental and social sustainability.

Thanks to the cooperation between Cuban research institutes and Lavazza's expertise on post-harvest techniques, Biocubacaffè presents the innovations and experiments that are carried out in the fields. From the reform of Cuban coffee classification and traceability system, to the introduction of blockchain technology to provide full transparency of the coffee journey, to the implementation and development of fermentations techniques.

Thanks to a public coffee production management system, Cuba features the perfect context where agricultural practices can be improved by coffee research and experiments, thanks to the support of the large public research centers that work closely with local farmers.

The objectives of the project are the complete traceability of the product with blockchain, with the monitoring of over 70 environmental KPIs, and the development, thanks to Cuba's integrated system, of a sensory and productive experimentation laboratory on green coffee to improve coffee quality and value.

Date: Saturday, June 24, 2023
Time: 13:00pm - 14:00pm EET

Location: Lecture Room 1

Lecture Description

Coffee extracts contain thousands of different compounds, many of which contribute to the quality of the flavor profile. Minor fluctuations in the ratios of these compounds gives rise to major differences in perceived flavor. However, to date the industry is only able to the measure the average total solvated mass (%TDS), or use cost prohibitive and slow chromatography methods. Electrochemistry offers one route to measuring coffee components in real time, and provides insights into both the quantity of compounds as well as their identity. Together, our approach provides unparalleled insight into what is solvated in the cup, while also being very cheap to operate. This talk will cover the fundamentals of electrochemistry, a demonstration of its utility, and discuss opportunities beyond quality assessment. This work is supported by the Cottrell Scholars award, the Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar award, and the Coffee Science Foundation in partnership with Nuova Simonelli.

Date: Saturday, June 24, 2023
Time: 13:00pm - 14:00pm EET

Location: Lecture Room 2

Presented by

Christopher Hendon
Professor of Chemistry, University of Oregon

Prof. Christopher H. Hendon is a computational chemist with interests in energy materials and coffee extraction. He obtained his BSc. Adv. HONS from Monash University (2011) and PhD from the University of Bath (2015). After a two-year postdoc at Massachusetts Institute of Technology he joined the University of Oregon in 2017 as a Professor of chemistry where his research group focuses on the emergence of defects in metal-organic molecules and solids. He has published over 100 papers, was named a Cottrell Scholar in 2021, a Camille Dreyfus Teacher-Scholar, and the Samuel R. Scholes Jnr. Lecture for excellence in Scientific Communication.

Lecture Description

The SCA's Coffee Value Assessment, an evolution and expansion of the SCA cupping system, has been designed to help assess value in all senses of the term: as an aid to economic transactions, as a tool to document aesthetic worth, and as a way to recognize human effort and preference. This shift, from "quality" to "qualities" and "value", was informed by an evaluation process that spanned three years across a literature review and multiple user research projects, as well as discussions and collaborations with contributors to SCA events and publications. This panel, featuring 25 authors who have written about the different aspects of value over the years, will explore how we understand and construct economic, aesthetic, and human value in specialty coffee.

Date: Saturday, June 24, 2023
Time: 11:45am - 12:45am EET

Location: Lecture Room 2

Presenters/Panelists:

Jenn Rugolo
Curatorial Director and Editor, 25, Specialty Coffee Association

Jenn Rugolo is curator and editor focused on communicating complex ideas in specialty coffee. Perpetually curious about how people create culture and belonging through different activities, Jenn holds a Bachelors of Music Ad Hoc (Northwestern University) and a Masters of Arts in Ethnomusicology (University College Cork). Before taking on her current role as Curatorial Director at the Specialty Coffee Association, where she focuses on the association’s print and digital communications, Jenn worked to design, run, and communicate casual educational platforms across roles at 3FE, World Coffee Events, Facebook, and Tamper Tantrum. Concurrently a partner in Playset Coffee, Jenn spends her “free time” supporting progress in specialty coffee through projects that embrace collaborative learning and sharing.

Noa Berger
PhD Candidate, EHESS

Noa Berger is a Sociology PhD candidate at the EHESS, Paris. She studies the specialty coffee market in Brazil and France.

Noa regularly speaks on coffee culture and history at events (e.g Re:Co Boston, WOC Berlin, Expo Boston), write for journals and magazines (25 Magazine, Standart, Le Monde and Haa'retz). She was nominated for a "Sprudgie" for best coffee writing, included in the "Sprudge 20" list.

Her co-edited book (with Yahel Shefer), "Coffee: East and West" was published in 2021 by the Jerusalem Islamic Arts museum.

Erika Koss
AST; PhD candidate, Saint Mary's University, Canada | A World in Your Cup Consulting

Erika Koss is a writer, teacher, and researcher who views coffee through the lens of two life-long passions: literature and human rights. She is an AST and a co-creator of SCA’s Coffee Sustainability curriculum. Erika is a PhD candidate at Saint Mary’s University in Canada and a Research Associate at University of Nairobi in Kenya. She is founder of “A World in Your Cup,” a consulting and education business focused on sustainability, gender equity, and decolonization of beverage crops, including coffee, cacao, and tea. Born and raised in Los Angeles, California, Erika Koss lives in Nairobi with her younger son.

Alexa Heinicke
Senior Corporate Membership Manager, World Coffee Research

Alexa Heinicke is the Senior Corporate Membership Manager at World of Coffee and focuses on stewarding relationships with our 170+ member companies. She is excited to engage more companies in this collective investment that will benefit millions of smallholder farmers and is vital to the future of every business in our industry. Alexa has a background in nonprofit fundraising and corporate investor relations in the U.S. and Europe. She is based in Munich, Germany.

Lecture Description

Global economic uncertainty is going to persist well into 2024. How will this impact coffee market prices and what are the the key market indicators to consider? Having a clearer picture of the landscape ahead and potential challenges will benefit attendees from all sectors in the value chain and of all knowledge levels, drawing up the 40 years of market experience of the presenter, Judith Ganes. Learning outcomes will help listeners make more informed business decisions.

Date: Saturday, June 24, 2023
Time: 10:30pm - 11:30pm EET

Location: Lecture Room 1

Presenters:

Judith Ganes
President, J Ganes Consulting

Judith Ganes is President of J Ganes Consulting commodity advisory services geared towards the food and beverage industries. She is also co-founder of Taka Insights, data analytics platform. Judy is celebrating her 40th year as a market analyst and noted expert in risk management strategies using futures and options. She publishes subscription-based research reports and has instructed courses on risk management around the world. Judy, originally from New York, resides in Panama and has traveled to more than 100 countries.