FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Minneapolis, MN – October 14, 2024

Coffee Fest Minneapolis, held October 11-12 at the Minneapolis Convention Center, brought together more than 1,500 participants, including 120+ exhibiting companies, creating a vibrant experience for the specialty coffee community. Coffee Fest showcased a diverse range of products and services as well as hosted 80+ hours of education, attracting coffee professionals from across the Midwest.  

 

Exhibit Hall Highlights 

A diverse range of exhibiting companies presented new and exciting products that cater to the evolving needs of the specialty coffee community – including beverages, packaging, equipment, retail merchandise, business services and more. Attendees found industry leading, as well as local and emerging brands on the show floor including companies like Mill City Roasters, Cafe Imports, Backstory Coffee Roasters, Created Co, Torani Syrups, Misfit Coffee Co., Instant Whip Minneapolis, and Loring Smart Roast. 
 
Awards were given for best products:  

• Best of Fest: Jaipur Avenue Chai - Gourmet chai in delectable flavors with tasting notes ranging from spicy to floral. 

• Best Consumable Product: Duluth Coffee Company’s Augusto Calle, Peruvian Washed Gesha  

• Best Non-Consumable Product: Ratio Coffee’s Ratio Four Brewer 

 

Anna Gutierrez, Director of Brand Development at Barista 22, expressed her enthusiasm, saying, "At Coffee Fest, we're not just showcasing our products; we're immersing ourselves in the vibrant culture of innovation that defines the coffee industry. It's an opportunity to connect, learn, and grow alongside fellow enthusiasts and professionals." 

 

First-Time Attendees Find Exceptional Value 

Coffee Fest Minneapolis saw a significant rise in first-time attendees, who found the event invaluable for networking and business growth. Roasters, baristas, owners, and managers from coffee shops, restaurants and foodservice businesses across the country were in attendance. 

Andrew Winely, General Manager of The Indy Grind in Indianapolis, shared his experience: "Attending Coffee Fest for the first time was an eye-opening experience. The wealth of information, from HR advice to coffee cupping, was incredible. It's not just about the coffee; it's about building a community and enhancing our knowledge from bean to cup. I'm returning home with a renewed enthusiasm and a long list of new ideas to implement. Coffee Fest has truly been an invaluable experience." 

 

Educational Impact 

The event's educational offerings were a key draw, with workshops and seminars on topics such as sustainability, brewing techniques, and business strategies. Attendees left with new tools and insights to enhance their coffee operations and stay ahead of industry trends. Featured speakers include Ian Williams, Founder of Deadstock Coffee, known for blending coffee with street culture; Connie Blumhardt, Publisher of Roast Magazine, an influential voice in coffee media; and Kenneth Olson, Publisher of Barista Magazine, a key figure in industry journalism. 

Notable Minneapolis-based speakers are Dan Anderson, Owner of Dogwood Coffee, known for local roasting innovation; Micah Svejda, Founder of Backstory Coffee Roasters; Lauren Lathrop, Education Director at Mill City Roasters; Dylan Siemens, Head of Coffee Education at Cafe Imports; and Jared Thompson, Co-Owner of Wesley Andrews. 

Education features on the show floor included Business Building Essentials presented by Barista 22 and Dillanos Coffee Roasters, the Roasting Rig presented by Mill City Roasters, the Cupping Corner presented by Cafe Imports, and the Barista Playground, presented by Synesso, Planet Oat, Simple Cart Systems and Spyhouse Coffee Roasters.  

  
Head-to-Head Competition 

The Twin Cities hosted the final Latte Art World Championship Open of 2024, presented by Pacific Foods Barista Series, Synesso, Espresso State of Mind, Caffe Umbria and Kimera by Slow Pour Supply.  Prizes were awarded to:  
 

• First place: Alex Sciarrotta 
• Second place: Matty Bolchi 
• Third place: Kengo Araki  

 

Lisa Berry, Group Vice President of Coffee Fest at Clarion Events, remarked on the success of the event: "Coffee Fest Minneapolis exceeded all expectations, demonstrating the coffee community's passion for innovation, learning, and growth. The engagement from both exhibitors and attendees truly shows the strength of our industry, and we're excited to continue fostering these connections in future events." 

 

Looking Forward to Coffee Fest 2025 

Building on the success in Minneapolis, Coffee Fest is gearing up for an exciting 2025 lineup of shows in New York, Portland, Los Angeles, and Orlando. Each event will offer coffee professionals unparalleled opportunities for networking, education, and exploring the latest innovations.  

Coffee Fest New York: March 23-25, Javits Center, New York, NY 

Coffee Fest Portland: June 13-14, Portland Convention Center, Portland, OR 

Coffee Fest Los Angeles: August 22-23, Los Angeles Convention Center, Los Angeles, CA 

Coffee Fest Orlando: October 24-25, Orange County Convention Center, Orlando, FL 

 

About Coffee Fest:  
Coffee Fest is the premier trade show for specialty coffee professionals, offering a dynamic platform for industry growth, innovation, and community building. Since 1992, Coffee Fest has been connecting coffee shop owners, roasters, baristas, and industry professionals with the latest products, trends, and educational experiences. Each show features interactive workshops, competitions, and an expansive show floor showcasing top-of-the-line equipment, consumables, and business solutions. With multiple shows across the U.S. each year, Coffee Fest provides valuable networking and educational opportunities to foster the growth of coffee businesses. For more information visit www.coffeefest.com or follow us on social media @CoffeeFestShow.