Why an African Coffee Show?
Africa has a unique story to tell about the history and culture of coffee. There is also a reality about how important it is to peoples’ lives and livelihoods in Africa.
We are collaborating with the secretariat of the Inter-African Coffee Organisation (IACO), in Abidjan, in the preparation of this landmark event. IACO is an inter-governmental organisation that brings together 25 African coffee producing counties, and is currently collaborating with the African Union Commission to promote Africa’s coffee within the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The idea for this event has been borne from a confluence of 1) new consumer demands, 2) a crisis in global production and 3) new growth of the African continent.
The African Coffee industry is well developed in many aspects, however, there are exciting new opportunities. Speciality Coffee represents at least 10% of the world’s demand, and as more people experience sustainable high quality coffee the demand is set to rise. African Coffee is well placed to drive growth in this segment due to its sought after excellence.
The continent no longer needs to compete with other producers in terms of volume, which is leading to reduced prices, and causing a crisis in many livelihoods worldwide. It is estimated that by 2030 the size of the food and agriculture industry in Africa is going to be worth over $1 trillion. This can be the new wealth for Africa. The coffee industry has a role to play in this ambitious vision. The aims of the event are to:
- Increase the profile of African Coffee and encourage people to appreciate the importance of the bio-source of coffee
- Promote exchange and development of new customers for African Coffee producers
- Inform the coffee trade to innovate products using African themes and ideas
- Connect African producers with their customers’ interests and tastes
- Present contemporary African culture
When and where will it be?
The date and venue is to be confirmed and will consist of a large exhibition hall and a conference centre.
The African Coffee Show is due to take place in Brussels, Belgium. Which is extremely well placed for international visitors.
Brussels is easy to reach by air, road and rail, and easy to move around in. In this compact city, many places are within walking distance, or a short ride away by tram, bus or metro. And if you’re staying near the city centre, walking is a wonderful way to discover historical Brussels.
The city hosts all the major European Union (EU) institutions and is home to a huge diplomatic corps, policy makers, journalist community and lobby groups. Brussels is also about business – 1,700 international corporations operate Europe-wide from their base here, with a diverse business services sector, including a highly-skilled multilingual workforce.
The EU is the largest economy and trading block in the world. With 28 countries operating as a single market, and over 500 million consumers with GDP per head of €25,000 that are looking for quality goods. The EU is the most open market to developing countries and together the EU members account for 16% of the world imports and exports. The EU is the top trading partner for 80 countries compared to the US’s little over 20 trading countries.
Europe has the highest per capita coffee consumption in the world. ICO’s initial estimation for coffee year 2017/2018 EU consumption is of 51.9 million bags (60 kg) of coffee. The equivalent of over 3 million tons of green coffee or a consumption of over 4 kilos of roasted coffee per EU inhabitant per year.
Mduduzi Lukhuleni – A Barista Champion From South Africa
What's Happening?
The event will consist of exhibitors selling green coffee beans, and coffee brands from Africa, and other exhibitors relevant to the coffee industry. There will also be a conference to discuss the key themes relating to African Coffee and the wider industry.
Alongside this we will also be creating exciting events and workshops. Featuring coffee cupping, barista competitions with contemporary and tradition African music, dance, films and culture and travel ideas.
Who is it for?
Trade visitors will meet producers, source coffee directly, see new coffee roasting, and expresso machines and coffee making products. We will also be exploring design and innovation so packaging will be part of the mix too.
African Coffee Show is targeting decision-makers and influencers responsible for purchasing coffee and related products and equipment.
Exhibitors will get opportunities to sell products via our assisted buyers programme.
We are actively targeting:
- Roasters
- Medium Coffee shops
- Cafe chains
- Restaurant groups
- Food and drink franchisees
- Hotel operators
- Museums and galleries
- Wholesalers and distributors
- Fast food chains
- Leisure operators
- Education Institutions
- Health organisations
- Commercial suppliers
- Transport hubs
- Trains stations
- Airports
- Coffee Importers
- Coffee Exporters
We will be reaching people through
- Intensive PR work
- Our own website and blog
- Online and offline campaigns
- International social media programme
- Targeted sector specific mail-shots
- Joint marketing partnerships with trade bodies and affiliates
- International ad campaigns in industry specific trade media
We aim to attract coffee industry professionals to the African Coffee Show over 2 days and 1500 delegates can take part in the African Coffee conference.
We are working with universities and other partners to ensure dynamic conversations about future trends for the industry, and how to strategically address these trends.
Sponsored events in Brussels will promote African Coffee in the press and media across Europe.
Image – WowWow by Wunmi.
Photo – Delphine Diallo
Conference themes include
- Rural community development and improved conditions for growers
- Improved natural resource management and biodiversity conservation
- Crop resilience to weather & climactic risk
- On-farm diversification to improve economic development
- Exporting and importing developments
- The role of design in reaching new markets
- Innovation in Africa and in the coffee industry
- The role of culture in creating connections through coffee
- Travel as a way to connect customers to production
If you are a roaster, a coffee buyer, a coffee shop, or fascinated by Africa and want to think about it in a different way, or a designer looking for new themes and ideas.
Join our mailing list to hear about tickets, travel and accommodation deals.
Exhibitors: Booking for exhibitors is now open, please use the contact form to register your interest and to begin your application.
If you are an African Coffee producer, please use this questionnaire.
This event is delivered in partnership with:
Delegates
Join our mailing list to be the first to hear when booking opens.
Sponsorship packages available now.
We welcome partnerships so please get in touch.
African Coffee Company is a trading name for African Coffee Limited.
Registered in the UK – Number: 11395342