SEOUL, South Korea – The 2019 edition of Coffee Expo Seoul, from April 11th to 14th at Coex, saw attendance from 47,000 trade buyers and coffee enthusiasts. This year’s expo welcomed 224 coffee, tea, dessert, and accessory companies across 788 exhibition booths, and a range of concurrent contests and events.
Coffee Expo Seoul 2019 aimed to provide a diverse itinerary for both industry and non-industry guests. Popular aspects of the expo included the World Barista Championship, coffee company ‘incubator’, and a, exclusive zone for new and trending coffee products. The 2019 ‘guest country’ was Guatemala, with the Guatemalan Embassy in Seoul assisting a range of companies to participate in the event.
In addition, this years’ expo saw the ‘2019 World Syphon Big Match’ held on the first day, with 9 award-winning baristas putting their signature specialty coffee recipes forward in a series of syphon-method challenges. Syphon coffee, known for its emphasis on aroma and visual qualities, is gaining popularity worldwide. Prize money for the WSBM was 4,500,000 KRW (approx. $4,500.)
The Drinks & Desserts Show 2019 also took place at Coex over the four days, showcasing a host of local and international brands in the sweets and beverages industry.
Coffee Expo Seoul was launched in 2012 as Korea’s leading spring-time event for the coffee and café industry. The exhibition brings together more than 250 exhibitors and 50,000 visitors across the coffee and café sector in Korea’s largest exhibition center, Coex.
Coffee Expo Seoul also provides a ‘biz-matching service’ for buyers looking to source coffee beans, accessories, and machinery. While Coffee Expo Seoul aims at fostering B2B connections in the café industry, Drinks & Desserts Show hopes to provide a fun and delicious experience for local foodies and dessert enthusiasts.
