LOS ANGELES, USA — Coffee Fest, a nation’s leading coffee industry trade show, is in full swing in Los Angeles, hosted on Sunday an enriching Spanish-language panel discussion titled “Is Specialty Coffee for Everyone?” This engaging session, featuring some of the most notable Hispanic and Latino figures in the coffee world, aimed to explore the essence of specialty coffee and was accessibility to all.
The panel was hosted by Seidy Selivanow, Co-Owner and Barista Trainer at Kafiex Roasters. Originally from Mexico, Seidy brings a wealth of experience and cultural insight to the discussion, with over a decade of expertise in the coffee industry and a passion for promoting cultural inclusivity.
Joining Seidy were esteemed panelists:
- Leo Abularach, Co-Owner and Coffee Roaster at Picaresca Coffee, who has built a community-oriented specialty coffee shop in Boyle Heights, Los Angeles, serving quality coffee while honoring his Latino heritage.
- Paola Victoria, Trainer and Roaster at Café Santo, whose innovative approach to coffee and dedication to Latino representation make her a trailblazer in the industry.
- Santiago Carvajal, North America Sales Director at Forest Coffee, who brings a global perspective to the conversation with extensive experience across multiple continents.
- Claudio Martinez, Founder of Soflo Coffee and Goldenbush Coffee, a multifaceted coffee professional dedicated to advancing the industry through people and community.
The panel delved into what makes specialty coffee distinct and will challenge the notion of exclusivity in the specialty coffee world. Attendees gained valuable insights into how cultural perspectives influence coffee appreciation and whether specialty coffee truly belongs to everyone.
In addition to the panel, Coffee Fest features other prominent Hispanic speakers, including:
- Steve Cuevas, Roast Master at Lucky’s Coffee Roasters, with numerous accolades in roasting and cup tasting.
- Jose Lepe, Director of Sourcing and Quality Control at Sightglass Coffee, whose expertise in sustainable sourcing is unmatched.
- Stephanie Alcala, Trader and Sustainability Liaison at RGC Coffee, who is dedicated to driving positive environmental impact within the coffee supply chain.
Coffee Fest 2024 takes place at the Los Angeles Convention Center from August 25 to 27, offering over 120 hours of education, networking opportunities, and the chance to discover the latest trends in the industry.
