The coffee club

THE COFFEE

CLUB Coffee makes the world go round, as these five experts will tell you. Read what they have to say about the latest industry trends and why specialty coffee is on the rise.

BRANISLAV BERONJA

Cafés Richard - brand manager - MEA SCA authorized trainer What are the latest trends in coffee?

Since Covid-19 has disrupted the way in which businesses around the world operate, more people are consuming coffee at home. Consumers are still drinking coffee, however they are more likely to opt for takeaways or delivery options. How important is it to have specialty coffee on the menu?

Nowadays, consumers are more educated, and specialty coffee has become more accessible than ever. The customer experience has also been enhanced by a wide choice of coffee origins and brewing methods, from standard espresso to nitro cold brew.

CHRISTOS LOUKAKIS

Quality Control Manager, AST Trainer Wisecup Coffee Roasters warehouse.gr The latest coffee trend is experimental coffee processing, which gives a brand new, unique taste experience from each coffee, regardless of its origin. How important is it to have specialty coffee on the menu?

By serving specialty grade coffees, coffee shops can gain loyal fans. It is very difficult for consumers to go back to drinking lowerquality grades. The greatest challenge for coffee shops is having well-educated baristas who recognize how to treat customers. Real hospitality is missing from many coffee places these days because baristas believe that making the drink is everything, whereas there is so much more to it.

MAURO DE GIUSTI

CEO, coffee expert, single-origin specialist Manuel manuel.it What are the latest trends in coffee?

Coffee has always provided pleasure in a cup and an excuse to spend a good time with friends. Socializing has been difficult for the past year, so we expect top quality coffee when we do go out. That's why there’s been a decline in demand for cheaper coffee; customers are far more aware of what they are drinking, and thus coffee shops are stepping up their quality offering. How important is it to have specialty coffee on the menu?

These days, it is normal for a consumer to select their favorite home coffee from hundreds of options on the shelves. But when that person goes to a coffee shop, they expect much more. A good blend or a perfect single origin, not necessarily specialty coffee, can enhance the customer experience and create a stronger bond between the customer and the establishment, as well as the coffee brand.

JACK KURDIAN

Business and concept development manager of Idmi Coffee Roasting Co. KSA, owner of Crash Brewery KSA Idmi Coffee Roasting Co. idmicoffee.com

STAVROS LAMPRINIDIS

AST SCA trainer Coffee consultant WCE certified judge What is the most popular coffee trend in the Middle East?

The Middle East has been a significant consumer of coffee for many centuries, but there is a recent trend for specialty coffee. Having more coffee choices and fewer restrictions in selecting the best coffee are driving the opening of specialty stores in the region. Regional coffee shops could see a significant increase in their profits by upgrading the quality of coffee, as consumers are interested in drinking coffee made from a specific origin. How important is Instagrammability for coffee brands and coffee shops?

Photo opportunities exist everywhere, in every nook and cranny. However, it’s not just colorful streets and pretty waterways that deserve our attention. Instagrammable cafés can be found all over the world, serving up stunning plates of food, coffee art and delicate desserts inside the most photogenic buildings. Adding some edible flowers, exposed brick walls and whimsical mugs all add to the wow factor, helping to make images more Instagram worthy.

What are the latest trends in coffee?

With Covid-19 affecting our lives for the better part of two years, more people have become home baristas. Dalgona coffee has been a popular at-home coffee option because it only requires instant coffee, water and sugar. How important is it to have specialty coffee on the menu?

The quality of the product is fundamental, but so too is the level of service. Offering specialty coffee undoubtedly adds to the customer journey, and ultimately this is what matters; it’s all about experiences. What are the latest innovations in professional coffee machines?

I believe Kees Van Der Westen is doing an amazing job with new types of pre-infusion espresso machines. For example, the Spirit model is a stateof-the-art multiple espresso boiler machine, which meets the demands of high-output espresso bars. It is equipped with well-considered ergonomics: an efficient, high-precision tool with huge capacity.