Caffè Culture 2007 has been hailed an outstanding success, with 4,377 visitors and over 165 exhibitors in attendance over the two days. A huge 30% increase in both visitors and exhibitors on last year now sees Caffe Culture well and truly established as the premier event for the café and coffee bar market.
This year’s event took place at Olympia on 23 & 24 May, providing the only dedicated forum in the UK for the whole industry to come together to network, share ideas and do business.
Elliot Gard, Event Director, says: “We have been overwhelmed by the success of Caffè Culture. The coffee market is continuing to grow at an unprecedented level within the UK and we’re thrilled that Caffè Culture now plays a pivotal role in the industry’s calendar. The show has once again delivered for exhibitors and visitors alike with thousands of new contacts created. We’re looking forward to further developing the event for 2008, ensuring its continued relevance and success.”
The Caffè Business Theatre, sponsored by The Kenco Coffee Company, saw an extensive programme of seminars and debates dealing with some of the most critical issues faced by those working in the industry. Julia Chanteray, co-presenter of Channel 4’s Risking it All, offered independent café and coffee bar owners a superb insight into how to achieve financial success and compete with the chains. David Kitchener, publisher of Café Business, hosted a lively debate about the future of the industry – with panellists Gary McGann, Espresso Warehouse, Jeremy Torz, Union Coffee Roasters, Jeffrey Young, Allegra Strategies and Mark Ashley, Marks and Spencer. Paul Allen chaired an informative discussion between the Rainforest Alliance and Fairtrade about the importance of ethically sourced goods and hospitality recruitment and training expert, Chris Sheppardson, offered an insight into how find, train and get the best from staff.
The Caffe Theatre, sponsored by Cafédirect, held practical food and cupping sessions, giving ideas and inspiration to those looking to offer innovative food and beverage selections to customers. It also played host to UK Barista Champion Jim Hoffman as he displayed an impressive array of latte art skills.
As part of its partnership with Caffe Culture, the Speciality Coffee Association of Europe hosted a huge selection of seminars and workshops to help visitors improve their knowledge and understanding of ‘all things’ coffee. Commenting on the success of the event, Steve Penk, Board Director of SCAE and UK Coordinator, said: “It’s the SCAE’s first event in the UK and we are absolutely delighted – the seminars and workshops were enormously well attended and fantastically received. We’re very much looking forward to an even greater involvement at the 2008 event.”
Over 60% of exhibitors are already rebooked for 2008 and feedback on this year’s event is superb. Terry Osborne, Beyond the Bean, comments: “Caffe Culture is a fantastic event that attracts a first-class audience who we don’t meet at other events. We’re overwhelmed with the response we had this year.”
Hugo Hardman from Darlington’s adds: “The show not only offers an excellent opportunity to meet existing customers, but also provides unrivalled chances to meet new potential clients – we’ve already had a superb return on investment, just a week after the event.”
Organised by Upper Street Events, Caffè Culture 2008 will take place at Olympia, London on 21 & 22 May. For more information visit www.caffeculture.com, call Elliot Gard on +44 (0) 207 288 6191 or email elliotg@upperstreetevents.co.uk
