Innovation and Sustainability Take Center Stage on Day 2 of Expo
HOUSTON, TX — April 27, 2025 — The second day of the 2025 Specialty Coffee Expo at the George R. Brown Convention Center buzzed with activity as thousands of coffee professionals and enthusiasts gathered to explore the latest trends, technologies, and discussions shaping the future of specialty coffee. The final day of the three-day event will take place today, Sunday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Pictured: CQI CEO Michael Sheridan (right) and SCA CEO Yannis Apostolopoulos (left).
During the Expo, the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) announced a grant agreement with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) that will provide vital and ongoing funding for CQI’s project work in coffee-producing areas. Under the agreement, SCA will contribute a percentage of its annual education revenues to CQI to support its development work and advance its mission to improve the quality of coffee and the lives of the people who produce it.
Celebrating Excellence: Best New Product Awards and Coffee Design Awards
Another highlight of the day was the announcement of the Best New Product Awards and the Coffee Design Awards, which celebrate groundbreaking advancements in coffee equipment and accessories.
Industry Education: Lectures and Workshops
Attendees participated in a wide range of lectures and workshops covering critical issues in the coffee industry. Notable sessions included:
Coffee & Climate: A Collaborative Workshop to Better Understand Climate Change
Exploring Coffee Acidity: A Flavoromics Perspective
Cross-Cultural Taste: Exploring Sensory Language Disparities in Coffee Evaluation for the Global Market
Bold Coffees Deserve Bold Brands: How to Build and Protect Your Brand
Championships as a Catalyst: Building Skills, Brands, and Community and the Future of USCC
Cupping Exchange
The Cupping Exchange allowed attendees to taste and evaluate a wide array of coffees from around the world, featuring offerings such as:
Geishas from Peru
Kenya’s Best Coffee
Daterra Coffee
JNP Coffee
Osito Coffee & Cacao