The Lab line-up will equip you with the latest industry knowledge, cutting-edge trends and ready-to-action market insights to future proof your business. Proudly supported by our friends at Lavazza, the Industry sessions are curated to educate, inspire and entertain.

With fascinating talks and debates on key topical issues and themes within the industry, an array of interactive demonstrations and workshops, and last but not least... multi-sensory tasting sessions that will blow your mind! Did someone say Espresso Martini?

Here's a taste of what's on in 2023. More to follow soon!
 

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/ SATURDAY

 

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10:15 | Ethiopian Coffee Ceremony
With Farm Africa

The Ethiopian coffee ceremony is an important part of Ethiopian culture. The coffee ceremony is considered to be the most important social occasion in many villages, and it is a sign of respect and friendship to be invited to a coffee ceremony. We've partnered with Farm Africa to bring this to life. Start your morning and experience the importance of coffee in other cultures.

10:30 | Earth Day Special: How Wild Coffee is Protecting Wildlife and Forests 
Dan Collison, CEO, Farm Africa

Throughout history, forests have been cleared to create space for agriculture and animals, and to obtain wood for fuel, manufacturing and construction. Today, the greatest amount of deforestation is occurring in tropical rainforests. Join this session, as Farm Africa CEO Dan Collison puts the spotlight on how the charity works to reduce deforestation by supporting communities in eastern Africa to sell coffee grown under the shade of trees. 

11:00 | The Art of Grinding with Fiorenzato
Simone Rubin, AST trainer and Q Grader

Passion, entrepreneurial skill and a continuous quest for excellence are the key ingredients according to Fiorenzato, Join Simon Rubin for this guided journey on the history and evolution of manual coffee grinders,  the differences between old-fashioned manual coffee grinders and modern ones and Pietro and its innovative features.

11:45 | Bringing Coffee to Life Through Content Creation
Panel session hosted by Alfie Sajir, YouTuber, Quantum Caza. Panelists include: Bradley Morrison, Owner, Dark Arts Coffee | Mabdulle, Photographer/Content Creator | Lily Jones, Coffee Trainer, Lily Jones Coffee

The online space has opened our eyes to an audience most could never dream of reaching. Millions of people at the click of a button! What’s the key to maximising this opportunity? Join this session as Coffee Creator, Alfie Sajir is joined by an expert panel to discuss all things content creation and the impact it can have on the coffee industry…

13:00 | Building a Successful Career in Coffee
Panel session hosted by Edwin Harrison, Founder, Artisan Coffee School and Curious Roo Coffee Roasters. Panelists include Jayke Mangion, Founder, Brickwood, Nue Ground and WorkReel | Charlie Oppenheim, Managing Director, Roots and Berries | Valen Calanche, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Program Manager, Fair Shot
 
Are you looking to build a career based around coffee? We don’t blame you! The coffee industry is innovative, exciting, fast-paced and, most of all, fun! Join this session, as Artisan Coffee School founder, Edwin Harrison, discusses coffee careers with a panel of experts, sharing the key to success within an industry that is full of opportunities…

13:45 | Coffee at home with La Marzocco
Veronika Kemp, Home Manager, La Marzocco UK & Ireland 

Join La Marzocco as they speak to a range of home baristas and espresso enthusiasts about their top tips and tricks when it comes to bringing the café experience home, as well as hearing about their personal coffee journey and how coffee fits into their lives. 

14:30 | The Dark Days of Espresso
Hosted by James Harper, Professional Podcast Producer, Filter Stories Podcast. Joining him is Professor Jonathan Morris, The Coffee Historian.

Espresso-at-the-bar is a sacred, daily ritual for most Italians. Italian-style espresso drinks are also the only reason half of us bother to wake up in the morning as well. But how did this espresso culture develop? In what ways has coffee in Italy changed since it was first introduced hundreds of years ago? These questions are answered in a live podcast episode of the acclaimed 'A History of Coffee' podcast series. The other three episodes of the new series drop during LCF 2023!

15:15 | The Value of Relationships
Panel session hosted by Ryan Garrick, Head of Coffee, WatchHouse. Panelists include: Cat Gutiérrez, Founder, Cata Export | Oscar Hernandez, Owner, Finca Los Nogales | Paola Trujillo, Owner, Finca Patio Bonito

Why is it important for coffee producers to have a strong and mutually beneficial relationship with buyers and how can this benefit you as a coffee consumer? Modern coffee brand WatchHouse is joined by some of the producers they work with to share the stories and the people behind the coffee you love...

16:15 | The Art Of Tasting Chocolate: A Masterclass
Rebecca Bolan, Head Chef, Islands Chocolate and Wilf Marriott, Founder & Managing Director, Islands Chocolate

You've cupped coffee and swirled wine, now it's time to TRULY taste chocolate. Join Islands Chocolate for a guided masterclass in the multi-sensory art of tasting chocolate, co-led by their Development Chef Rebecca & Founder Wilf. Think you know how to eat chocolate, think (and eat) again! From seed to bar, these guys are the doing something different and the likes of GAIL’s and Heston agree!  

17:00 | Faemina Sensory Experience: The Perfect Espresso in the Palm of Your Hand
Angelo Sportelli, MUMAC Academy Coffee Specialist, Gruppo Cimbali

Join Angelo Sportelli, Trainer at MUMAC Academy, for this interactive session showcasing the Be Faema app. The app that allows users you to set the parameters, as well as be part of the community of coffee lovers and be constantly updated on the coffee world.

 

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/ SUNDAY 

 

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11:15 | The Dark Days of Espresso
Hosted by James Harper, Professional Podcast Producer, Filter Stories Podcast. Joining him is Professor Jonathan Morris, The Coffee Historian.

Espresso-at-the-bar is a sacred, daily ritual for most Italians. Italian-style espresso drinks are also the only reason half of us bother to wake up in the morning as well. But how did this espresso culture develop? In what ways has coffee in Italy changed since it was first introduced hundreds of years ago? These questions are answered in a live podcast episode of the acclaimed 'A History of Coffee' podcast series. The other three episodes of the new series drop during LCF 2023!

12:00 | Consumers and coffee choices: Are you bucking the trend?
Panel session hosted by Alice Wainwright, Founder & Owner, RiSE coffee box . Panelists include: Andrew Wells, Founder & Owner, Press coffee & co | Nicole Ferris, Managing Director, Climpson & Sons | Mark Taylor, Head of Out of Home, MOMA Foods | Alex Dantes-Smith, Head of European Retail, Fellow

Pods, beans or ground? Milk or no milk? Short or long? There is no one-size-fits all approach to how we buy or take our coffee. Join this session and learn how our coffee drinking habits are changing and find out if you are part of the crowd or bucking the trends… 

12:45 | Coffee as a force for good
Panel session with: Rebecca Hodgson, Director, Project Waterfall | Luke Powell, General Manager, Brewed By Hand | Joel Kemp, Senior Roaster, Rave Coffee | Azzy Scott, Café Manager, 640 East   

Meet the companies working together to help bring an end to the water crisis in coffee growing communities. A panel discussion hosted by Project Waterfall.

13:30 | How to Improve Moka Pot Brewing
Matteo D'Ottavio, UK Brewers Cup Champion, Moka Pot consultant and coffee content creator.

Matteo D'Ottavio is a coffee consultant and trainer with more than 20 years of experience in the coffee industry. Matteo is the UK Brewers Cup Champion, Moka Pot consultant and coffee content creator.

14:30 | The Dark Days of Espresso
Hosted by James Harper, Professional Podcast Producer, Filter Stories Podcast. Joining him is Professor Jonathan Morris, The Coffee Historian.

Espresso-at-the-bar is a sacred, daily ritual for most Italians. Italian-style espresso drinks are also the only reason half of us bother to wake up in the morning as well. But how did this espresso culture develop? In what ways has coffee in Italy changed since it was first introduced hundreds of years ago? These questions are answered in a live podcast episode of the acclaimed 'A History of Coffee' podcast series. The other three episodes of the new series drop during LCF 2023!