• Between March 21-23, Hala Laminor in Bucharest will host a new edition of the Bucharest Coffee Festival, a landmark event for coffee lovers and professionals.
Organized by Barista School, First Coffee and SCA – Romania Chapter (Specialty Coffee Association), the festival brings together hundreds of specialists and enthusiasts from Romania and other countries, such as Italy, Greece and Denmark.
A vast exhibition dedicated to coffee and related products
The festival will take place on an area of approximately 5.000 square meters, bringing together over 200 exhibitors: coffee producers, processors, distributors and importers, as well as representatives of the HoReCa industry – from artisanal roasters and cafes, to suppliers of professional accessories and equipment. Visitors will be able to explore various coffee preparation methods, from espresso and filter coffee, to V60 or freshly roasted pot coffee.
Demonstrations, workshops and networking opportunities
Spectacular demonstrations of brewing, mixology and latte art will take place during the three-day festival. Those interested in the coffee industry will have access to a special lounge dedicated to business partnerships, where a series of workshops supported by members will also be held Specialty Coffee AssociationHere, essential topics about the production, distribution, and preparation of specialty coffee will be addressed.
International conference with a Brazilian expert
One of the central moments of the festival will be the conference "Challenges and opportunities in specialty coffee production in Brazil", scheduled for Friday, March 22, at 16:00 PM. Special guest is Edgard Bressani, Brazilian expert and CEO of a specialty coffee exporting company, active in over 30 countries. With extensive experience in promoting coffee and specialty farms, Bressani is also the author of the renowned "The Barista Guide".
National barista competitions
As every year, the festival will be the scene of prestigious national competitions dedicated to baristas, organized by Barista School and First Coffee in partnership with SCA – Romania ChapterThe event will include:
• National Latte Art Championship
• Coffee in Good Spirits (CIGS) – national final
• National Barista Championship
• National Kettle Championship
The winners of these competitions will represent Romania at World Coffee Championships, held in Geneva (June 2025) and Milan (October 2025). Judging will be carried out by international experts, including Michael McCauley (SCA France), Stavros Lamprinidis (Greece), Michalis Dimitrakopoulos (Greece) and Serif Basaran (Turkey).
News for the 2025 edition
A premiere this year is Spirits Village, an exhibition space dedicated to spirits, where visitors can taste and purchase refined products. A special bar for Espresso Martini, along with an extensive street food area and a space for children.
Bucharest Coffee Festival, launched in 2011, has become the most important platform for promoting specialty coffee in Romania. Through its competitions and initiatives, the festival has contributed to the development of the industry and the growth of interest in this art. The 2025 edition promises to be an unmissable event for all those who love coffee and its culture.
Article written by Gabriela Dan, Editor-in-Chief Arta Albă
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