Last week’s London Coffee Festival (March 28-31 at Old Truman Brewery) was a success for many housewares exhibitors who met with trade customers on the first two days of the show, followed by consumers throughout the weekend.
With talks, tastings and demonstrations, the Festival attracted a wide audience of coffee lovers keen to engage in the latest developments. Industry panels included: ‘Cups in Crisis?’ involving reusable cup brands, KeepCup and HuskeeCup (made from repurposed coffee husks).
Brita’s Birgit Kohler was part of The Tasting Room, where visitors took part in tasting workshops and found out how filtered water influences the taste of coffee.
Other housewares suppliers at the Festival included Bodum, Jura, Brewed by Hand, Barista & Co and Auteur. James Gray, md of Barista & Co describes the Festival as “the go to’ event for coffee products,” and “a melting pot for ideas.”
James reports: “It was a vibrant show with lots of theatre and was very good for Barista & Co. We were welcomed for our retail proposition and got a lot of great feedback from a progressive audience that is looking for newness. The reaction from consumers was very positive – they were keen to get their hands on the products we have developed.”
Auteur also summed up the show as a “great success.” Marketing associate, Kirstie Pendry reflects: “t was a lively and buzzing show, with lots of trade and consumers coming through the doors. It was great to speak to roasters and coffee shops, as well as get out and meet consumers to understand what was popular with them, and what they would like to see in the future. “
Kirstie adds that: “Corkcicle got a great reaction, especially with the new Neon Lights and Snowdrift collections. Consumers loved Stojo, especially the portability and the fact it collapses into a leak-proof disk!”
Meanwhile, running up to and coinciding with the first two days of The London Coffee Festival, Melitta whet the appetite of coffee lovers with its pop-up Coffee Lounge at Old Street Underground station. The coffee brand provided consumers with insights into its history and its latest coffee machines.
Top: Barista & Co was ready for action at The London Coffee Festival
