MICE2026 Expands Latin American Coffee Connections for Global Industry

The Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE) has long been a hub for showcasing the best in the coffee industry, and the upcoming MICE2026 is set to take it a step further by enhancing connections with coffee origin countries. Latin America, a powerhouse in global coffee production, was a prominent feature at MICE2025, with smaller producers from countries like El Salvador, Costa Rica, Ecuador, and Guatemala making their mark.

Latin America’s significance in the coffee world cannot be understated, with five of the top 10 coffee-producing countries hailing from the region. These nations play a crucial role in shaping global coffee prices and trends, with their diverse microclimates and rich coffee-growing traditions setting them apart. At MICE2025, delegates from Latin American embassies and businesses showcased their unique offerings to engage with the international coffee community and bolster their presence in the market.

Sebastian Pinto, the General Manager of Urku, an Ecuadorian coffee shop and chocolaterie, highlighted the distinctiveness of Latin American coffee, emphasizing the diverse flavors that stem from factors like microclimates and indigenous knowledge. He shed light on Ecuador’s underrated coffee industry, praising its volcanic soils and dramatic altitudes that contribute to the unique profiles of Ecuadorian coffee beans.

Costa Rica, another key player in the region, is leading the way in sustainable coffee farming practices. With a focus on achieving net-zero emissions by 2030 and promoting social programs for coffee pickers and their families, Costa Rica is setting a precedent for environmentally conscious coffee production. Gonzalo Quesada, Deputy Head of Costa Rica’s MICE2025 delegation, emphasized the country’s commitment to preserving its natural beauty and supporting its coffee industry through innovative sustainability initiatives.

The shift towards specialty coffee was evident at MICE2025, with countries like El Salvador redirecting their focus from commodity coffee to specialty blends like Café de El Salvador. Cristian Figueroa, Counsellor for the Embassy of El Salvador, highlighted the nation’s transition towards building a brand identity around its specialty coffee sector and forging international partnerships to promote its unique offerings.

MICE2025 served as a platform for meaningful connections and business opportunities, with Costa Rican producers securing leads and partnerships with Australian roasters. The event attracted over 31,000 attendees and 130 exhibitors from the global coffee community, setting the stage for an even more impactful MICE2026. Next year’s expo will feature a new initiative called Trip to Origin, focusing on coffee farms and farmers to educate attendees on the intricacies of coffee production and foster deeper connections within the industry.

As the coffee community looks forward to MICE2026, the spotlight remains on Latin American producers like Ecuador and El Salvador, who are gearing up to showcase their latest innovations and offerings. With a growing emphasis on sustainability, quality, and consumer education, events like MICE play a vital role in shaping the future of the coffee industry and fostering collaboration among industry stakeholders.