Last year, I was fortunate enough to volunteer at World of Coffee Copenhagen , one of the world's leading specialty coffee events. Over three intense days, I divided my time into three shifts that gave me a privileged view of the event from different corners.

My first shift was the day before the opening, at the reception desk. There, we welcomed dozens of volunteers and handed out complimentary supplies. From the very first moment, there was a contagious energy: people from all over the world, united by a common passion, arrived with smiles, excitement, and a desire to share.

On the second day, I was at the Roasters' Village , a vibrant and aromatic space where roasters from different countries presented their coffees, techniques, and philosophies. As an exhibitor assistant, I had the opportunity to hear their stories firsthand, collaborate with them on sample preparation, and learn about roast profiles, origins, and extraction methods. It was like being in a living coffee library, where every conversation taught you something new.

Finally, my third shift was one of the most exciting: backstage at the World Latte Art Championships . There, behind the scenes, I helped organize logistics, coordinating schedules and materials, and supporting the technical team. It was incredible to see up close the level of focus, creativity, and skill of the competitors, each striving for that perfect pour under the pressure of a global audience.

I have to admit that I had an unforgettable experience. Beyond the technical knowledge, what truly impacted me was feeling part of a global community united by the love of coffee. From the bustling Roasters' Village to the exciting competitions, every moment was a sip of inspiration. Here's a taste of my coffee-related reflections.  ☕

Roasters' Village: A Sensory Journey

The Roasters' Village was a bustling gathering place where roasters from around the world showcased their unique coffees. I participated in providing water and supplies to several roaster booths from Switzerland, Italy, and Vietnam, among others, where tastings of coffees roasted by our international partners were offered. Using various filtration methods, with the V60 being the main focus, attendees offered their best flavor profiles.

I found it very interesting to observe several clear trends being published in the commercial offerings and on social media by many machinery manufacturers supported by the coffee roasting community. I'm referring more specifically to the desire to offer more precise and differentiated sensory profiles, a trend driven by technological innovation; and, on the other hand, the commitment to even greater quality focused on ecological and social sustainability.

World Latte Art Championship: A Masterpiece in Every Preparation

The World Latte Art Championship was a spectacle of creativity and precision. I witnessed baristas from around the world transform milk and coffee into true works of art. Taiwanese barista Yi-Chen Xie was crowned champion, impressing with an intricate design titled “King of the Ocean, King of the Land, and King of the Sky,” which featured a whale, an elk, and a dragon (this one dyed black) as central figures in his three designs. The execution was flawless. His victory was a testament to the talent and dedication present at the event.

Here's a link to the official video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYw7elpb_b8

World Roasting Championship: A Lesson in Concentration

At the World Coffee Roasting Championship, attention to detail and technical knowledge were key. Competitors worked meticulously to develop roast profiles that highlighted the coffee's best qualities. Tai Yang Liu of China took the title, demonstrating exceptional mastery in creating complex and balanced flavors.

Beyond Flavor: The Art of Coffee Elevated to Its Highest Expression

In short, this event was the ultimate celebration of talent, creativity, and extreme technique in the art of coffee. The finalists, as always, demonstrated an inconceivable level of creativity in their respective disciplines. The narrative, original designs, innovation in processes and cup profiles, and thematic diversity (the latter referring to latte art, from mythical fauna to festive scenes) reflected a high level of artistry and a profound connection between visual culture and coffee.