Photo by Lindsey Erdody
[F]or the first time ever, Coffee Fest was held in Indianapolis, Indiana, this past weekend, May 31–June 2. Exhibitors, judges, speakers, competitors, and attendees all descended upon Indy for three days of caffeine-fueled reunions, commerce, seminars, championships, and more.
Day one of the event featured Fresh Cup’s Associate Editor Jordan Johnson instructing more than a hundred attendees on how to develop their own zero waste programs at the seminar “Trash Talk: How to Create a Zero-Waste Café,” which will also be taught at the upcoming Los Angeles show.
Meanwhile, the show floor was packed with ambitious coffee and tea professionals ready to network and build their businesses. Multiple competition stages across the Indiana Convention Center featured baristas and roasters anxiously awaiting their moment to perform in front of the judges. When the show floor closed for the evening, events and parties were held across the city, providing even more opportunities for camaraderie and competition. The entire event was a victory lap for the café industry, and we look forward to seeing you August 25–27 at Coffee Fest Los Angeles.
Award Winners from Coffee Fest Indy:
America’s Best Espresso
First Place: Pilcrow Coffee
Second Place: Dr. Bean’s Coffee
Third Place: Augie’s Coffee
America’s Best Cold Brew Still
First Place: Passion House Coffee
Second Place: Heine Brothers’ Coffee
Third Place: Cirque Coffee
America’s Best Cold Brew Nitro
First Place: Julian Coffee Roasters
Second Place: Tinker Coffee Co.
Third Place: Circadian Coffee
Latte Art World Championship Open
First Place: Mehdi Chung
Second Place: Umpaul
Third Place: Zhong Hu
Best New Product Showcase
Consumable:
First Place: Lotus Energy Drink
Second Place: SoChatti Pure Melted Chocolate
Third Place: Outrageous Baking
Non-Consumable:
First Place: Brewista Variable Temperature Cupping Kettle
Second Place: Petainer Keg
Third Place: International Food Packaging EarthPro Hot Cups & Lids
