Held in Gothenburg, Sweden, the festival will feature 60+ exhibitors from 16 countries, with a Global Roasters Showcase, roasting competition, industry talks, and hands-on workshops.
BY VASILEIA FANARIOTI
SENIOR ONLINE CORRESPONDENT
Photos courtesy of Nordic Coffee Fest
The Nordic Coffee Fest returns to Gothenburg, Sweden, from February 28 to March 1, 2026, bringing together coffee professionals, enthusiasts, producers, and roasters for a dynamic weekend of tastings, talks, workshops, and competition.
Organized by Ordna Event Agency (the team behind The Barista League), the festival has grown into one of Europe’s most exciting specialty coffee gatherings. Set to be hosted at Bananpiren, a waterfront venue in the Frihamnen area of Gothenburg, the 2026 edition promises to elevate the coffee experience with international participation, deep cultural exchange, and plenty of ways to learn and connect.
A Truly Global Coffee Celebration
This year’s Nordic Coffee Fest highlights the global reach and influence of specialty coffee culture while staying rooted in Nordic values of quality and craftsmanship. With 60+ exhibitors from about 16 countries, the show goes far beyond Scandinavia, welcoming coffee roasters, equipment makers, and innovators from across Europe, North America, and beyond—a sign of how Nordic specialty coffee has become a crossroads for international coffee culture.
At the heart of the event is the Global Roasters Showcase: a curated area dedicated to exceptional, world-class coffee brands that rarely appear together under one roof. Here, attendees can interact with flagship roasters like Differente from Colombia, Onyx Coffee Lab from North America, FRITZ of South Korea, and Blue Tokai from India. This immersive showcase celebrates diverse coffee traditions and flavor profiles, offering rare tasting opportunities and cross-cultural dialogue that expand what coffee lovers can expect and appreciate.
Showcases, Talks, and Competitions
One of the festival’s signature highlights is the Nordics Best Roaster competition, where top roasters face off in an expert-led, peer-assessed challenge that celebrates precision, creativity, and mastery in roasting. Finalists are selected through rigorous blind cupping rounds and present both a mandatory lot and a self-sourced coffee in the finals, with the winner crowned on the festival’s final day.
The Industry Stage, presented by Toddy, offers robust programming focused on the theme “Facing the Next Five Years.” This platform brings some of the brightest minds in coffee together to unpack emerging challenges and opportunities shaping the global coffee landscape, from climate resilience and sustainable farming practices to evolving consumer trends and quality standards. Attendees can expect forward-thinking discussions aimed at inspiring change and fostering collaboration across the industry.
Running alongside the Industry Stage is the Main Stage, presented by Oatly, where engaging talks and demos explore everything from coffee farming fundamentals to sensory experiences and brewing techniques. Past talks have included sessions on coffee pricing, roasting techniques, and how to choose coffee that truly suits your taste, blending education with entertainment to appeal both to professionals and curious coffee drinkers.
Roasters Village + Exhibitor Spotlight
Central to the festival experience is the Roasters Village, a bustling hub where specialty coffee brands from the Nordics and across Europe gather to share their latest offerings. Offering more than just exhibition booths, this space invites attendees to sample a wide range of coffees, meet the people behind the beans, and discover new roasters they might not encounter in their local markets. From micro-roasters to established favorites, Roasters Village captures the passion and diversity of today’s specialty coffee scene.
With exhibitors spanning some 16 countries, this year’s Nordic Coffee Fest stands out for its global breadth. The mix of participants, from Nordic brands to international pioneers, reflects the festival’s evolving role as a cultural crossroads for coffee innovation, connecting producers, roasters, baristas, and consumers in meaningful and flavorful ways.
Learn by Doing: Workshops, Cupping Sessions, Tastings + More
Adding to the festival’s experiential appeal is the Barista School, running both days of the event. These hands-on sessions are perfect for learners of all levels, from home brewers to budding professionals. Attendees can book 30-minute workshops in areas like latte art, espresso techniques, and filter brewing, led by seasoned baristas from The Barista League. Whether you’ve never steamed milk before or want to refine your brewing approach, Barista School offers practical skills in a fun, supportive environment.
Beyond workshops, the festival also features cupping sessions, tastings, and demos that deepen understanding of coffee origins, processing methods, and sensory evaluation. These activities give both industry visitors and coffee lovers a chance to explore coffee in depth, expanding knowledge while connecting with peers who share a passion for exceptional coffee.
Don’t miss this unique chance to taste, learn, and connect! Nordic Coffee Fest 2026 runs February 28 to March 1, 2026, at Bananpiren, Gothenburg, with tickets available now at nordiccoffeefest.com.
Vasileia Fanarioti (she/her) is a senior online correspondent for Barista Magazine and a freelance copywriter and editor with a primary focus on the coffee niche. She has also been a volunteer copywriter for the I’M NOT A BARISTA NPO, providing content to help educate people about baristas and their work.
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