East European Coffee Culture Festival: brewing excitement this weekend

CoffeEast Festival is the premier regional event dedicated to all things coffee, happening this weekend at Laminor Hall in Bucharest. Inspired by the rich tapestry of Eastern European coffee culture, CoffeeEast is more than just a festival; it’s a vibrant convergence of social and professional realms, uniting visionary entrepreneurs and aficionados alike.

Described as a regional community and tradeshow event for coffee professionals, artisans and taste enthusiasts, but also as the first East European Coffee Culture Festival, CoffeEast brings together coffee enthusiasts, industry professionals, and the general public to explore and experience the vibrant coffee and taste culture of the region. With a focus on showcasing the best of Eastern European coffee and taste, CoffeEast is dedicated to fostering local talent, inspiring innovation, and creating meaningful connections within the community.

“CoffeEast was inspired by a desire to celebrate Eastern Europe’s vibrant coffee culture, hungry for new experiences in thrilling lifestyle products. I envisioned CoffeEast as more than just a run-of-the-mill specialty coffee festival. It’s a community endeavor, aiming to firmly place Romania on the European coffee map, bringing substantial benefits to the country’s brand. In recent years, we’ve seen a surge of cafes, roasteries, and professionals, fueled by a growing fan base embracing the coffee lifestyle. This peak in Romania’s coffee narrative makes it the perfect time for an event like CoffeEast to take place in Bucharest. CoffeEast celebrates this dynamic local and regional coffee scene, fostering pride and camaraderie among the coffee and artisan community. It serves as both a social and professional event, showcasing the creativity, artistry, and diversity of Eastern Europe’s entrepreneurs and passionate consumers,“ explains for Business Review Mihai Panfil, the founder of the event and the owner of Origo Coffee, one of the pioneers of specialty coffee in Romania.

Crafted to showcase the finest in artisanal craftsmanship and locally inspired innovations, CoffeEast is a testament to the meticulous flavors and artistry prevalent in Romania and Eastern Europe. From the aromatic brews to delectable culinary creations, and from captivating art pieces to exquisite design objects, every facet of Eastern European culture will be on display.

With over 150 exhibitors gracing the halls, CoffeEast promises an eclectic program brimming with indulgent experiences.

“Through CoffeEast, we are not just hosting a festival; we are creating a movement that celebrates the best of Eastern Europe’s coffee culture and entrepreneurship. And Bucharest takes the center stage. Our city’s Third Wave Coffee scene has cultivated a culture of innovation, creativity, and community within the coffee industry. This culture permeates every aspect of CoffeEast, from the selection of exhibitors and partners to the programming of workshops and competitions. Building a festival of this magnitude demands a significant investment of time, effort, and financial resources. However, as much effort as it takes to create such an event, it’s equally essential for people to come together and have meaningful conversations and interactions in a vibrant space that inspires community engagement. In its essence, CoffeEast serves as a platform for Bucharest’s vibrant Third Wave Coffee to showcase their talent, share their knowledge, and connect with like-minded individuals from all around the region,“ adds Mihai Panfil.

The program of CoffeEast Festival

GreatEast Cup – the main stage will host baristas in a competition with creative, individual, or team challenges;
On the secondary stage, there will be acoustic concerts by artists from Eastern Europe;
The market of 80 micro-roasteries, artisans, and local artists – will showcase coffee, sweet and savory treats, craft beer and drinks, local wines, and design objects;
At the Coffee Shop Carousel Bar, baristas from local coffee shops will prepare and serve coffee for festival visitors;
Coffee initiation workshops: visitors can practice the steps to make “a good coffee at home” in interactive workshops hosted by Origo Academy;
Conferences for professionals and enthusiasts: local and international experts will discuss topics such as employer branding in HoReCa, franchising for local businesses, industry news and trends, creative bartending, or coffee education;
Coffee tastings: cupping sessions organized by green coffee importers.

Meet the exhibitors

“We believe in the power of community and collaboration, recognizing that the coffee industry is not just about coffee itself, but also about various creative industries. Our criteria for selecting exhibitors and partners go beyond simply evaluating their products or services. We seek out businesses who embody the values of CoffeEast as a community event—a celebration of craftsmanship, creativity, and innovation. In assembling our lineup, we intentionally seek out a diverse range of participants, including not only coffee & technology businesses but also artisans, designers, architects, and more”, adds Mihai.

Tickets to this event are available online at www.liveticket.ro or can be purchased directly at the entrance. Priced at 24 lei, each ticket grants access to the entirety of CoffeEast’s three-day extravaganza, including a complimentary coffee. Doors open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. For a detailed itinerary and a full list of exhibitors, visit official festival website at www.coffeeast.eu.