World of Coffee Brussels 2026 Highlights | Java Republic at the Brew Bar
World of Coffee returned to Europe this year, taking over Brussels for four packed days of exhibitions, competitions, cuppings and workshops. Despite the soaring temperatures of the European heatwave, thousands of coffee lovers gathered to discover the latest innovations, taste exceptional coffees and catch up with friends from across the global coffee community.
Representing Java Republic, Maya and Aleksandra, our Quality Consultants, headed to Brussels to immerse themselves in everything the event had to offer.
Java Republic at the Brew Bar
One of the biggest highlights of the trip was seeing Java Republic featured on the World Coffee Championships Brew Bar.
Throughout the event, our Limited Edition coffee was brewed using the Cosori JUNI, V60 and Clever Dripper, giving visitors the opportunity to experience our coffee exactly as it deserves to be enjoyed.
The response exceeded all expectations.
Industry professionals, judges, competitors and coffee lovers kept coming back for another cup, with many asking where they could buy our coffee or where our exhibition stand was. (Maybe next year!😉)
Watch some taste test reactions here live from Brussels!
Our Limited Edition Ethiopia Rumudamo Coffee
Origin & processing
The coffee attracting all the attention was our latest Limited Edition release from the Rumudamo region in Ethiopia’s Sidama, Bensa district. Grown at an impressive altitude of 2,200–2,400 metres and processed using the natural anaerobic method, it delivers a vibrant, fruit-forward cup with notes of cherry, lime, cranberries, watermelon, red wine and redcurrant.
Why it stood out at WOC Brussels
Roasted in Dublin, it boasts an outstanding SCA quality score of 89+, making it a fitting coffee to showcase on the world stage.
Didnt make it to Brussels and want to give it a try? Shop the limited edition coffee here!
Key Coffee Trends from World of Coffee 2026
Every World of Coffee offers a glimpse into where the industry is heading, and this year’s event highlighted several exciting trends.
Rise of drip coffee bags
Perhaps the standout product across the exhibition was the rise of drip coffee bags.
Offering specialty coffee with nothing more than a kettle and hot water!
Matcha continues to grow
Coffee may have been the star of the show, but matcha continues to gain momentum.
Dedicated matcha exhibitors attracted plenty of attention, highlighting how cafés are increasingly expanding beyond traditional coffee menus to meet changing consumer tastes.
Technology & automation in coffee
Innovation was everywhere.
From AI-powered green coffee sorting technology to automated beverage systems, the industry is embracing technology like never before.
A few pieces of equipment that particularly caught our attention included:
- Themis Mini Scale for quality control, recipe development and training.
- LAF Neo, an automated cold beverage system.
- Advanced AI technology for sorting green coffee with incredible precision.
Coffee Community & Connections in Brussels
One of the best things about World of Coffee every year is the… people!
The exhibition brings together producers, roasters, importers, equipment manufacturers, baristas and coffee enthusiasts from every corner of the world. Whether you’re meeting someone for the first time or reconnecting with familiar faces, there’s always another conversation waiting around the corner.
Until Next Year…
World of Coffee is always an inspiring few days, but this year felt particularly special.
The overwhelmingly positive feedback on our coffee, the conversations with coffee professionals from around the world and the opportunity to represent Java Republic on such an important stage made Brussels a huge success.
We can’t wait to do it all again at World of Coffee 2027 in Lisbon – see you there?
