Our Commercial Marketing Manager, Laura, headed over to Sweden on March 1st to check out the Nordic Coffee Festival. This two-day event is a must-visit for coffee enthusiasts!
Held at the Banana Pier in Gothenburg, the festival brought together roasters, baristas, and coffee lovers from across Europe. Read on to see what Laura learned, and the key insights she gained from the specialty coffee scene.
Immersed in Specialty Coffee Culture
From the moment I stepped into the festival, the air was thick with the rich aromas of freshly brewed specialty coffee, mixed with a dash of excitement from the crowds.
Nordic coffee culture is known for its focus on quality, craftsmanship, and sustainability, and this festival was a perfect showcase of that dedication.
Each stand featured its best brews, with coffee roasters from Denmark, Slovenia, Finland, Slovakia, and beyond. From micro-roasters championing single origin beans to larger, more established names innovating with processing techniques, every conversation provided insight into how specialty coffee culture is evolving in this region.
Sustainability was a recurring theme
Sustainability was a central theme throughout the festival, with many producers emphasising their commitment to direct trade and environmentally conscious practices. One phrase that stood out to me was: Instead of asking why coffee is getting so expensive, we should be asking why coffee is this cheap.
The festival’s imagery and messaging highlighted the journey from crop to cup – how coffee cherries take three to five years to bear fruit, must be hand-picked, washed, dried, roasted, brewed, and finally poured and served. Seeing this process visually broken down reinforced the incredible amount of work that goes into every single cup of coffee.
It was a powerful reminder of why ethical sourcing and sustainable practices, like those championed by Java Republic, are so important for the future of specialty coffee.
Tasting my way through the Nordic Coffee Festival
Of course, no coffee festival experience would be complete without an abundance of cuppings and tastings! I sipped my way through an array of filter brews, espresso shots, and even tried some potato milk – an unexpected but interesting alternative in the growing world of plant-based options.
Nordic roasters are renowned for their light-roasting profiles, which highlight the delicate nuances of origin flavours. This was evident in almost every specialty coffee I tried.
Experiencing Swedish Coffee Culture
Beyond the festival, I wanted to experience Swedish coffee culture in its natural habitat. Throughout the weekend, I got a chance to visit local cafés to dive into the concept of fika.
Fika is often translated as “a coffee and cake break” and is a beloved Swedish tradition. It is more than just a coffee break; it’s a moment to slow down, enjoy a great cup of coffee, and pair it with something sweet.
I opted to try a semla bun – one of Sweden’s most loved pastries. It is a small, wheat flour bun filled with whipped cream and an almond paste. I could certainly get used to this fika lifestyle!
Final Thoughts
Attending the Nordic Coffee Festival 2025 was an unforgettable experience, filled with inspiring conversations, exceptional specialty coffee, and a deeper understanding of what makes this region so influential in the world of specialty coffee.
As I return to Dublin, I’m bringing back not just new contacts and ideas, but also a renewed passion for the craft and community that make specialty coffee truly special.
For those who love specialty coffee, you don’t have to travel to Sweden to experience a world-class coffee festival! The Dublin Coffee Festival is coming to the RDS on April 12 and 13, and we’ll be there serving up some of our finest coffees. We’re also hosting a cupping session and an Irish Coffee Workshop, so be sure to stop by and say hello!
Want to explore the best in specialty coffee? Discover our range of ethically sourced, expertly roasted coffees.
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