International coffee experts headline Creative Coffee Week Durban 2026
Running from July 28 to 30, Creative Coffee Week Durban has become one of Africa’s leading educational gatherings for speciality coffee professionals, creating a unique platform where international expertise meets local innovation.
South Africa’s coffee industry will once again take centre stage as the Durban edition of Creative Coffee Events 2026 presented by YOCO brings together some of the world’s leading coffee professionals alongside the country’s most influential café owners, roasters, baristas and green coffee buyers.
Running from July 28 to 30, Creative Coffee Week Durban has become one of Africa’s leading educational gatherings for speciality coffee professionals, creating a unique platform where international expertise meets local innovation.
What you can expect this year
This year’s programme, themed ‘Back to your Roots’ features internationally respected coffee professionals who will share their insights and practical knowledge across a series of keynote presentations, workshops, and discussions. Joining this year are:
- The current World Barista Champion, Jack Simpson (Australia)
- World-renowned water and coffee specialist, Dara Santana (Canary Islands/ Spain)
- Leading bean to cup technology and business specialist, Niccolò Rossi (Italy)
As South Africa’s coffee industry continues to mature and compete on a global stage, exposure to international thinking has never been more valuable.
From advances in café operations and hospitality to roasting, sourcing, sensory science and competition-level performance, Creative Coffee Events provide local businesses with direct access to ideas shaping the future of coffee around the world.
Throughout the three days, attendees will participate in extensive coffee cuppings, technical demonstrations, equipment showcases and business discussions, allowing professionals from every part of the coffee value chain to learn from one another while strengthening relationships across the industry. It is also an incredible way for anyone wanting to get into the coffee industry to acquire a crash course of knowledge.
ALSO READ: Battle of the Beans celebrates KZN coffee culture at awards ceremony
Going beyond the programme
Away from the formal programme, Creative Coffee Week is a meeting place for the people driving South African coffee forward.
Roasters compare profiles, café owners exchange ideas, green coffee importers showcase their favourite origins, baristas build friendships, and coffee lovers gather around the cupping table to taste exceptional coffees from across the globe. These informal conversations often prove just as valuable as the scheduled sessions, creating opportunities for collaboration, mentorship and innovation that continue long after the event has ended.
“Great coffee has always been built on people sharing knowledge. Our goal is to create an environment where international expertise inspires South African businesses, while also celebrating the incredible talent and generosity that already exists within our own coffee community,” says Creative Coffee Week organiser, Melanie Winter.
Creative Coffee Week continues to reinforce the idea that a stronger coffee industry benefits everyone – from producers and importers to roasters, cafés and ultimately consumers. By bringing together global perspectives and local experience under one roof, the event helps accelerate the growth, professionalism and sustainability of speciality coffee in South Africa.
Creative Coffee Week highlights and venues:
- July 28: Focused Workshops with International Guests at Faema Showroom, Churchill Road. Women in Coffee event at The Chairman (6pm to 9pm)
- July 29: Conference Day at The Chairman (8:30am to 4:30pm)
- July 30: Farm Tour with Bonakude Agro-ecological Farm – The beginning of something special, coffee grown in the villages of KwaZulu-Natal.
Whether attendees come to discover new coffees, refine their technical skills, explore better business practices or simply reconnect with colleagues and friends, Creative Coffee Week remains a celebration of the people who make coffee more than just a beverage.
Creative Coffee Week Durban 2026 details
- Dates: July 28 to 30, 2026
- Venue: Main Conference Venue: The Chairman
- Tickets: www.creativecoffeeweek.com
