Las Vegas COFFEE FEST

Trade show features what's new in the world of java

By JOHN PRZYBYS
REVIEW-JOURNAL

The earthy, delicious scent wafts into the nostrils the moment a visitor walks into the Riviera's convention hall.

Coffee. Hot, freshly brewed, flavorful, stimulating, caffeinated bliss.

But a few other aromas also could be detected in the main exhibition hall of the Coffee Fest trade show, which recently made its third annual visit to Las Vegas.

Chocolates. Teas. Oranges and other fresh fruits. The doughy aroma of pastries, and even the more industrial-accented aromas of plastic, metal and paper products.

All are part of the world of coffee circa 2003, and all were well-represented at this year's Coffee Fest.

Show manager David Heilbrunn said the event is directed primarily toward coffee retailers. And, he said, the coffee business is -- pardon the pun -- perking.

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