Coffee Fest Returning to Atlanta June 1-3

Coffee Fest, Together with the Great American Dessert Expo, Returning to Atlanta June 1-3, 2007

Coffee Fest presented by Equal Brand Sweeteners, will once again co-locate with The Great American Dessert Expo to introduce the latest java trends at Atlanta's Cobb Galleria Centre, June 1-3, 2007.

Coffee Fest is designed as both an educational and marketing vehicle to the proliferation of the specialty coffee, tea, and growing alternative beverage industry, will be celebrating its 47th show and 4th appearance in Atlanta (this will be The Great American Dessert Expo's first appearance in Atlanta). The trade show is designed specifically for coffeehouse, specialty retail, and restaurant owners and entrepreneurs within the specialty coffee and related industries.

What exactly is specialty coffee? Specialty coffee is categorized as the premium 5 percent of coffee grown, which possesses distinctive flavors in the cup and is free of defects. This specific segment of the international coffee market reached $8.47 billion in 2003, and continues to grow. The total value of the global coffee industry reaches $60 billion annually, making it the second-most heavily traded commodity in the world, surpassed only by oil. Next to tap water, coffee is the most popular drink worldwide with an estimated 1.4 billion cups consumed each day. With such a strong global impact, it is no wonder the specialty coffee industry is so popular.

With more than 250 exhibiting booths, Coffee Fest strives to showcase everything the specialty coffee and tea industry needs; from allied products such as biscotti, flavoring syrups, and smoothie mixes to coffee, tea, and brewing and serving equipment. Coffee Fest Atlanta will feature a strong emphasis on attendee education with more than 50 different free seminars available in Coffee Fest's signature Red Cup Series, ranging in topics that aim to address all aspects of the specialty coffee retail industry from starting a business to keeping it growing.

The International Academy of Specialty Coffee (I.A.S.C.) is the leading international industry source for training and education, and is exclusively found at Coffee Fest trade shows. The I.A.S.C. roster of classes features the Specialty Coffee Business Seminar, specifically designed to help entrepreneurs enter and succeed in the business. The three-day course has taught over 2,000 students how to successfully open, compete and profit from a specialty coffee cart, kiosk, drive-thru, or cafe. The I.A.S.C. also offers programs such as the popular 4-hour Hands-On Barista Training Workshop, Barista Certification Testing, Hands-On Latte Art Training, and Specialty Coffee Cupping.

“We are pleased that the Great American Dessert Expo will be joining us in Atlanta,” noted David Heilbrunn, show manager for Coffee Fest. “It is only natural that pastries, ice cream, chocolate and dessert wines should share a venue with the best in specialty beverages.”

The Great American Dessert Expo was launched in Las Vegas in 2003 by New York-based IMC Events and Exhibitions. IMC also produces the highly successful Kosherfest, an annual trade show for the kosher food industry. For more information, visit www.dessertexpo.com.

Hours of the trade show are 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. Children under 13, including infants, are not admitted entrance to Coffee Fest. Admission to the trade show is $20.00 per person with Early Bird Registration (Before May 11th), or $30.00 per person at the door, which is good for all three days and includes admission into all Red Cup Series seminars. Onsite registration closes one hour prior to the show floor. For more information, please visit www.coffeefest.com.