Coffee expo set for stronger attendance this year

THE annual Coffee Expo Seoul is expected to see a stronger buyer and seller turnout this year, benefitting from the country s booming coffee trade.

To be held from April 11-13 at the COEX Convention and Exhibition Center Seoul, the event is gearing up for an estimated 50,000 domestic and international buyers and exhibitors, up from 30,000 visitors seen at last year’s edition.

The number of coffee- and tea-themed exhibition booths is expected to hit 500 this year, up from 230 in 2012.

Coffee Expo Seoul 2013 will also host the World Super Barista Championships and several educational seminars.

The event provides an interactive platform for coffee businesses, buyers and enthusiasts as they gather in a city that is recognised for its strong coffee culture.

According to a press statement from COEX, South Korea’s coffee industry has seen vast growth over the past half-decade. It witnessed almost 900 per cent growth in the number of coffee shops between 2006 and 2011, and a 1,800 per cent rise in national sales over the same period.

Seoul now boasts the highest concentration of coffee shops in the world, with more than 10,000 cafes and coffee houses.