Wednesday, April 15, 2026
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World of Espresso San Diego, Half Two: Favourite Moments


A coffee cupping table at World of Coffee San Diego

Extra of our high takeaways from our time at WoC San Diego.

BY SOPHIE SHORT
BARISTA MAGAZINE ONLINE

Pictures courtesy of Sophie Brief

It’s been virtually 48 hours since I spent a whole weekend in fluorescent lighting consuming huge portions of caffeine with reckless abandon. Do I’ve regrets? No. Did I take three naps as we speak? Sure. Am I struggling to decipher the notes I scrawled whereas scurrying across the present ground? Maybe. 

Anyway, sufficient about my precarious state of existence. Let’s dive again into World of Espresso (WoC) San Diego 2026 and the thrilling issues we noticed on the present ground!

Small-scale roasters have been excited to share their product with customers + importers alike

The Roaster Village at World of Coffee San Diego
On the outskirts of the Roaster Village, impartial roasters shared their product with show-goers.

On the outskirts of the Roaster Village, numerous inexperienced importers positioned their cubicles to attach with present and potential clients. When the clock struck 11am, the cuppings started. Roasters lined as much as pattern new heaps and focus on their earlier purchases, whereas importers gathered samples and tales from producers and roasters alike.

Most healthful of all have been the impartial roasters with their favourite beans in hand, able to share the product they have been most pleased with with importers.

Indianapolis-based Helm Espresso Roasters dropped off a scrumptious Colombian Pink Bourbon from producer Yulieth Mora. Brewed on a V60 and served as a praise to ongoing cuppings, notes of yuzu, sangria, and raspberry crammed the cup. Likewise, San Diego nano-roaster Shade Magic introduced samples of a brand new espresso collab with one other native roaster, Pals of Pals, to share the love whereas sampling high heaps from Guatemala for the approaching yr’s roast log. 

A sample of Color Magic's coffee collab with fellow San Diego roaster Friends of Friends at World of Coffee San Diego
A pattern of Shade Magic’s espresso collab with fellow San Diego roaster Pals of Pals.

Espresso certifications aren’t all about espresso—Smithsonian Chicken Pleasant discusses the significance of migratory birds

World of Coffee San Diego: Bags of Bird Friendly certified coffee
Chicken Pleasant licensed espresso. Photograph courtesy of Chicken Pleasant Espresso on Instagram.

On my quest for matters past arcade video games and egg hunts, I discovered my strategy to the Smithsonian Chicken Pleasant certification sales space. Certain, certifications are acquainted territory for many, with some people swearing by them and others unsure in the event that they’re definitely worth the payout. In the case of Smithsonian Chicken Pleasant, the main target feels totally different. 

Along with holding high quality requirements, Chicken Pleasant conducts analysis in biodiversity conservation, carbon and local weather, regenerative farming practices, and markets for conservation. The certification itself was created in response to analysis relating to migratory birds, primarily within the Americas, which revealed the results of espresso manufacturing traits on their ecosystems. 

Within the mid-late twentieth century, many producers turned to full-sun rising with deforestation on and round farms. This disrupted the migratory patterns of many birds, leading to essential imbalance inside native ecosystems. Chicken Pleasant encourages and certifies farmers to diversify their farming strategies to create biodiverse landscapes that fosters wholesome habitats for birds and different wildlife.

A farewell to WoC San Diego

Yesterday, I helped some associates with the ultimate load out from their sales space. Between dodging forklifts and longing to depart fluorescent lighting far behind, I took a second to look at the world go by as backdrops folded down, espresso machines returned to crates, and two union staff struggled to elevate the massive branded World of Espresso San Diego “W” signal onto a dolly.

Taking that pause let me actually see this occasion as nothing in need of spectacular. Yearly, this business builds a small metropolis and comes collectively to innovate, create, and encourage. And yearly, that small metropolis is deconstructed and tucked away for the following commerce present. So right here’s wanting ahead to World of Espresso 2027 and no matter ridiculous and great issues include it! 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sophie Brief fortunately resides in San Diego, Calif., together with her cat Sookie, although each keep their New England demeanor. Sophie is a author, espresso business advisor, and lifelong hospitality skilled. She collects furbies and enjoys lengthy walks not on the seaside but in addition snorkeling from the seaside.

Cover of the April + May 2026 issue of Barista Magazine with Laila Ghambari on the cover

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