International Coffee Tasting 2026 – Brescia, Italy

• September 9, 2026
  Event date:
• September 10, 2026
  Event end:

Overview

International Coffee Tasting stands as the premier global sensory competition dedicated entirely to evaluating and rewarding the finest coffee blends and single-origin products from around the world. Organized with the esteemed support of the International Institute of Coffee Tasters and the CSA Italian Tasters, this landmark biennial event brings together top-tier roasters, producers, and international sensory experts. The specialized gathering focuses intensely on blind sensory analysis, rigorous quality assessment, and celebrating excellence across the global coffee manufacturing sector.

Participants immerse themselves in a highly professional environment designed to uphold strict scientific standards in coffee evaluation. Through meticulous blind tastings conducted by certified international judges, entries are assessed on aromatic complexity, body, acidity, and overall sensory balance. This systematic approach ensures that only the most exceptional espresso and filter coffees receive recognition, establishing a definitive benchmark for quality within the competitive international beverage industry.

The event serves as an indispensable platform for fostering global industry standards and providing roasters with objective validation of their craftsmanship. Producers and commercial brands leverage the prestigious accolades awarded during the competition to showcase their dedication to superior quality to consumers and business partners alike. By combining rigorous sensory science with international collaboration, the competition elevates the art and technique of professional coffee roasting.

Event Highlights

• Global Sensory Competition: Hundreds of international coffee entries go head-to-head in blind evaluations judged by certified professional coffee tasters.
• Certified Expert Panel: Highly trained sensory analysts from multiple countries utilize standardized scientific protocols to score aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel.
• Prestigious Product Awards: Winning roasters receive internationally recognized medals that highlight superior craftsmanship and product excellence in the marketplace.
• Industry Networking: Producers, roasters, and supply chain professionals connect in a specialized setting dedicated to advancing coffee quality standards.

Why Attend

Attending this premier coffee evaluation event is essential for ambitious roasters, coffee producers, and industry professionals aiming to benchmark their products against the highest global standards. The competition provides deep insights into international consumer preferences, emerging flavor profiles, and advanced sensory analysis methodologies used by top-tier quality control experts. Participants gain invaluable feedback on their roasting profiles and discover what distinguishes award-winning coffees in an increasingly sophisticated market.

This specialized gathering is ideal for commercial roasters, specialty coffee producers, green bean importers, quality assurance managers, and dedicated coffee connoisseurs. Attendees benefit from direct exposure to global market trends, peer-led discussions, and the unique opportunity to understand the precise sensory attributes valued by professional judges. Professionals leave equipped with heightened tasting acuity and enhanced market credibility derived from participating in the world’s foremost coffee evaluation arena.

Date & Duration

• Event Date: September 9-10, 2026
• Event Duration: Two intensive days of professional sensory evaluations, technical assessments, and judging sessions

Visiting this event? Don’t miss out on these amazing activities and local experiences while you’re here.

Ticket Information

• How Tickets Are Sold: Registration credentials and submission entries are managed and processed securely through the official event digital portal prior to the opening date.
• Admission Type: Professional trade registration designed for coffee roasters, producers, sensory analysts, and accredited industry representatives.
• Ticket Pricing: Free Admission
• Special Seating Options: Open tasting observation zones and unreserved professional seating areas are available for accredited visitors and media guests during the evaluation sessions.
• VIP Options: Special hospitality credentials and exclusive networking access can be arranged for official event sponsors, partner associations, and international delegations.

Venue / Location

• City and Country: Brescia, Italy
• Venue Name: International Institute of Coffee Tasters Headquarters and Designated Evaluation Center
• Google Maps Address: Galleria Vittorio Veneto, 9, 25128 Brescia BS, Italy

Contact Information

• Email: info@italiantasters.com
• Phone Number: +39 030 2411209
• Official Website: https://www.internationalcoffeetasting.com/ict/

Accommodation Options

Brescia offers a delightful selection of lodging choices, ranging from elegant historic hotels nestled within the Roman city center to modern business-class properties located near major transit links. Staying near the historical core allows visitors to easily explore the city’s UNESCO-listed ancient ruins, atmospheric piazzas, and celebrated culinary establishments after evaluation hours.

Alternatively, booking a room closer to the exhibition and testing facilities ensures maximum logistical convenience, minimizing travel time and facilitating smooth daily arrivals for morning sessions. These strategic accommodation options provide excellent amenities, reliable digital connectivity, and peaceful environments for unwinding after busy days of professional sensory analysis.

Getting There

• Nearest Airport: Milan Bergamo Airport, located approximately fifty kilometers away with frequent shuttle and highway connections leading directly to Brescia.
• Nearest Train/Metro Station: Brescia Railway Station, situated just a short distance from the city center and well-connected by local urban bus and metro lines.
• Bus Routes or Public Transport Options: Easily accessible via local urban bus lines and the Brescia Metro system operating regular services across the metropolitan area.
• Parking Availability: The venue provides convenient on-site parking infrastructure across designated visitor lots surrounding the main facility.
• Directions by Car: Directly accessible via the A4 Milan-Venice motorway, taking the Brescia Centro exit which leads straight toward the urban center and evaluation facilities.

Dining Recommendations

• Breakfast Recommendations:
  • Pasticceria Veneto for world-class artisanal pastries and exceptional morning espresso crafted by master pastry chefs.
  • Caffè Impero for traditional Italian coffee blends and freshly baked brioches in a classic setting.
  • Pasticceria Antica Europa for delicate local sweets and classic cappuccinos before the morning sessions.
• Lunch Recommendations:
  • Ristorante La Sosta for refined midday dining featuring traditional regional recipes and exceptional local wines.
  • Osteria al Bianchi for authentic local comfort plates served in a warm historic atmosphere.
  • Caffè del Teatro for gourmet light lunches and classic regional savory snacks near the center.
• Dinner Recommendations:
  • Trattoria Al Forno di Porta Pile for traditional Brescian gastronomy and an outstanding regional wine list.
  • Restaurant Lansana for an upscale fine dining journey celebrating creative Italian culinary arts.
  • Osteria dei Due Sassi for classic local recipes enjoyed within a charming architectural setting.
• Local Specialties to Try:
  • Casoncelli alla bresciana, a traditional handmade stuffed pasta flavored with butter, cheese, and local pancetta.
  • Polenta taragna, a rich and comforting polenta dish prepared with buckwheat flour and local melting cheeses.
  • Bossolà di Brescia, the legendary ring-shaped sweet cake traditionally enjoyed across the region.

What is this event?

International Coffee Tasting is the definitive global competition dedicated exclusively to evaluating coffee blends and single origins through blind sensory analysis. It unites master roasters and coffee producers from around the world to test their products against rigorous international quality standards.

The two-day professional event features exhaustive evaluation rounds conducted by certified expert tasters using scientifically validated protocols. It serves as the ultimate benchmark for recognizing true excellence and craftsmanship in coffee roasting across the global market.

Why is it popular?

The competition commands immense international prestige due to its uncompromising commitment to objective, blind sensory evaluation by certified experts. Roasters and producers highly value the event because winning a medal provides undeniable proof of superior product quality to global consumers.

It offers an unparalleled platform for benchmarking roasting techniques and understanding evolving flavor profiles within the competitive beverage industry. The rigorous judging process ensures that recognized brands stand out as true leaders in coffee craftsmanship.

Tips before you go

• Submit your coffee samples and registration credentials well in advance through the official online portal to secure your spot in the competition.
• Review the technical submission guidelines carefully to ensure your coffee packaging and roast specifications match exact event requirements.
• Prepare detailed roasting and bean origin notes if you plan to engage with fellow professionals and judges during the networking intervals.
• Arrive early at the venue to familiarize yourself with the facility layout and professional tasting protocols before evaluations begin.
• Take time in the evening to explore the rich cultural heritage and historic dining destinations across downtown Brescia after the sessions conclude.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

• Plan your local transit route ahead of time, keeping in mind that city center traffic can experience moderate density during morning rush hours.
• Wear comfortable professional attire suitable for an exclusive, highly focused culinary and sensory evaluation environment.
• Keep your schedule adaptable so you can easily participate in impromptu technical discussions with international judges and master roasters.
• Take full advantage of the networking breaks to connect with leading green coffee importers and packaging suppliers attending the event.
• Spend an evening discovering Brescia’s remarkable Roman ruins and vibrant culinary scene to fully appreciate the local culture.

Attendee Experiences

• Participating in this prestigious competition provided our roasting team with invaluable feedback and validated the exceptional quality of our signature blend.
• Observing the meticulous blind tasting protocols gave us a profound appreciation for the rigorous standards upheld by professional coffee judges.
• The opportunity to connect with elite roasters from around the globe made attending this specialized event an extraordinary professional milestone.

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