There’s something truly magical about watching a cup of coffee come to life — from the first whiff of freshly roasted beans to that perfect swirl of milk blending into a golden crema. The recently concluded India International Coffee Festival (IICF) 2026, held at Bakery and HoReCa Business, Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, was an aromatic celebration of this magic — and we had the joy of being part of it.
Organized by the Specialty Coffee Association of India (SCAI) with support from the Coffee Board of India, the three-day festival brought together some of the finest baristas, roasters, and coffee connoisseurs from across Maharashtra and beyond. This regional qualifier wasn’t just a competition — it was a showcase of India’s evolving coffee culture and the growing community of passionate brewers defining what the next generation of Indian coffee will taste like.
An Immersive Coffee Experience
What made the event truly captivating was not just the aroma of coffee wafting through the air but the science and art behind every brew. From learning how coffee is sourced, roasted, and ground, to understanding the intricate chemistry of brewing — every session was a deep dive into what makes a perfectly balanced cup.
We got to experience firsthand how even the smallest variation — in grind size, water temperature, or brewing time — can alter the final flavour profile. Watching expert baristas measure, stir, swirl, and pour with precision was almost hypnotic. The discussions around raw concentration, water ratios, and milk textures made us appreciate just how personal every cup of coffee really is. Whether it’s a robust black espresso, a smooth flat white, or a frothy cappuccino, each brew is an expression of taste and technique.
Crafting Brews That Resonate with the New Generation
It was fascinating to see how India’s best coffee makers are reimagining the beverage for modern palates — experimenting with unique blends, regional beans, and innovative brewing styles that appeal to the country’s young and curious coffee drinkers. These are brews that don’t just wake you up — they tell a story, evoke a mood, and connect you to the origin of the bean.
What stood out was the energy of the baristas — passionate, inventive, and bold. Each competitor seemed to have a signature brew that mirrored their personality — some earthy, some nutty, some floral — but all brimming with creativity. The result? Cups of coffee that weren’t just drinks, but experiences.
As we sipped through tastings and chatted with roasters, it was clear that India’s coffee culture is brewing something big. From specialty cafés to home brewers and D2C brands, everyone is finding their own rhythm in this vibrant movement — and the IICF is right at the heart of it.
A Perfect Blend of Passion and Purpose
The festival also served as a platform for aspiring baristas from across Mumbai and Maharashtra to compete in the National Barista Championship and National Brewers’ Cup, showcasing mastery in espresso making, milk-based coffees, and manual brewing. The winners from this regional round will head to the national finals in Bangalore, and possibly to international championships — taking India’s coffee excellence global.
And for visitors like us, it was an enriching sensory journey. From live brewing showcases and tasting counters to coffee-and-cocktail pairings and interactive workshops, the event gave us a glimpse into the skill, creativity, and innovation that drives this rapidly growing community.
As India’s coffee culture continues to evolve, one thing is certain — the next big barista is already brewing among us, and festivals like IICF are where that journey begins.
