Australia’s stand-out coffee industry talent was again recognised at the second annual Coffee Industry Heroes Awards, sponsored by FoodPEEPS, presented on Thursday, 26 March as part of the 2026 Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE).
Nominations were open to everyone within the coffee community, with individuals nominating colleagues, mentors, employees, or industry peers, alongside self-nominations to ensure no outstanding contributor was overlooked.
The 2026 awards also saw the addition of Sustainability Champion, Coffee Educator, Best New Café, and Home Grown Hero awards – ensuring excellence is celebrated across all corners of the sector.
Coffee Industry Heroes 2026 winners
Community Champion
Nicole Motteux – Sustainable Coffee Advocate
Coffee Educator
Ian Abadiano – Coffee Mentality
Sustainability Champion
Pablo & Rusty’s
Best New Café
Sidecar Roasters
Next-Gen Talent
Hany Ezzat – Ona Coffee / Ni Wares
Home Grown Hero
Rebecca Zentveld – Zentveld‘s Coffee Farm and Roastery
Lifetime Achievement Award
Lucy Ward – ST. ALi Coffee
Sarah Baker, Publisher at Prime Creative which organises MICE, congratulated the winners, saying the awards recognise the individuals who go above and beyond.
“It’s about those in the coffee and café industry who show true dedication to their craft, make a lasting impact on the industry, and uplift the people around them every day,” she says.
“We celebrate the passion, resilience, and commitment of our industry’s finest representatives, who are working tirelessly for a bigger purpose, beyond themselves, but for their communities and the Australian coffee industry at large.”
The 2026 judging panel included Dominic Enthoven of the Australian Coffee Traders Association, Ross Quail of Better Call Rossco, Jeremy Regan of Food Co, Jack Simpson of Axil Coffee Roasters, and Megan Wyper of ACME Cup Co.
The 2026 Coffee Industry Heroes Awards, sponsored by FoodPEEPS – a free-to-use hospitality social media app, continue MICE’s commitment to celebrating the people who keep the industry thriving. By acknowledging both emerging and established talent, the program aims to strengthen community pride, encourage excellence and inspire the next generation.
