The 2019 Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE2019) has concluded with the highest daily record attendance figures in the event’s eight-year history.
Total attendance for MICE2019 across the three-day event from 7 to 9 February was 11,978, an increase over the previous record year in 2018.
“MICE2019 was a huge success. We were proud to welcome the global coffee community to Melbourne and bring the coffee industry together under the one roof,” says MICE Show Director Simon Coburn. “From global equipment launches to exotic coffee offerings and a national coffee championship, MICE2019 had it all.”
MICE is the largest dedicated coffee show in the Southern Hemisphere. More than 145 exhibitors filled the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), demonstrating specialty coffee, technology, and trends.
Visitors engaged with coffee roasters, baristas, green bean traders, coffee producers, coffee equipment suppliers, and machine manufacturers, as MICE remained a platform to do business and connect the coffee community.
Each year, that collaboration occurs between hundreds of exhibitors and visitors, such as industry leaders, influences, business owners and employees representing the entire supply chain.
The MICE Product Innovation Awards returned to commend products introduced over the past 12 months, which are helping to change the face of the Australian specialty coffee industry.
Read about the Product Innovation Award winners here:
• The Energy Bar wins Judge’s Choice at 2019 Product Innovation Awards
• Milkit Dual Milk Tap wins People’s Choice at Product Innovation Awards
MICE also saw Australia’s best baristas battle it out at the Australian Specialty Coffee Association (ASCA) 2019 Australian Coffee Championships.
Read about Australia’s 2019 Coffee Champions here:
• Matthew Lewin of Ona Coffee wins 2019 Australian Barista Championship
• Jibbi Little wins Australian Latte Art Championship
• Yanina Ferreyra of Project Origin wins Australian Brewers Cup
• MJ Kim of Shamble Coffee Brewers wins 2019 Cup Tasters Championship
In recognition of leadership, drive and passion to the local and international specialty coffee industry, ASCA and the Genovese Family held the 2019 Eleonora Genovese Women in Coffee Awards.
These Awards recognise outstanding contributors to the Australian specialty coffee industry, much like the late Eleonora Genovese made to the Australian coffee community.
Read about the Women in Coffee Award recipients here:
• Gina Di Brita wins 2019 Coffee Woman of the Year
• Tilly Sproule wins Rising Star in 2019 Women in Coffee Awards
MICE intends to break its attendance record again in 2020, with the event hosting the 2020 World Brewers Cup and Barista Championship.
“MICE launched in 2012 with the purpose of bringing the global coffee community together and that’s exactly what this world-class expo has done. It’s reinforced Australia’s contribution to the global industry, and how much the show supports the growth of individuals, individuals and organisations,” Simon says.
“We’re proud of the calibre of exhibitors and how much excitement and joy MICE2019 has brought to the wider coffee community. It’s easy to see why Melbourne is regarded as one of the most progressive and dynamic coffee cities in the world.”
Exhibition space for MICE2020 is now available. Don’t miss your chance to book a premium position, with MICE hosting the 2020 World Barista Championship. Contact MICE organisers at event.organiser@primecreative.com.au or +61 3 9690 8766.