Introduction:The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has officially announced a strategic collaboration with local Panamanian institutions to bring the globally renowned Coffee Expo — the World of Coffee — to Central America for the first time in 2026, with Panama City as its host city. This marks not only the first time the exhibition will be held in a coffee-producing country, but also highlights Panama’s pivotal geographical position as a bridge connecting global coffee production and trade. This article delves into the background of the event, the motivations behind the collaboration, and highlights of future plans, bringing you forward-looking insights into this major coffee gathering.
The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) recently held a press conference in Panama City, the capital of Panama, officially announcing a strategic partnership with the Specialty Coffee Association of Panama (SCAP) and the Panamanian Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture to jointly promote the grand hosting of the 2026 World of Coffee in the country. This move not only represents the first time the exhibition has entered Central America, but also the first time it has been held in an actual coffee-producing nation, symbolizing the global coffee industry’s attention to and expectations for the Central American market.
According to official information, the 2026 "Panama Coffee World" will be jointly planned and executed by the licensed partners — the Specialty Coffee Association of Panama (SCAP) and the Panamanian Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture. The event is scheduled to take place in October of that year at the Panama Convention Center. In the past, the SCA’s annual World of Coffee has rotated between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. This first venture into Central America undoubtedly provides a new platform for global coffee professionals to connect and discover.
Panama was selected not only for its internationally recognized reputation in the specialty coffee sector, but also for its uniquely advantageous geographical location, which allows convenient access to major coffee-producing regions and consumer markets across the Americas. The exhibition is clearly positioned to deepen partnerships with various coffee-growing regions and to strengthen Central America’s role within the global coffee supply chain. Central America is not only famed for its high-quality coffee beans, but also demonstrates strong potential in brand management, cultivation techniques, trade networks, and consumption trends, making it an ideal host for an international-level coffee event.
Regarding the decision to expand into Central America, Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the SCA, stated: “Bringing the World of Coffee to Central America for the first time is an exciting milestone. Especially as it will be the first exhibition held in a coffee-producing country, representing our strong commitment to promoting coffee consumption in origin countries.” He further pointed out that Panama Coffee World 2026 will not only provide a fantastic stage for global professionals to connect and build partnerships, but will also, through meticulous planning, showcase the unique culture and innovative energy of Central America in the specialty coffee field.
The President of the Panamanian Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture (CCIAP) emphasized that this collaboration is of great significance to Panama, as it will not only showcase the country’s rich agricultural resources and the exceptional quality of its high-altitude coffee to the world, but also help enhance its visibility and competitiveness in the international market. Through such an international-scale event, Panama hopes to attract more traders and buyers, further expanding its coffee export footprint.
The President of the Specialty Coffee Association of Panama (SCAP) added that the SCA’s choice of Panama as the first Latin American venue for the World of Coffee is a high recognition of the country’s long-term efforts in promoting specialty coffee. He further explained that this exhibition will help elevate Panamanian coffee to the top global markets and is expected to have a significant positive impact on the local tourism, business, and service industries. To ensure the smooth running of the event, SCAP will work closely with the Panamanian Chamber of Commerce, Industry, and Agriculture, paying close attention to every detail from planning to execution, striving to deliver a professional and representative international coffee event.
As the 2026 Panama Coffee World draws nearer, the global coffee industry’s attention is gradually focusing on this Central American nation. This exhibition is not only a major industry gathering, but also an excellent opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the potential and flavor characteristics of Central American coffee. For those involved in coffee trading, roasting, retail, or even coffee enthusiasts, staying informed about this event will help with early planning for participation and exploring future market trends and collaboration possibilities.
The above content is compiled by CoffeeHunters, a coffee news website.
