Coffee Fest, the tradeshow that got its start in 1992, brings together retailers, distributors, and manufacturers in the specialty coffee business. The Carriage Works has designed and fabricated thousands of specialty coffee carts and kiosks, so when Corporate Account Executive Donny Cloud, and CEO Brian Dunham learned Coffee Fest would be at the Oregon Convention Center October 23rd through the 25th, they knew they had to be there.
Coffee culture in the Pacific Northwest is as rich as ever, and Portland is no exception – making it a great location for the event. About 3,500 people attended the show, 240 exhibitors displayed coffee and tea equipment (Donny’s personal favorite was the Chemex OttoMatic brewer), supplies (Donny liked the Toffee Mocha Frappe mix by Frappe Supreme while Brian preferred the new Bourbon Caramel syrup from Torani), and services and workshops (like the Torani Drink Innovations Lab). Competitions were held and awards presented over the three-day period that included Best New Product (if you’re interested in the first prize winner, check out the under-counter espresso machine from MAVAM).