This March, El Salvador will host a landmark event for the coffee world. From 26–27 March 2026, the 11th edition of the Producer & Roaster Forum (PRF) will unfold at the Hilton Hotel in San Salvador, uniting over 4,200 visitors and 350 international buyers. The event, already a cornerstone of the coffee industry, will spotlight the Global Coffee Awards World Championship, where roasters from the US, Europe, and origin countries will vie for the title of the world’s best.
PRF has long disrupted the coffee trade show model by anchoring events in coffee-producing nations. This year, El Salvador returns to its roots, a nod to the inaugural PRF held a decade ago at a Santa Ana mill. The forum’s impact is tangible: over US$64.8 million in green coffee sales since its inception, benefiting thousands of smallholder farmers. This edition will host five key competitions, including the Cold Brew Coffee Championship and the Soil of Excellence competition, alongside PRF Matchmaking, which connects producers and roasters in structured speed networking.
The Global Coffee Awards World Championship is a centerpiece, with roasters submitting roasted coffee for blind evaluation by expert panels. Unlike green bean competitions, this format mirrors how consumers experience coffee, using strict brewing protocols. Winners from regional events will gather in El Salvador, where the final round will crown the global champion. The Awards Ceremony & Annual Dinner on 26 March will celebrate these achievements, offering a rare chance for roasters and producers to network and share insights.
PRF’s value lies in its ability to bridge gaps. Sponsors like MTPak Coffee and OBIIS (a farm-direct model) highlight the event’s role in fostering equitable partnerships. Meanwhile, the PRF Voices programme will feature industry leaders, with applications open for English and Spanish speakers. The event’s success hinges on these connections, from coffee quality to branding, proving that innovation thrives when producers and roasters collaborate directly.
The Global Coffee Awards World Championship redefines roasting excellence by focusing on consumer-ready coffee, not just green beans.
Key Points: PRF’s format ensures producers and roasters meet face-to-face, bypassing intermediaries and driving transparency. The Global Coffee Awards World Championship redefines roasting excellence by focusing on consumer-ready coffee, not just green beans. Speaker applications are now open, inviting experts to shape the conversation around coffee’s future.
What if the World Championship crowned a roaster who also pioneered sustainable packaging? How might that shift the industry’s priorities? Drop your thoughts below.
Questions & Answers
When is the Global Coffee Awards World Championship happening?
The Global Coffee Awards World Championship is taking place in El Salvador, with event dates to be announced soon.
How can I apply to speak at the event?
Speaker applications are open; visit the official website for submission details and deadlines.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
