Time to spill: The coffee world is converging on El Salvador for its biggest roaster gathering yet. From 26–27 March 2026, the 11th edition of the Producer & Roaster Forum (PRF) will draw over 4,200 visitors, including more than 500 green buyers and roasters, with an estimated $15.7m in business deals. This isn’t just another trade show—it’s a seismic shift in how the specialty coffee industry connects. For years, PRF has disrupted the norm by hosting events in coffee-producing countries, not consumption hubs, and this year’s edition in San Salvador promises to be its most impactful yet.
The event’s lineup is a masterclass in innovation. The Global Roasting Contest and Cold Brew Coffee Championship will pit roasters against each other, while the Soil of Excellence and Global Cupping Championship will spotlight sustainable practices and sensory mastery. Producers and roasters will also engage in direct matchmaking, a first for the region, thanks to Algrano’s sponsorship. Meanwhile, the Global Coffee Awards World Championship will crown the year’s top roasters, with winners announced at a high-profile dinner. These competitions aren’t just about bragging rights—they’re catalysts for collaboration, pushing the industry toward transparency and quality.
MTPak Coffee, a leader in sustainable packaging, is the event’s Diamond Sponsor, underscoring the growing emphasis on eco-conscious solutions. The company’s partnership includes scholarships for El Salvadoran producers to attend PRF for free, bridging the gap between origin and market. Similarly, Purity Coffee’s support for smallholder producers highlights the event’s role in empowering communities. With roasters from the US, UK, Australia, and beyond confirmed to attend, PRF is becoming the ultimate hub for cross-border dialogue.
The real power of PRF lies in its ability to foster relationships. “This event is where the coffee world’s decision-makers meet,” says Andrea Melo-Leon, PRF’s COO. “It’s not just about transactions—it’s about building trust and solving industry challenges together.” Whether it’s a cupping session or a casual conversation, the forum is reshaping how coffee is sourced, roasted, and celebrated.
How will events like PRF redefine the balance between producers and roasters.
What’s next for the specialty coffee industry? How will events like PRF redefine the balance between producers and roasters?
KEY POINTS: El Salvador’s PRF edition will set a new benchmark for roaster attendance, blending competition with collaboration. MTPak Coffee’s sponsorship and scholarships are elevating producer access to global markets. The Global Coffee Awards and PRF Annual Dinner will spotlight innovation and recognition, reinforcing the event’s role as a catalyst for industry transformation.
CLOSE: How do you think events like PRF will reshape the future of coffee? What role should sustainability play in these connections?
Questions & Answers
What dates is PRF El Salvador taking place?
PRF El Salvador is scheduled for 26 & 27 March 2026.
How many attendees are expected at PRF El Salvador?
PRF El Salvador aims to attract its largest roaster attendance ever in 2026.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
