Time to spill: Europe’s top roasters just got a global spotlight—and the results are as bold as the brews they serve. The Global Coffee Awards (GCA) European edition, held in Bordeaux in October 2025, crowned winners across 25 countries, from Belgium to the UK, in a blind-tasting showdown that blends precision and passion. This isn’t just about trophies—it’s about redefining how coffee is judged, sold, and celebrated.
The competition’s genius lies in its balance of rigor and inclusivity. Judges, including Q graders and SCA coordinators, evaluated roasters on everything from aroma to acidity, using a scoring system that mirrors real-world café experiences. The rules? No shortcuts. Every coffee was brewed as a consumer would sip it, from filter to flat white, with subcategories honoring everything from traditional washed lots to experimental anaerobic ferments. The result? A snapshot of Europe’s coffee DNA: a mosaic of heritage and innovation.
What stands out? The continent’s duality. Scandinavia leans into light roasts and filter culture, while France and Austria cling to tradition. Yet, even in places like Vienna—where coffee houses are UNESCO-recognized—specialty shops thrive. “Europe is a melting pot of roasting styles and sourcing,” says Andrea Melo-Leon, GCA’s COO. “Some markets are saturated; others are just beginning to bloom.” This diversity isn’t just cultural—it’s economic. Eastern Europe, for instance, shows promise with rising specialty scenes, while Western Europe’s espresso dominance is slowly giving way to filter’s rise.
The GCA’s true value? Feedback. Winners and participants get actionable insights to refine their craft. A Rwandan natural coffee, for example, was advised to roast longer for more sweetness, while a washed coffee with orange blossom notes was paired with cheeses like Brie. “This isn’t just about winning,” says Martin Suard, a lead judge. “It’s about understanding how to sell more coffee, and how to grow.”
The GCA’s blind-tasting format ensures fairness, while its feedback system helps roasters elevate their skills and menus.
Key Points: Europe’s coffee market is a collision of tradition and innovation, with regional preferences shaping trends from light roasts in Scandinavia to washed coffees in France. The GCA’s blind-tasting format ensures fairness, while its feedback system helps roasters elevate their skills and menus. The competition also bridges producer-roaster partnerships, recognizing both sides of the supply chain.
Close: What’s your favorite coffee trend emerging in Europe? Share your thoughts below.
Questions & Answers
Who won the Global Coffee Awards 2024 in Europe?
The Global Coffee Awards 2024 recognized several top European roasters, with winners including Caffè Vergnano, La Marzocco, and others for excellence in coffee quality and craftsmanship.
How are the Global Coffee Awards judged?
The awards are judged by a panel of industry experts based on coffee quality, aroma, flavor, consistency, and presentation. Entries are evaluated blind to ensure impartiality.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
