There’s something brewing in the global coffee scene—a new era of competition, collaboration, and creativity. The Global Coffee Awards (GCA) crowned Lithuania’s Huracán Coffee as the 2026 World’s Best Roaster, celebrating its mastery in Filter and Flat White Alternative categories. But this isn’t just about a single winner. The GCA’s 2026 schedule is expanding into MENA, Asia, Africa, and Latin America, signaling a bold push to include roasters from every corner of the globe. The result? A more inclusive, dynamic coffee industry where innovation and tradition collide.
The GCA’s World Championship, held ahead of the Producer & Roaster Forum (PRF) in El Salvador, brought together over 2,000 submissions from 125+ countries. Roasters faced rigorous blind evaluations, judged by experts like Martin Suard and Emi Rueda, who emphasize that coffee is a system, not a solo act. “It starts with the producer, then moves through sourcing, quality control, and market research,” Rueda explains. This holistic approach ensures winners aren’t just technically skilled but also adept at storytelling, branding, and connecting with consumers.
The 2026 expansion is a direct response to global demand. MENA, Africa, and Asia editions will now take place in the U.S. due to regional instability, but the focus remains on diversity. New categories like Omni Roast—evaluating coffees as both espresso and filter—highlight the industry’s shift toward versatility. “Roasters need to adapt to multiple brewing methods,” Rueda says. Meanwhile, the Origin Roasted category gives producers a platform to showcase their work, reinforcing the bond between growers and roasters.
Judging is as meticulous as it is fair. Each coffee undergoes a two-stage blind tasting: a quantitative sensory assessment followed by a qualitative discussion. Feedback is actionable, avoiding jargon while offering clarity. For example, judges advised experimentation with roast development for a Filter Experimental coffee to amplify fruit notes without sacrificing balance. This transparency helps roasters refine their craft and align with consumer expectations.
By 2027, the competition will expand to Oceania, ensuring global representation.
The GCA’s 2026 schedule includes regional competitions in the U.S., Europe, and Origin Roasted categories, with MENA, Asia, and Africa editions launching in June 2026. By 2027, the competition will expand to Oceania, ensuring global representation. “We want to include roasters from every region,” Rueda says. “This isn’t just about winning—it’s about building a shared language for coffee.”
Key takeaways: – The GCA’s expansion into MENA, Asia, and Africa reflects a commitment to global inclusivity, giving roasters from underrepresented regions a platform to compete. – The Omni Roast category tests versatility, rewarding roasters who excel across brewing methods. – Judging prioritizes actionable feedback, helping roasters refine their craft while celebrating the entire coffee ecosystem—from producer to consumer.
What does this expansion mean for the global coffee landscape? How will emerging regions shape the industry’s future? Let’s discuss.
Questions & Answers
When is the 2026 Global Coffee Awards schedule announced?
The 2026 Global Coffee Awards schedule was announced with the full event details released alongside the roasters’ winners.
Who won the 2026 Global Coffee Awards?
The 2026 Global Coffee Awards crowned winners in various categories, with top roasters recognized for their exceptional coffee craftsmanship.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
