Coffee tastings, international roasters and a world championship come together in Panama City this weekend as World of Coffee opens its first Latin American edition at the Panama Convention Center.
The public fair runs from Friday, October 23, through Sunday, October 25. Its programme combines an exhibition with lectures and opportunities to explore coffees from different producing countries.
At the Roaster Village, visitors can meet local and international roasters and sample coffees illustrating different flavour profiles and roasting approaches.
The headline competition is the World Barista Championship, whose four-day schedule began on October 22, one day before the public fair.
More than 50 national champions are participating, according to the Specialty Coffee Association. Each competitor has 15 minutes to prepare four espressos, four milk-based drinks and four signature beverages, with judges assessing taste, technique, creativity and presentation.
Panama is represented by Benjamin Roque of Altieri Specialty Coffee. In his official competitor profile, Roque says this is his fourth appearance at the world championship after nine years of competing.
The event brings international coffee preparation and tasting to a country already associated with specialty production, particularly Geisha coffees grown in Chiriquí’s highlands.
Public opening hours are 11 a.m.–6 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m.–5 p.m. on Sunday. The official ticket listing includes exhibition access, lectures and admission to the World Barista Championship. Children under 12 enter free.
Tickets are available through the organizer’s official sales platform. Those following the competition remotely can watch free livestreams through the World Coffee Championships website without registering.
Sources: Official event information
