The past, present and future of specialty coffee - a conversation with Yannis Apostolopoulos, SCA
24 October 2025

The past, present and future of specialty coffee - a conversation with Yannis Apostolopoulos, SCA

5THWAVE - The Business of Coffee and Hospitality

About

In today’s episode we're delighted to be speaking with Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the Specialty Coffee Association.


First established in the 1980s, the SCA is the largest coffee trade body globally and represents thousands of coffee professionals – from producers to baristas – all over the world.

In this conversation, Yannis discusses the evolution of the SCA and its ongoing efforts to make coffee more sustainable, equitable, and resilient, through research, standards, and education. He also shares his perspectives on the key challenges and opportunities in the industry, from climate change and sustainability to navigating economic uncertainty and the evolving role of technology and AI.


Credits music: "I Wish You Love" by Mimi Rose in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective. Tune into the 5THWAVE Playlist on Spotify for more music from the show

Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest coffee news at worldcoffeeportal.com

Subscribe to 5THWAVE on Instagram @5thWaveCoffee and tell us what topics you'd like to hear