Lecture Description
In the dynamic coffee industry, consolidation poses significant challenges and opportunities for small businesses. This lecture offers practical insights into navigating consolidation trends, drawing from recent market data and key transactions involving industry giants like JAB Holdings, Nestle, and boutique brands such as Blue Bottle Coffee. We explore the drivers behind consolidation, including market saturation and the pursuit of innovation.
Through real-world examples, we showcase how small businesses can leverage M&A, venture capital, and private equity to scale up and remain competitive. Additionally, we delve into the transformative role of technology, highlighting advancements in coffee brewing and supply chain management. Success stories from Intelligentsia Coffee and Blue Bottle Coffee demonstrate effective strategies for differentiation and growth amidst consolidation pressures.
This lecture equips entrepreneurs with actionable strategies to navigate consolidation dynamics and thrive in the evolving coffee market.
Learning Objective:
Understand the drivers and implications of consolidation in the coffee industry, including market saturation and the pursuit of innovation.
Learn practical strategies for small coffee businesses to navigate consolidation dynamics, such as leveraging mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, and private equity.
Explore the transformative role of technology in coffee brewing and supply chain management, and how it can be utilized to enhance competitiveness amidst consolidation pressures.
Gain insights from real-world success stories of small coffee companies like Intelligentsia Coffee and Blue Bottle Coffee, and apply their strategies for differentiation and growth in the evolving market landscape."
Date: Thursday, June 26, 2025
Time: 12:15 - 1:15 PM
Location: Lecture Room V
This lecture is free to attend with a World of Coffee entry badge. Register to attend World of Coffee Geneva here.
Lecturers / Presenters
Lukasz Mrowinski (he/him)
Investor, ECK Capital, Coffee On Air
Lukasz Mrowinski, co-founder and ex-CEO of Etno Cafe, a Polish coffee brand (28 cafe chain, a roastery and a cold brewery).
Under his leadership, Etno Cafe (est. 2012) introduced many innovations and experienced dynamic growth through organic expansion and strategic M&A deals, leveraging investor funds for development, which resulted in achieving 7th place in the Food and Beverages category in the Financial Times FT 1000 ranking of 2020.
In April 2022, Lukasz exited Etno Cafe to pursue M&A ventures, joining the Harbour Club. This organization offers practical insights and strategies for entrepreneurs seeking to acquire, revitalize, and divest businesses.
Since May 2020, Lukasz has also been hosting the Coffee On Air podcast.
Before joining the coffee industry, Lukasz was a lawyer and tax advisor for over 12 years, including 6 years at KPMG and 3 years at Credit Agricole.