Back to All Events

The Evolution of Coffee Culture in Ukraine: Challenges, Adaptation, and Future Prospects

Lecture Description

Prerequisites and Development Until 2022

  • Growth of coffee culture in Ukraine since the 2010s  

  •  Development of the specialty segment, local roasting, and competitions  

Challenges After the Full-Scale Invasion

  • Closure and relocation of coffee shops and production facilities due to active hostilities  

  • Problems with logistics and raw material supply  

  • Job losses in the HoReCa sector  

Business Adaptation and New Formats

  • Volunteer initiatives supporting civilians and the military  

  • Popularization of filter coffee and drip bags  

The Role of Coffee in Volunteering and Supporting the Army

  • Coffee businesses donating to the Armed Forces of Ukraine  

  • Launch of charitable coffee initiatives  

  • Coffee as an element of morale support for both civilians and the military  

Changes in Ukrainian Consumer Habits

  • Increased interest in home brewing and alternative methods  

  • Growing demand for Ukrainian-roasted coffee  

  • Shift towards minimalism and prioritization of quality over quantity  

The Future of Ukraine’s Coffee Culture

  • Post-war recovery: new formats and integration of global trends  

  • International recognition of the Ukrainian coffee market  

  • The impact of war on the identity of Ukraine’s coffee scene

Learning Objective:

  • Attendees will gain insights into how Ukraine’s coffee culture has evolved and adapted during the full-scale war. Specifically, they will learn about: 

  • Impact of the War– The challenges faced by coffee businesses, including supply chain disruptions and economic struggles. 

  • Adaptation and Innovation – How businesses have adjusted, from volunteer-driven initiatives to changes in consumer preferences. 

  • Coffee and Resilience– The role of coffee in supporting the military, volunteers, and civilians during wartime. 

  • Shifting Consumer Habits – The rise of home brewing, demand for local roasters, and a focus on quality over quantity. 

  • Future Prospects – How the war is shaping the long-term identity and international reputation of Ukraine’s coffee culture. 

  • Collaboration Opportunities – How European coffee businesses can engage with Ukrainian partners, from sourcing roasted coffee to joint educational projects and events.

  • By the end of the presentation, attendees will understand not only the resilience of Ukraine’s coffee industry but also its potential for growth and influence in the global coffee community

Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025
Time: 2:00- 3:00 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

Volodymyr Yefremov (he/him)
Head of Production, National Judge Coordinator, Idealist Coffee Co.

Volodymyr Yefremov is a Ukrainian coffee professional with over 12 years of experience in the specialty coffee industry. He is a technologist and project manager specializing in coffee production, quality control, and roasting. As the Judge Coordinator for the SCA Ukraine Chapter, he plays a key role in developing national championships and raising professional standards. Volodymyr’s expertise spans the entire coffee chain. After losing a production facility in Hostomel during the war, he remains dedicated to rebuilding and representing Ukrainian coffee excellence on the global stage.


Previous
Previous
28 June

Global Trends in Specialty Coffee: How Shops Around the World Engage Consumers Through Design, Experience, and Communication

Next
Next
28 June

Toward Equitable Compliance: Making mandatory human rights and environmental due diligence work for all