Lecture Description

Global coffee logistics are facing unprecedented challenges, from vessel shortages and container scarcity to port congestion and unpredictable shipping costs. These disruptions are creating significant risks for exporters, importers, and roasters, affecting supply chain efficiency and profitability.

In this session, I will provide an in-depth analysis of the current logistical bottlenecks impacting coffee shipments, with a particular focus on Brazil—one of the world's largest coffee exporters. Drawing from over a decade of experience in international coffee trade and logistics, I will explore the root causes of these disruptions, their impact on the global market, and strategies to mitigate risks.

Attendees will gain valuable insights into navigating shipping uncertainties, optimizing supply chain operations, and adapting to the evolving logistics landscape. Through real-world case studies and practical solutions, this lecture will equip coffee professionals with the knowledge needed to manage logistics effectively in an increasingly volatile market.

Learning Objective:

• Understand key logistical challenges affecting coffee exports, including vessel and container shortages, port congestion, and shipment delays.

• Analyze the impact of global supply chain disruptions on coffee pricing, delivery schedules, and supplier-buyer relationships.

• Explore risk mitigation strategies to navigate logistical uncertainties, from alternative shipping routes to improved contract structuring.

• Gain practical insights from real-world case studies on how exporters and roasters are adapting to these challenges.

Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025
Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 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

Brayan Cunha (he/him)
Coffee Trader and Logistics Expert, CarmoCoffees

Brayan Cunha is a coffee trader with a degree in International Trade and over 16 years of experience in coffee exports, international logistics, and supply chain management. A native Portuguese speaker, he is also fluent in English and Spanish, with knowledge of German. Brayan coordinated a Brazilian government program focused on preparing coffee producers for international markets. Currently at Carmel Coffees, he travels worldwide to coffee fairs and industry events, building strong relationships with key players and enhancing his expertise in specialty coffee markets.

Lecture Description

Specialty coffee shops shape consumer experiences through design, storytelling, and sensory engagement. This session presents findings from a global semiotic study, where we visited specialty coffee shops across the USA, China, Latin America, and AOA to uncover key trends in consumer communication, design cues, sensory experiences, and coffee expertise.

Through real-world examples, we will explore how businesses outside Europe set new branding, customer engagement, and experiential design standards. From visual cues to in-store interactions, the session will uncover the emerging themes shaping consumer perception and purchasing behaviour, providing valuable takeaways for roasters, retailers, and café owners looking to enhance their brand presence and connect with customers in new ways. Whether you’re a barista, roaster, or café owner, this session will help you understand global specialty coffee trends and how they can be applied to your own business.

Date: Saturday, June 28, 2025
Time: 12:15 - 1:15
Location: 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

Ann Ménard, (she/her)
Global Brand Communication and Insight Manager, Nestlé Professional

Ann Ménard, Global Brand Communication and Insight Manager for Nestlé Professional, brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the world of specialty coffee. With over 20 years of experience in 360° customer and consumer insights and communication, Ann has dedicated most of her career to beverage categories.
Having grown up on a dairy farm in the USA, followed by living in Europe and working in more than forty countries across the globe, Ann's diverse background has shaped her cultural understanding and sharpened her insight lens. Her deep appreciation for applied semiotics, communication, user experience, and design fuels her drive to develop innovative tools that craft inspiring stories for both customers and consumers.
Currently based in Switzerland, Ann is responsible for global communication, identifying worldwide trends, and crafting regional consumer and customer insights. With her expertise, she actively guides the development of the innovation and beverage strategy for Nestlé Professional.

Lucia Laurent-Neva (she/her)
Semiotician, Visual Signo - UK

Lucia Laurent-Neva is a global authority on cultural intelligence, semiotics, and anthropology. She advises leading organisations on brand and communication strategy, helping them develop culturally informed approaches to business and communication. Over a career spanning more than twenty years, she has guided projects across Europe, the USA, and emerging markets in Asia, Africa, and Latin America.

Lucia is the founder of Visual Signo UK - Design & Cultural Intelligence and co-founder of Semiofest, the international conference for applied semiotics. Her expertise lies in crafting strategies for diverse audiences, particularly those in emerging economies and global cultural dynamics.