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Thriving Coffee & Hospitality Business
Requires Powerful Business Intelligence
and Strong Networks

Gain a competitive edge with the Global Coffee Institute

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About Global Coffee Institute

The Global Coffee Institute (GCI) is a membership organisation dedicated to supporting and empowering the coffee and hospitality sector globally by providing thought leadership, industry networking, critical business intelligence and strategic guidance all year round.

Our Mission

Our mission at the Global Coffee Institute is to educate, inform, and develop senior coffee industry professionals and their teams. By fostering knowledge-sharing and collaboration, we aim to build a stronger, more connected global coffee sector. GCI is a hub for innovation and leadership, empowering the people who drive this incredible industry forward.

Jeffrey Young, Executive Director, Global Coffee Institute

Membership Highlights

High-value Community
  • Peer-topeer interactions
  • Knowledge sharing
  • Unparalleled networking
Online & Live Events
Insight Reports
Industry News
Profile Building

Our Network

Book Intro Call

Contacts

Jamie Connolly
Head of New Business Development
jconnolly@allegra.co.uk
Naomi Wiss
New Business Development Executive
nwiss@allegra.co.uk

Hear about GCI from our members

Since joining the Global Coffee Institute last year, our team at Blendsmiths has been making the most of its online masterclasses and webinars. The insights gained have been instrumental in guiding one of our biggest launches to date - FLOW, a line of premium alternative drinks designed for automated machines. read more

As an alternative drinks supplier within the speciality coffee space, automated systems marked a new and exciting direction for us. The GCI's recurring insights into the evolving demand for high-quality, flavour-led products in the automated drinks market gave us the confidence to invest and innovate. The result is a range that delivers barista-quality beverages - from hot chocolate to matcha - at the press of a button.

The response to FLOW has been fantastic, particularly FLOW Matcha which has gained significant traction amidst the global rise in matcha popularity. When Issue 26 of 5THWAVE explored the growing presence of matcha in speciality coffee and highlighted the role of automation in The Future of Coffee Report UK 2025, it perfectly aligned with our vision for FLOW and helped us demonstrate the importance of this launch.

We’re now looking forward to continuing the conversation at the upcoming European Coffee Symposium and Coffee & Hospitality Expo, where our co-founder Chris Farnworth will join a panel discussion on Matcha and Iced Beverage Trends hosted by 5THWAVE.

Being part of the Global Coffee Institute has been invaluable in keeping us informed, connected, and inspired to push the boundaries of alternative drinks within the world of coffee. read less
Being affiliated with the Global Coffee Institute has significantly enhanced our business operations. The extensive insights and strategic guidance we receive, particularly in understanding evolving consumer behaviours and market trends, have been instrumental in shaping our strategies. The broad market visibility provided by World Coffee Portal’s detailed reports—covering both core and emerging regions—remains a fundamental aspect of our growth strategy. This partnership enables us to make well-informed decisions swiftly and effectively
Joining the GCI Coffee Shop Study Tours has been incredibly insightful. The visits to pioneering coffee destinations in Amsterdam and London provided new perspectives on innovation, from evolving beverage trends to reimagining store spaces, helping us stay relevant in a fast-moving market. Each tour has been truly inspiring and has sparked ideas that have directly influenced our thinking at Costa.
Over the past four years, 5 to go has sustained an impressive growth trajectory - opening a new store every two working days, adding over 100 locations annually. Being part of the Global Coffee Institute has been a meaningful part of this journey. The opportunity to share our progress and ambitions with such a knowledgeable and engaged network has not only amplified our visibility but also deepened our understanding of the global coffee landscape. read more

With our sights set on reaching 1,000 coffee shops by 2029, we’re strategically expanding into smaller cities across Romania, while also exploring international opportunities, particularly in Bulgaria, where we aim to reach 150 stores within the next four years. Global Coffee Institute membership has become a valuable platform for connection, insight, and inspiration - helping us grow smarter, faster, and with purpose.

We’re proud to celebrate being a part of the GCI community and look forward to what’s next. read less

FAQ

What is the Global Coffee Institute?

The Global Coffee Institute (GCI) is a strategic membership organisation offering invaluable business intelligence and insight, alongside stimulating thought leadership. GCI’s all-encompassing, dynamic programme of members-only events include global coffee shop study tours, exclusive networking events, immersive masterclasses, topical insight events and much more.

Explore upcoming GCI events here.

Can I buy individual tickets to Global Coffee Institute events?

The Global Coffee Institute (GCI) operates as a membership organisation, therefore individual tickets are not available for purchase. GCI has three membership tiers – Base, Premium and Platinum – which are tailored to suit different business sizes and needs.

What are the benefits of Global Coffee Institute membership?

The Global Coffee Institute (GCI) offers its members a variety of benefits, including dynamic programme of virtual and in-person events. These include global study tours led by Jeffrey Young, Editor-in-chief of 5THWAVE magazine and founder of Allegra Group, interactive pannell discussions, thought-leading guest speaker webinars, hands-on masterclasses, immersive networking events, exclusive discounts on business intelligence and global media and much more. 

Who will I meet at Global Coffee Institute events?

The Global Coffee Institute (GCI) represents the movers and shakers of the global coffee, food-to-go and hospitality industry, connecting CEOs, Directors and key sector leaders to discuss best practice and insights during informative events that forge strong business connections and crucial commercial opportunities.

How much does a Global Coffee Institute membership cost?

The Global Coffee Institute (GCI) has three membership tiers – Base, Premium, and Platinum – which are tailored to suit different business sizes and needs.

Get in touch with a member of the GCI team to explore pricing and unlock exclusive membership benefits.