The mastermind behind one of Europe’s largest independent coffee shop groups will take to the stage in Berlin in November 2025 to discuss his leadership principles and dissect what lies in store for Europe’s burgeoning coffee and hospitality industry
World Coffee Portal is pleased to announce that The Nero Group Founder and CEO, Gerry Ford, will be the headline speaker at the European Coffee Symposium + COHO Expo 2025.
Ford founded Caffè Nero in 1997, transforming a five-store business into one of the most recognisable and respected brands on the UK high street.
The Nero Group now operates over 1,150 coffee shops in 11 markets globally across the Caffè Nero, Coffee#1, 200 Degrees Coffee, Harris + Hoole and FCB Coffee brands. The London-based hospitality group achieved record sales of £626.4m ($853.1m) during the 12 months ended 31 May 2025.
Ford will headline the ECS Talks programme at the European Coffee Symposium, taking place on 26 November 2025 at JW Marriott Berlin, to share his leadership principles, market navigation tactics, and future vision for Europe’s branded coffee shop market.
Don’t speakers include YouTube sensation and Square Mile Coffee Roasters Co-founder, James Hoffmann, Joe & The Juice CEO, Thomas Nørøxe, and Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters Co-founder and CEO, Matt Chitharanjan. A full list of speakers can be found here.
Attendees will gain exclusive insights, innovative strategies, and firsthand perspectives from the people driving Europe’s coffee and hospitality sectors forward.
Seats are limited – secure your place today.
