The Specialty Coffee Expo at Fourways Mall: 5 Reasons to Go

Coffee aficionados, get ready to indulge in a caffeinated paradise at the fourth edition of The Specialty Coffee Expo, running at Fourways Mall from 30 May to 1 June 2025. This coffee festival in Johannesburg is South Africa’s largest coffee-centric event that continues to elevate the coffee experience for enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.

Over the three-day event, The Specialty Coffee Expo becomes a hub of education, innovation, and sensory delight. Come and learn all there is to know about your morning cup—attend a quick cupping demo, take a tasting tour, and connect with some of the industry’s amazing players. Here’s what you can look forward to.

Things to do and see at The Specialty Coffee Expo 2025

The Specialty Coffee Expo | What's on in Joburg

Taste and savour the finest brews from speciality coffee roasters

At the heart of the expo is the Roasters Village, a dedicated space where visitors can meet South Africa’s top specialty coffee roasters and learn about the craftsmanship behind every cup. For those eager to explore a variety of roasts, The Sample Bar offers the perfect opportunity to taste an array of expertly batch-brewed coffees, providing a sensory journey through different origins and processing methods.

Additionally, dedicated cupping tables will allow attendees to engage in the traditional practice of coffee tasting, offering a deeper understanding of flavour profiles and quality assessment.

Live brewing demos by the best in the biz

In addition to the Roasters Village, the Specialty Coffee Expo will feature live brewing demonstrations, offering insights into the art and science of coffee preparation. From innovative brew methods to state-of-the-art espresso machines, attendees will have the chance to experience the latest trends in specialty coffee firsthand.

The latest coffee machines and gadgets to shop

Whether you’re a seasoned aficionado or a newbie looking to learn how you can perfect bean-to-cup coffees at home, there’s a wide range of models to trial and demos to see at the event.

La Marzocco is pretty much the standard when it comes to premium coffee machines in South Africa. Their machines are used at some of the leading nationwide outlets such as Seattle Coffee Company and the Woolworths Café group and the more indie pioneers like SEAM Coffee, Father, Bluebird Coffee Roastery and Truth Coffee. So, you know you’re in good hands.

You can also expect to see more exciting machines and gadgets from brands like Gaggia, Breville, Konig, Crem Expobar, and many more.

The best baristas go head-to-head in a competition throwdown

A highlight of the event is the SCASA National Barista Championships, where South Africa’s top baristas will compete for the prestigious title. Witnessing these skilled professionals showcase their craft is sure to be an inspiring experience for coffee lovers and aspiring baristas alike.

Snack on sarmies and sweet treats

To complement the world-class coffee on offer, a selection of invite-only patisserie vendors will be serving up delicious baked goods and pastries, carefully curated to pair perfectly with specialty coffee.

How to book + 20% discount for What’s on in Joburg readers!

What’s on in Joburg readers can enjoy 20% discount on tickets when using code “FOURWAYSMALL” until 23 May only. Note that the offer is only valid for single day passes on Saturday and Sunday, and weekend passes.

Cost: R360pp (weekend pass), R110pp (day pass). Book online