Glasgow Coffee Festival will celebrate its 10th anniversary when it returns later this spring.
Founder Lisa Lawson said the city’s coffee scene had been transformed since she first launched the event in 2014, and is looking forward to welcoming more coffee enthusiasts and exhibitors to The Briggait on May 11 and 12th.
Lisa, who is widely regarded as a pioneer of Glasgow’s coffee scene, said: “When I started out, the barrier to entry was massive — my first roaster cost £17,000.
“Now, it’s much, much lower. More people can try coffee roasting as a hobby before making it a career.
Proud
“The coffee scene has transformed in the decade since we launched the festival. I’m really proud as I think creating an event where the coffee scene could come together as a community has played a big part in that.
“A lot can happen in a decade. There were only a few specialty cafes in 2014, when we launched and we were pushing against a lot of resistance to sell specialty coffee, people just didn’t understand how it was better for taste, quality and ethically in terms of both the supply chain and the environment.
“It happened slowly, then all at once — I think we reached a tipping point around maybe 2015/16. There was real momentum around the coffee scene with roasters and cafes popping up everywhere.
“Now, Glasgow can legitimately say it has one of the best coffee scenes in Europe.“
After last year’s coffee festival sold out with thousands of coffee lovers in attendance, anticipation is brewing for the anniversary celebration in May.
A lot can happen in a decade. There were only a few specialty cafes in 2014, when we launched and we were pushing against a lot of resistance to sell specialty coffee, people just didn’t understand how it was better for taste, quality and ethically in terms of both the supply chain and the environment.
Lisa Lawson
The event, which is organised by Dear Green Coffee Roasters – a certified B Corp – will once again be single-use cup free.
Lisa said: "Sustainability has been at the heart of our festival from day one. This year, as we celebrate a decade of coffee excellence, we are proud to continue our tradition of being environmentally conscious.
“The festival has grown bigger every year and so has its impact; we believe this is the world’s most sustainable coffee festival.
“As the Glasgow Coffee Festival embarks on its landmark year, it’s testament to the passion, resilience, and community spirit that define Scotland's thriving coffee culture.
“The festival has not only been a celebration of coffee but a catalyst for change, inspiring people to embrace and contribute to the coffee community.”
Gillian McIntyre, who was in attendance at the first coffee festival and has since become a trailblazer in Glasgow’s coffee scene, has joined as project manager, responsible for the festival’s expanded program of workshops, talks, roaster demonstrations, and podcasts.
The festival is supported by event partners including La Marzocco, Oatly, Brewed by Hand, Dear Green, Mossgiel, Story Shop, Brew It Group and Best Water Technology.
