(Photo: GR8 Coffee Festival )
The third edition of the GR8 Coffee Festival will take place on 16 and 17 April at the Kongresni centar Antunović, marking a significant shift towards a more focused HoReCa B2B format.
This year’s event positions itself as a compact and curated platform, prioritising practical solutions, education and innovation over traditional festival-style programming. Organisers have emphasised a clear direction: less noise, more knowledge, and content that professionals can directly apply in their businesses.
The 2026 programme centres on key issues currently shaping the hospitality sector, including quality standards, water management, staffing, operational efficiency, new technologies and the importance of reliable partners.
Through expert-led sessions, panel discussions and practical demonstrations, the festival will bring together hospitality professionals, distributors, educators and industry partners, as well as the growing specialty coffee community.
(Photo: GR8 Coffee Festival)
One of the standout programme segments is the BRITA Water Academy, addressing the critical role of water in beverage preparation. The academy will explore how water quality impacts taste, consistency and the longevity of equipment.
The sessions will be led by Damjan and Nik Jurjevčić of Fisti d.o.o., with participation from coffee expert Peter Ševič. Ševič will also host a session titled “From Plant to Cup: Coffee Botany and Cupping”, offering deeper insight into coffee origins and sensory evaluation.
(Photo: GR8 Coffee Festival)
Workforce challenges will be another major topic. A panel discussion titled “Who Will Work Tomorrow?” will examine the gap between education and real-world hospitality needs.
Participants include educators and industry professionals from Veleučilište Aspira, alongside experienced hospitality practitioners. The discussion aims to highlight structural issues in training and the urgent need for better alignment with industry demands.
(Photo: GR8 Coffee Festival)
Innovation will be explored through a session on artificial intelligence in coffee production and service. Led by Miroslav Kovač from Specialty.AI, the session will present how visual data analysis is transforming quality control.
Using tools such as the Visual Coffee Analyzer, the presentation will demonstrate how AI can enhance consistency, improve customer experience and add value across coffee chains, roasteries and the wider hospitality ecosystem.
(Photo: GR8 Coffee Festival)
Beyond discussions, the festival will showcase concrete operational solutions. Industry partners will present integrated systems covering equipment, service, logistics and digital tools tailored to the HoReCa sector.
Among the participating companies are AB Plan, Pako Pak, Smoothiebarmen and STEAM Coffee, all contributing to a comprehensive industry showcase.
(Photo: GR8 Coffee Festival)
In addition, METRO will present its digital payment solution, DISH Pay Now, demonstrating how technology can streamline operations and improve efficiency in hospitality environments.
(Photo: GR8 Coffee Festival)
Adding a cultural dimension, Morocco returns as the partner country for the third consecutive year. Visitors will experience traditional green tea preparation and oriental sweets, highlighting the connection between hospitality and cultural heritage.
(Photo: GR8 Coffee Festival)
The festival will also feature innovative products aligned with current consumer trends, including functional coffee concepts, artisanal spreads and unique ceramic cups.
A special talk by entrepreneur Zlatko Balaško will offer first-hand insight into the realities of running a hospitality business, focusing on development, management and sector challenges.
(Photo: GR8 Coffee Festival)
GR8 Coffee Festival 2026 continues to position itself as a key meeting point for the industry, connecting professionals across sectors and providing knowledge, networking opportunities and practical tools.
(Photo: GR8 Coffee Festival)