7th Aug 2008 - 00:00
Abstract
Four hundred of the most influential top executives from across the European coffee and foodservice sector will gather at a major industry event to discuss the latest trends and key issues in the fast-growing branded coffee chain market.
The event, called The European Coffee Symposium 2008, is to be held in London on 17th October. In the traditional spirit of a symposium, this event will be one of debate and sharing of ideas to the benefit of the industry as a whole. On the programme side, the symposium is promising the crème de la crème of speakers including representatives from Starbucks, Caffè Nero, SSP Group, Lavazza, McCafé, Nestlé Foodservice, First Choice Coffee, Fairtrade Foundation, Kraft Foods, Welcome Break Group, and Solo Cup Europe. Research experts and event organisers Allegra Strategies will also reveal the latest results of the most extensive research on the European branded coffee shop market. Jeffrey Young, Managing Director of Allegra Strategies, points out that, "the UK has by far the most developed branded coffee shop market in Europe with approximately 3,000 outlets (42% of the total European market) and the trends observed in the UK are now filtering into Europe." Following the symposium, networking opportunities will continue into the evening as the event is capped off with a Black Tie Dinner and Awards evening recognising the "Most Significant Contributor" to the industry across Europe and the "Independent UK Coffee Shop of the Year 2008". For those wishing to explore the latest coffee shop trends in the flagship UK market, a study tour of the latest concept stores will be hosted on the day preceding the Symposium. Symposium Focus Topics of the Day • Emerging consumer trends of European Food & Beverage markets • Role of brands in coffee shop operations • Ethical products and sustainability issues • Leadership and innovation • Case studies of successful operators • Latest concepts and innovations • Future industry developments across Europe