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Thank You for Joining Us in Basel

The 16th SCTA Coffee Forum & Dinner took place on 2–3 October 2025 in Basel, bringing together the global coffee community for two days of insightful discussions, collaboration, and connection.

We thank all participants, speakers, and sponsors who helped make this year’s event a success. We hope you found value in the conversations and enjoyed your time in Basel.

Watch the 2025 Forum Recap below
and revisit the moments that shaped this year’s Forum

Explore the 2025 Forum
Save the Date: SCTA Forum & Dinner 2026 – Montreux

We’re excited to announce that our 2026 Forum will take place in a new location — Montreux, Switzerland, on 1–2 October 2026. Stay tuned for upcoming details, including sponsorship opportunities and program information..

Forum Pass

SCTA Forum Pass 2025

Tickets for the SCTA Forum 2025 are now available! Join us in Basel for two days of exceptional networking, thought-provoking panel discussions, and meaningful connections with peers from across the coffee sector. We look forward to welcoming you!
SCTA Forum Pass 2025   –  SOLD OUT  →

Program

Download the Short program in PDF file
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Forum Theme 2025
Unity in Complexity
Building a Smart & Connected Future
This year, we’re introducing fresh new formats and new topics, all while maintaining the high standards you’ve come to expect.
Full program details coming soon – stay tuned!

Day 0

October 1st
Wednesday
13:30 – 17:30

SCTA Next Gen Educational Program & Apéro
(Ticketed event – advance booking required. Limited seats available.)

The SCTA Next Gen is offering an exciting educational program on coffee trading prior to the start of the SCTA Forum in Basel. For more information, please contact nextgen@sc-ta.ch

Day 1

October 2nd
Thursday
08:00 – 18:00

Check-in & Registrations

Check-in & Registrations (Open All Day)
08:00 – 09:30
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ICE Workshop (Syndey room – Breakout Session)

ICE CoT – An EUDR Solution
This workshop will provide an insight into the full functionality of the ICE Commodity Traceability Platform (ICE CoT) and how it supports users in demonstrating compliance with EUDR. The ICE CoT platform supports users to upload farm and supply chain information, performs legality checks and provides risk assessment and risk mitigation measures as well as submitting due diligence statements. This comprehensive platform supports users with EUDR requirements and other traceability needs. Join this session to learn more about ICE CoT and how you can become a member.

Panelists:
  • Toby Brandon, COO, ICE Benchmark Administration
  • Pablo Mendoza, Business Development Manager, Meridia
  • Anthony Mangnall, Director, ICE CoT
  • Clive de Ruig, President, ICE Benchmark Administration
10:30 – 11:00
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Official Opening of the 16th SCTA Forum and Dinner event
(Main Auditorium)

Join us for the welcome remarks from Cyrille Jannet, Vice-President of SCTA, introducing this year’s theme—“Unity in Complexity: Building a Smart and Connected Future.” Our special guest, AMECA, the world’s most advanced humanoid AI robot, will join on stage to offer a brief look at human–AI collaboration and what it could mean for coffee. A concise, high-energy opener to set the tone for two days of insight, debate, and connection.

  • Cyrille Jannet, Vice-President, SCTA
  • Ameca (Engineered Arts) – humanoid AI robot
11:00 – 11:30
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Keynote Address (Main Auditorium) : Christian Dussey, Director General, Swiss Federal Agency for Crisis Management, Diplomacy and Security

With a distinguished career at the intersection of international crisis management, geopolitical risk management, and security, DG Dussey brings a unique, high-level perspective on how institutions, industries, and societies can remain resilient in an increasingly complex and unpredictable world.

In his keynote, DG Dussey will draw on lessons from global crisis response and public sector leadership to explore how we manage systemic risk, safeguard supply chain integrity, and respond to shifting geopolitical and regulatory landscapes. His reflections will offer valuable insights into how industries like coffee — operating across borders and across cultures — can navigate uncertainty while remaining committed to purpose, performance, and long-term impact.

  • Keynote speaker: Christian Dussey, Director General, Swiss Federal Agency for Crisis Management, Diplomacy and Security
11:30 – 12:45
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Panel 1 (Main Auditorium) : CEO & Leadership Dialogue: Navigating Unprecedented Uncertainty with Unprecedented Agility

In an era of relentless change and unprecedented uncertainty, agility is the operating system of leadership. Senior leaders from across the coffee value chain will share how they’re de-risking amid price swings, regulatory changes, and rising contract exposure—while keeping teams aligned and partners engaged. The discussion explores balancing speed with governance, scenario planning, data-driven forecasting, and strengthening relationships under pressure. Expect a thought-provoking exchange on the non-negotiables the sector can rally around and the moves positioning firms for the next upturn.

Panelists:
  • Trishul Mandana, Managing Director – Coffee Division, Volcafe
  • David Behrends, Managing Partner & Head of Trading, Sucafina
  • Ariel Coelho, CEO, StoneX Switzerland SA
  • Flavia Barbosa P. da Costa, CEO, Exportadora de Café Guaxupé
  • Ben Clarkson, Global Head – Coffee Platform, Louis Dreyfus Company

Moderator: Dean Sanders, Chief Enterprise Officer, Anthesis

12:30 – 14:00

Lunch Break

13:00 – 14:00
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Lunch & Learn Workshop 1: The Disruptors Are Coming – Innovation with Purpose – Social Impact in Action
(Syndey room – Breakout Session)

A fast-paced session spotlighting bold ideas driving social impact in coffee — from farmer empowerment to business reinvention. Short pitches are followed by a panel discussion exploring how these innovations can reshape the social fabric of the coffee value chain. Expect candid insights, inspiring stories, and tangible solutions.

Panelists:
  • Esteban Ordoñez Simmonds, Chief Commercial Officer, Colombian Coffee Growers Federation (FNC)
  • Anita Aerni, Executive President (Board Chair), Swiss Sustainable Coffee Platform (SSCP)
  • Volker Meyer-Lücke, CEO & Co-Founder, ALRIGHTY Caretrade Coffee
  • PD Dr Samuel Knauss, Managing Director and Co-Founder, Elucid

Moderator: Dean Sanders, Chief Enterprise Officer, Anthesis

14:00 – 14:15

Coffee Break

14:15 – 15:15
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Panel 2 (Main Auditorium) : SCTA Next Gen Sustainability Contest – Collaboration for a Sustainable Future

Marking its third edition, the SCTA Next Gen Sustainability Contest showcases bold, innovative ideas from emerging coffee professionals, highlighting how the next generation is driving collaboration and resilience across a complex and evolving sector.

Finalists:

  • Haiya Zhang, ECOM SMS China Silent Brews, Strong Voices: Coffee Careers for Hearing-Impaired Youth at Coffee Origins
  • Lorenz Buser, COO, Cotierra Cotierra Future-Proofing Agricultural Supply Chains with Scalable Biochar Solutions
  • Daniel Cação Motta, COFCO COFCO Agri Academy: Sustainability for a Better Future

Moderator: Dean Sanders, Chief Enterprise Officer, Anthesis Co-Moderator: Max Schneider, Coffee Trader, Hacofco & SCTA Next Gen Council Member

14:15 – 15:45
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4C Workshop
(Sydney room – Breakout Session)

Building Resilience in Coffee – Compliance, Credibility, and Carbon Footprint Solutions with 4C
The coffee sector faces rising pressure from climate regulations and Scope 3 reporting requirements. At this event, 4C will share experiences from its existing 4C Carbon Footprint Solution and introduce a new service offer, enabling companies to calculate, verify, and report emissions while supporting reductions across supply chains.

A panel with JDE Peet’s, Agrogenius (Brazil), Simexco Daklak (Vietnam), and Conservation International’s Sustainable Coffee Challenge will discuss roaster strategies’ and explore how 4C certification strengthens compliance, resilience, and business value. Insights from Tanzania will show how certified carbon footprint data is becoming a key driver of market trust and competitiveness.

Panelists:
  • Dr Norbert Schmitz, Managing Director, 4C Services GmbH
  • Nadia Hoarau-Mwaura, Global Sustainable Responsible Sourcing Director, JDE Peet’s
  • Michael von Luehrte, Founder and Owner, MVLcoffee GmbH
  • Niels Haak, Director Sustainable Coffee Partnerships, Conservation International
  • Huy Le Duc, Chairman of the Board of Directors, SIMEXCO Dak Lak
  • Breno Mitidieri, Director, Agrogenius Consulting Group
  • Dr Claudia Bulgheroni, Senior Project Manager – Neutrality Strategy & Carbon Trading, Meo Carbon Solutions GmbH
15:15 – 15:30

Coffee Break

15:30 – 16:30
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Panel 3 (Main Auditorium) : Compliance vs. Performance – Does a Level Playing Field Drive or Hinder Progress?

An interactive panel and workshop exploring how companies can turn evolving compliance requirements into drivers of performance, value creation, and competitive advantage

Panelists:
  • Eileen Gordon, Secretary General, European Coffee Federatoin (ECF)
  • Aik Hoe Lim, Director – Trade and Environment, World Trade Organization (WTO)
  • Anna Zampa, Sustainable Commodities Lead, World Economic Forum / Tropical Forest Alliance
  • Toby Brandon, Chief Operating Officer, ICE Benchmark Administration
  • Michael Jackisch, Head of Soft Commodities Desk – Commodity Trade Finance, BIC-BRED (Suisse) SA

Moderator: Dean Sanders, Chief Enterprise Officer, Anthesis

16:45 – 17:45
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ICO Workshop (Sydney room – Breakout Session) :

ICO Public-Private Task Force: National Legality Tools for EUDR Due Diligence:
What can national legality tools do for your EUDR due diligence — and beyond? In this ICO Public-Private Task Force session, public authorities and companies outline what these tools are, who funds them, who can use them, expected availability, and how they strengthen credibility, enable joint action, and lower costs. Come away with a clear view of how national solutions can plug into company workflows.

Panelists:
  • Vanusia Maria Carneiro Nogueira (PhD), Executive Director, International Coffee Organisation(ICO)
  • Hannelore Beerlandt, Head of Operations, International Coffee Organisation (ICO)
18:30 – 21:00

Welcome Cocktail reception (Open to All Forum Attendees)

Open to All Forum Attendees – Forum Pass required, no ticket sales on site

New venue: Bambusnest – The Cube Concept Club, Messeplatz, Basel

Day 2

October 3rd
Friday
08:00 – 17:00

Check-in & Registrations

Check-in & Registrations (Open All Day)
08:30 – 09:30
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FNC Breakfast (Sydney room – Breakout Session) :
Advance booking needed

Hosted by the Federación Nacional de Cafeteros de Colombia (FNC), this morning presentation shares up-to-date insights into the latest developments in Colombian coffee. Advance booking needed, for more information please contact info@sc-ta.ch

SOLD OUT

Panelists:
  • Esteban Ordoñez Simmonds, Chief Commercial Officer, Colombian Coffee Growers Federation (FNC)
10:00 – 11:00
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Panel 4 (Main Auditorium) : Tariffs Are Beautiful… or Are They? Supply & Demand Dynamics in the Face of a New World Order

A thought-provoking panel discussion exploring how shifting trade policies and tariffs are reshaping traditional supply and demand dynamics in the global commodities sector.

Panelists:
  • William (Bill) Murray, President & CEO, National Coffee Association USA (NCA)
  • Manuela Czinar (PhD), Head of Soft Commodities Research, Macquarie Group
  • Ana Wilks, Global Head of Research, Neumann Kaffee Gruppe
  • Jonathan Hepburn, Counsellor – Agriculture and Commodities Division, World Trade Organization (WTO)
  • Thijs Geijer, Senior Economist Food & Agri and Team Lead Global Sector Research, ING Netherlands
  • Marcos Antonio Matos, Hands-on CEO, Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council – CECAFE

Moderator: Dean Sanders, Chief Enterprise Officer, Anthesis

10:00 – 11:00
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Turning Collaboration into Impact – Swiss Platform for Sustainable Coffee (SSCP)
(Sydney room – Breakout Session) :

How can public–private partnerships drive real change in coffee? The SSCP brings companies, government, civil society, and research together to strengthen sustainability and resilience. Through two funding windows—Seed Funding and Collaborative Impact Projects—SECO co-finances initiatives that turn ambition into action. This session spotlights what works, with SSCP members and partners sharing practical lessons on collaboration that delivers tangible results for a more sustainable coffee value chain.

Speakers:
  • Anita Aerni, Executive President (Board Chair), Swiss Sustainable Coffee Platform (SSCP)
  • Christian Robin, Managing Director SSCP / Swissco
  • Nicoletta Lumaldo, Manager for Innovation and Member Engagement – SSCP / Swissco
11:00 – 11:30

Coffee Break

11:30 – 12:30
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Panel 5 (Main Auditorium) : Scaling Regenerative Agriculture – Can Collaboration and Tech Lead the Way?

This interactive panel explores how collaboration and technology can drive the shift to low-carbon, regenerative agriculture — and what it takes to scale impact.

Panelists:
  • Juan Carlos Ardila Salazar, Founder & CEO, Cafexport
  • Piet van Asten (PhD), Head Sustainable Production Systems, OFI
  • Mariana Lima Veloso, Coffee Producer and Commercial Director, Veloso Coffee Agrocomercial Exportadora Ltda.
  • Santiago Gowland, CEO, Rainforest Alliance
  • Stephanie Babin, ESG Corporate Strategy & Deployment Lead, Nestlé Nespresso SA

Moderator: Dean Sanders, Chief Enterprise Officer, Anthesis

11:15 – 12:30
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EUDR Solutions – Deep Dive
(Sydney room – Breakout Session) :

With the EUDR application deadline fast approaching—and some open questions still on the table—this breakout convenes leading solution providers for a concise, practical update. We’ll review what has changed since last year, what they’ve learned from pilots and rollouts, and which solutions they’re offering to help the sector meet requirements. Expect clear takeaways on data and geolocation, risk assessment and mitigation, due diligence statements, and implementation options for different company sizes—so you leave with concrete next steps to be ready.

Panelists:
  • Thomas Vaassen, Co-Founder & CEO, Meridia
  • Dr Norbert Schmitz, Managing Director, 4C Services GmbH
  • David Browning, CEO, Enveritas
  • Toby Brandon, Chief Operating Officer, ICE Benchmark Administration
  • Marcos Antonio Matos, Hands-on CEO, Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council – CECAFE

Moderator: Hannelore Beerlandt, Head of Operations, International Coffee Organisation (ICO)

12:30 – 14:00

Lunch Break

13:00 – 14:00
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Lunch & Learn Workshop 2: The Disruptors Are Coming – Environmental Innovation from Soil to Cup
(Sydney room – Breakout Session)

From soil science and plant genetics to low-impact roasting, discover cutting-edge innovations transforming coffee’s environmental footprint. Short pitches and a panel discussion explore what it takes to build a more sustainable coffee future – from the ground up.

Panelists:
  • Alex Morgan, CEO, Climate Sense
  • Jennifer “Vern” Long, CEO, World Coffee Research (WCR)
  • Gert Linthout, Lead Explorer, CEE
  • Paul Stewart, Global Coffee Director, TechnoServe

Moderator: Dean Sanders, Chief Enterprise Officer, Anthesis

14:15 – 15:15
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Panel 6 (Main Auditorium) : Trust and Vision Under Pressure: Holding the Coffee Sector Together in Uncertain Times

This closing panel brings together voices from finance, trade, roasting, and the international policy arena to explore how key actors are navigating short-term pressures — from market volatility and regulation to geopolitical uncertainty — while remaining focused on creating long-term value across the sector.

Panelists:
  • Michiel Teunissen, Global Head Agri Commodities – Trade & Commodity Finance, Rabobank
  • Andres Berron, Managing Director, Vice-President – Coffee & Cocoa Division, Starbucks Coffee Trading Company
  • Rodrigo Costa, Head of Coffee, COFCO International
  • Vanusia Nogueira, Executive Director, International Coffee Organisation (ICO)
  • Manish Dhawan, President – Green Coffee, Olam

Moderator: Dean Sanders, Chief Enterprise Officer, Anthesis

15:15 – 15:30
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Closing Remarks & End of panel sessions
(Main Auditorium)

Dr Krisztina Szalai, Secretary General, SCTA

18:30 – 02:00

SCTA Gala Dinner (by invitation only)

Hotel & Travel

Hotel Reservations – 16th SCTA Forum & Dinner 2025

SCTA has partnered with Pure Conferences, the official housing agency for
the 16th SCTA Forum & Dinner 2025, to offer a curated selection of hotels in Basel at negotiated preferential rates for our participants. You can reserve up to 7 rooms using the online booking tool below.

For group bookings of more than 7 rooms, or any assistance regarding hotel room bookings, please contact the Pure Conferences team directly at
scta@pure-conferences.ch.

Book Your Hotel Here ➔

Please note:

Pure Conferences is the only authorised housing partnerfor the SCTA Forum. If you are contacted by any other agency offering accommodation, they are not authorised to represent SCTA and do not have access to our official room blocks or rates.

Rooms at preferential rates are limited — early booking is strongly recommended.

Event Venue

The 16th SCTA Forum & Dinner will take place at the popular Congress Center Basel (Messe Basel) at the heart of the city of Basel, Switzerland.

Address: Messepl. 21, 4058 Basel – (right next to the Marriott Hotel Basel)
Venue Website: www.messe-basel.com

Getting to the Venue

The nearest international airport is EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg (BSL), located just 8 km from Messe Basel. Here’s the most straightforward route to the venue:

  1. Bus 50: From the airport, take Bus 50 to Basel SBB main train station (Basel Hauptbahnhof). The journey takes approximately 20 minutes.

  2. Tram 1 or 2: At Basel SBB, transfer to Tram 1 or 2 heading towards Messeplatz. The tram ride is about 10 minutes, and the Messeplatz stop is directly in front of the Congress Center Basel – and right next to the Marriott Hotel.

Tickets

Most hotels in Basel offer complimentary public transport tickets for the duration of your stay. Before purchasing any transport tickets, we recommend checking with Pure Conferences for advice on the best option based on your hotel reservation.

If you need to purchase tickets for buses and trams, you can also do so via the SBB Mobile App or at ticket machines located at the airport and train station.

Special thanks
to our 2025 sponsors

 

Other sponsors