Joining the GCI Coffee Shop Study Tours has been incredibly insightful. The visits to pioneering coffee destinations in Amsterdam and London provided new perspectives on innovation, from evolving beverage trends to reimagining store spaces, helping us stay relevant in a fast-moving market. Each tour has been truly inspiring and has sparked ideas that have directly influenced our thinking at Costa.

Since joining the Global Coffee Institute last year, our team at Blendsmiths has been making the most of its online masterclasses and webinars. The insights gained have been instrumental in guiding one of our biggest launches to date - FLOW, a line of premium alternative drinks designed for automated machines. read more

As an alternative drinks supplier within the speciality coffee space, automated systems marked a new and exciting direction for us. The GCI's recurring insights into the evolving demand for high-quality, flavour-led products in the automated drinks market gave us the confidence to invest and innovate. The result is a range that delivers barista-quality beverages - from hot chocolate to matcha - at the press of a button.

The response to FLOW has been fantastic, particularly FLOW Matcha which has gained significant traction amidst the global rise in matcha popularity. When Issue 26 of 5THWAVE explored the growing presence of matcha in speciality coffee and highlighted the role of automation in The Future of Coffee Report UK 2025, it perfectly aligned with our vision for FLOW and helped us demonstrate the importance of this launch.

We’re now looking forward to continuing the conversation at the upcoming European Coffee Symposium and Coffee & Hospitality Expo, where our co-founder Chris Farnworth will join a panel discussion on Matcha and Iced Beverage Trends hosted by 5THWAVE.

Being part of the Global Coffee Institute has been invaluable in keeping us informed, connected, and inspired to push the boundaries of alternative drinks within the world of coffee. read less

Being affiliated with the Global Coffee Institute has significantly enhanced our business operations. The extensive insights and strategic guidance we receive, particularly in understanding evolving consumer behaviours and market trends, have been instrumental in shaping our strategies. The broad market visibility provided by World Coffee Portal’s detailed reports—covering both core and emerging regions—remains a fundamental aspect of our growth strategy. This partnership enables us to make well-informed decisions swiftly and effectively

Over the past four years, 5 to go has sustained an impressive growth trajectory - opening a new store every two working days, adding over 100 locations annually. Being part of the Global Coffee Institute has been a meaningful part of this journey. The opportunity to share our progress and ambitions with such a knowledgeable and engaged network has not only amplified our visibility but also deepened our understanding of the global coffee landscape. read more

With our sights set on reaching 1,000 coffee shops by 2029, we’re strategically expanding into smaller cities across Romania, while also exploring international opportunities, particularly in Bulgaria, where we aim to reach 150 stores within the next four years. Global Coffee Institute membership has become a valuable platform for connection, insight, and inspiration - helping us grow smarter, faster, and with purpose.

We’re proud to celebrate being a part of the GCI community and look forward to what’s next. read less