Colombian Ambassador to Korea Alejandro Pelaez, front row seventh from right, poses with 11 Colombian coffee company officials during the Seoul Cafe Show 2024 in Seoul, Nov. 6. Courtesy of Embassy of Colombia in Seoul

The Embassy of Colombia in Seoul and ProColombia celebrated the grand opening of the Colombian Pavilion at the Seoul Cafe Show 2024, held from Nov. 6 to 9 at COEX in Seoul. This event attracted producers, importers, distributors and coffee enthusiasts from around the world.

The opening ceremony featured notable attendees, including Alejandro Pelaez, ambassador of Colombia to Korea, and representatives from 11 Colombian coffee companies. The Pavilion showcases the richness and diversity of Colombian coffee, a product known globally for its quality and authenticity.

"Participating in the Seoul Cafe Show is a fantastic opportunity for our producers to showcase the quality of our coffee and establish valuable connections in the Korean market," Shirley Vega, director of ProColombia in Seoul, said. "We want to emphasize that Colombian coffee is not only a high-quality product but also an integral part of our culture and tradition."

Colombian coffee, celebrated for its pronounced and full-bodied aroma, continues to enjoy high demand in the global market. In 2023, Colombia's coffee export value reached $2.792 billion, including $10.3 million in coffee and derivatives exports to Korea. Colombia ranks third among the top five coffee-producing and exporting countries worldwide, behind Brazil and Vietnam.

At the Seoul Cafe Show, Colombian representatives offered a wide range of products tailored to meet the growing demands of the Korean market. These include green coffee, roasted coffee, instant coffee and innovative carbonated beverages made from coffee husks.

The event has provided Colombian companies with a valuable platform for cupping sessions, networking and B2B meetings with potential buyers. The Colombian Booth conducted over 80 meetings, which is expected to help strengthen the presence of Colombian coffee in Korea.