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From Matcha Makers to Chewable Coffee: Highlights From This Year’s Coffee Fest

Published: April 21, 2025
From chewable coffee to functional teas and low-sugar bubble drinks, this year's Coffee Fest, which took place from March 23-25, featured a robust lineup of workshops, competitions, and exhibitors. (Image: May Song/Vision Times)

NEW YORK, New York — Coffee Fest New York 2025 took over Manhattan’s Jacob Javits Convention Center from March 23–25, drawing baristas, café owners, and food and beverage innovators from across the East Coast. The annual trade show offered a robust lineup of workshops, competitions, and exhibitor showcases, making it a must-attend event for professionals in the specialty coffee and tea industries.

A full brew of experiences

The event featured nearly 120 hours of educational programming, ranging from roasting techniques to café marketing strategies. Live competitions, including the high-energy Latte Art World Championship, drew large crowds. Meanwhile, hundreds of exhibitors displayed cutting-edge products and trends in brewing, service, and specialty ingredients.

During the three-day event, networking opportunities abounded, encouraging collaboration among roasters, suppliers, and industry newcomers. Here were some of the highlights:

Dry Brew
This San Francisco startup caught attention with its Dry Brew Coffee Chews—bite-sized energy boosts that pack the flavor and caffeine of a traditional cup of coffee without the need for brewing. Each chew contains about 65mg of natural caffeine and is aimed at on-the-go professionals and outdoor enthusiasts.

(Image: May Song/Vision Times)

Alldae
Offering lightly carbonated cascara sodas, Alldae delivers fruity fizz with a conscience. Each can has 34–35 percent real fruit juice, just 30mg of caffeine, and comes in flavors like Ginger Yuzu and Passionfruit Guava. The brand highlights sustainability and health, giving new life to the coffee fruit husk.

(Image: May Song/Vision Times)

Painterland Sisters
Founded by fourth-generation dairy farmers, this women-owned brand specializes in organic Icelandic-style skyr yogurt made with whole milk and natural sweeteners. With flavors like Blueberry Lemon and Savannah’s Peach, the brand champions regenerative farming and transparency in food sourcing.

(Image: May Song/Vision Times)

Dr. Smoothie
A veteran in the smoothie world, Dr. Smoothie presented clean-label concentrates under lines like 100 percent Crushed and Café Essentials. All products are vegan, shelf-stable, and free from artificial ingredients, with options like Matcha Green Tea Latte and Strawberry Banana smoothie.

(Image: May Song/Vision Times)

Cuzen Matcha
This California-based company wowed with its countertop Cuzen Matcha Maker, which freshly grinds organic tencha leaves for a vibrant, smooth matcha. Offering several blends and a subscription service, Cuzen was named one of Time’s Best Inventions of 2020 and continues to expand into the B2B space.

(Image: May Song/Vision Times)

Smartfruit
Smartfruit showcased its line of 100 percent fruit purées enhanced with functional ingredients like ashwagandha, antioxidants, and detoxifying greens. Each smoothie mix is vegan, non-GMO, and free from added sugars. Flavors include Perfect Peach + Energy and Blooming Berry + Antioxidants.

(Image: May Song/Vision Times)

Perlage
Imported from Poland, Perlage brought its fine-bubbled, naturally carbonated mineral water to the show. Known for its elegant blue glass bottles and low sodium content, Perlage is a premium option for pairing with gourmet meals.

(Image: May Song/Vision Times)

Earnest Eats + Raw C
Earnest Eats featured its superfood-based breakfast bars alongside Raw C, an Australian brand offering clean-label coconut waters. Their partnership highlights a growing trend toward collaboration among wellness-oriented brands.

(Image: May Song/Vision Times)

Jaipur Avenue
Offering barista and instant chai mixes in flavors like Ginger, Cardamom, and Saffron, this woman-owned Seattle brand emphasizes clean ingredients and cultural authenticity. Their social mission supports women and minority artists and nonprofits.

(Image: May Song/Vision Times)

Buunni Coffee
With four cafés in Upper Manhattan and a new roasting facility in the Bronx, Buunni Coffee brings the communal spirit of Ethiopian coffee ceremonies to New York. Their ethically sourced beans and community-driven mission stood out among attendees.

(Image: May Song/Vision Times)

Eden’s Sweet Ideas
Founded by a mom seeking healthier snack options, this brand offers vegan, gluten-free bars made with dates, seeds, and nuts. Flavors include Coconut Chia, Fig Walnut, and a keto-friendly halva spread line.

(Image: May Song/Vision Times)

Two Leaves and a Bud
This Colorado-based tea company offers whole-leaf teas in pyramid sachets. Known for its Organic Assam and Jasmine Petal teas, the brand focuses on sustainable sourcing and flavor integrity.

(Image: via Two Leaves and a Bud)

Califia Farms
A leader in plant-based beverages, Califia Farms brought its signature almond milks, oat creamers, and cold brew coffees. The Los Angeles-based company continues to innovate while pushing sustainability at scale.

(Image: May Song/Vision Times)

BUBLUV
A health-conscious take on bubble tea, BUBLUV’s ready-to-drink bottles feature under 50 calories, innovative jelly pearls, and natural sweeteners. Flavors include Black Milk Tea, Matcha Soy Latte, and Passionfruit Oolong Guava.

(Image: May Song/Vision Times)

Sanctuary Chai
Handcrafted in Colorado, Sanctuary Chai microbrews its concentrates with fresh spices, single-estate teas, and pure honey. Standout offerings included their Golden Honey Chai with turmeric and a spicy cayenne-infused blend.