The Company
Coffee Consulate: Shaping the Future of Coffee Through Knowledge and Research
In a world where coffee is as complex and diverse as wine, understanding the science behind quality, consistency and sustainability has never been more important. Based in Mannheim, Germany, Coffee Consulate stands out as one of the most established and respected coffee research and education centres in Europe. Founded in 2005 by Dr. Steffen Schwarz, the organisation has grown from a local training hub into a globally recognised institution shaping professional coffee expertise across the entire value chain - from bean to cup.
What makes Coffee Consulate unique is its combination of scientific rigour, practical application and industry relevance. Rather than focusing solely on barista skills or brewing techniques, the centre’s curriculum integrates coffee botany, agronomy, processing, roasting science, sensory analysis and business fundamentals into structured programmes. At its core lies the internationally recognised Coffeologist® programme - a modular education covering the full value chain and culminating in professional certification for coffee specialists.
Over the past decade, Coffee Consulate has trained professionals from over 30 countries, building a global network of coffee experts and enabling cross-border knowledge exchange. Courses range from one-day workshops and multi-day classes to intensive six-day educations that form the foundation for further specialisation in areas such as roasting, sensory science, technical systems, entrepreneurship and agricultural expertise.
Under the leadership of Dr. Steffen Schwarz - a recognised authority whose work bridges scientific research, industry practice and education - Coffee Consulate has played a pivotal role in advancing coffee science. Schwarz’s involvement includes organising major industry events such as the International Coffee Convention in Mannheim and contributing to research and dialogue on topics ranging from coffee quality measurement to sustainable supply-chain development.
The centre also collaborates closely with universities, scientific institutions and industry partners to ensure its programmes reflect the latest discoveries and real-world challenges facing the coffee sector. From pioneering sensory training tools and aroma profiling methodologies to curated educational materials, Coffee Consulate brings scientific depth to everyday practice.
Beyond education and research, Coffee Consulate’s influence extends into coffee culture and conservation. Its founder curates one of the world’s largest living collections of coffee plant varieties, contributing to biodiversity preservation and long-term genetic research.
Today, Coffee Consulate is more than a training centre - it is a knowledge ecosystem that empowers professionals, inspires innovation and strengthens the global coffee community. Whether you are a newcomer seeking foundational skills or an industry leader looking to deepen expertise, Coffee Consulate offers a roadmap for mastering the science, art and business of coffee.
In a world where coffee is as complex and diverse as wine, understanding the science behind quality, consistency and sustainability has never been more important. Based in Mannheim, Germany, Coffee Consulate stands out as one of the most established and respected coffee research and education centres in Europe. Founded in 2005 by Dr. Steffen Schwarz, the organisation has grown from a local training hub into a globally recognised institution shaping professional coffee expertise across the entire value chain - from bean to cup.
What makes Coffee Consulate unique is its combination of scientific rigour, practical application and industry relevance. Rather than focusing solely on barista skills or brewing techniques, the centre’s curriculum integrates coffee botany, agronomy, processing, roasting science, sensory analysis and business fundamentals into structured programmes. At its core lies the internationally recognised Coffeologist® programme - a modular education covering the full value chain and culminating in professional certification for coffee specialists.
Over the past decade, Coffee Consulate has trained professionals from over 30 countries, building a global network of coffee experts and enabling cross-border knowledge exchange. Courses range from one-day workshops and multi-day classes to intensive six-day educations that form the foundation for further specialisation in areas such as roasting, sensory science, technical systems, entrepreneurship and agricultural expertise.
Under the leadership of Dr. Steffen Schwarz - a recognised authority whose work bridges scientific research, industry practice and education - Coffee Consulate has played a pivotal role in advancing coffee science. Schwarz’s involvement includes organising major industry events such as the International Coffee Convention in Mannheim and contributing to research and dialogue on topics ranging from coffee quality measurement to sustainable supply-chain development.
The centre also collaborates closely with universities, scientific institutions and industry partners to ensure its programmes reflect the latest discoveries and real-world challenges facing the coffee sector. From pioneering sensory training tools and aroma profiling methodologies to curated educational materials, Coffee Consulate brings scientific depth to everyday practice.
Beyond education and research, Coffee Consulate’s influence extends into coffee culture and conservation. Its founder curates one of the world’s largest living collections of coffee plant varieties, contributing to biodiversity preservation and long-term genetic research.
Today, Coffee Consulate is more than a training centre - it is a knowledge ecosystem that empowers professionals, inspires innovation and strengthens the global coffee community. Whether you are a newcomer seeking foundational skills or an industry leader looking to deepen expertise, Coffee Consulate offers a roadmap for mastering the science, art and business of coffee.