Welcome
As we open 2026 with our first seasonal Café Life, a clear picture emerges. Across both high-street and independent operators, there is incredible innovation – whether it’s hot and cold drinks, food options or dessert flavours.
This is highlighted by our packed ‘Coffee roasters / suppliers’ & ‘Syrups / flavourings / drinks’ features. Data indicates that custom is getting younger, expectations for quality are on the rise, while the experience is just as important as the product quality on show.
And where can you learn more about what the best operators are up to? At shows and events, of course. Which is why we have a remarkable four previews in this issue, along with all our regulars.
Enjoy!
Alex Bell - Editor
LinkedIn
Contents
LIFESTYLE
4 Global ambition – Dalla Corte
6 Premium, playful and profitable – Comelle
10 On the rise – Cornish Bakery
12 Future stars of London – Little Sourdough Kitchen
13 More than just doughnuts – Pipp & Co
14 Across the pond – Vegware
16 Wizard of Oz! – Faema
18 King Charlie! – Costa Coffee
19 Experience and taste – Taylors
22 Driven to succeed – Rhea
PREVIEWS
24 Something for everyone – lunch! NORTH
32 Quality on show – Food & Drink Expo
42 Insight and Strategy – Hospitality Tech360
52 Brewed to perfection – London Coffee Festival
CHOCOLATE/SWEET TREATS
26 Flavour, fairness and transparency – Islands Chocolate
28 Inclusive indulgence – Central Foods
COFFEE ROASTERS/SUPPLIERS
34 A family mission – Curious Roo
36 Grounds for growth – Seattle’s Best Coffee
38 New value equation – Lincoln & York
40 Grind and vision – The Forum
SYRUPS/FLAVOURINGS/DRINKS
44 Step into the seasion – IBC Simply
46 Emotional connection – Simpsons Beverages
48 A glass apart – Miko
50 Battersea matcha station! – Jenki
NEWS IN BRIEF
54 David Martin joins – AM Packaging
54 Reinforced excellence – Central Foods