Lecture Description
In the past decade, consolidation in coffee has moved from iconic deals (JAB, Nestlé, Blue Bottle, Intelligentsia) to a new wave of hyper-scaling retail models such as Luckin Coffee and Blank Street Coffee. These players combine aggressive store roll-outs, technology, data, and capital to reshape customer expectations and competitive dynamics.
This lecture updates my previous “Coffee Consolidations” presentation with a sharper focus on what these developments mean for small and medium coffee businesses—roasteries, cafés, and emerging chains. We will unpack how consolidation, roll-ups, and VC-backed scaling models impact margins, location strategy, and brand positioning, and how independents can respond without trying to “out-Luckin Luckin.”
Using real-world examples and case studies, we will explore practical options: strategic partnerships, smart M&A, multi-channel models, and technology adoption at a realistic scale. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of consolidation trends and a toolbox of actionable strategies to protect their independence, grow sustainably, and stay relevant in a market increasingly shaped by giants.
This session is designed to be pragmatic, non-theoretical, and directly applicable to everyday business decisions.
Date: Saturday, April 11, 2026
Time: 10:00 am - 10:45 am
Location: Room 25AB
Category: Business
Access: This lecture is free to attend with a World of Coffee entry badge. Register to attend World of Coffee here.
Please note that lecture sessions are open on a first-come, first-served basis. Early arrival is highly recommended to secure your seat.
Speakers
Lukasz Mrowinski
Speaker, The Coffee Fund
Lukasz Mrowinski is a seasoned entrepreneur and former co-founder and CEO of Etno Cafe, the largest Polish-originated coffee shop chain. Under his leadership, the company expanded to 28 cafes, a roastery, and a cold brewery. Known for its rapid growth and innovation, Etno Cafe secured 7th place in the Food and Beverages category and 196th overall in the Financial Times FT 1000 ranking of Europe’s fastest-growing companies in 2020. Lukasz played a key role in driving the company’s success through organic expansion and strategic M&A, leveraging investor funds to scale its operations. In 2022, he exited Etno Cafe to focus on M&A ventures including joining the Harbour Club, the largest global organization of M&A specialists. He is also an experienced speaker (the presentations at World of Coffee Copenhagen 2024, World of Coffee Dubai 2025, and the Specialty Coffee Expo 2025 in Houston), with his lectures on coffee market consolidation and growth strategies receiving high acclaim. His deep experience positions him as a strong workshop facilitator for entrepreneurs navigating market challenges. Lukasz is also the host of the Coffee On Air podcast, where he shares his practical approach to the coffee business and related industries.