The specialty coffee industry is preparing for one of its most significant annual gatherings as Pacific Foods Barista Series announced its comprehensive programming for the upcoming World of Coffee San Diego. Scheduled to take place from April 10 to April 12, 2026, at the San Diego Convention Center, the event will serve as a premier stage for Pacific Foods to demonstrate its latest product innovations and deepen its longstanding ties with the global barista community. Located at Booth #3227, the company intends to host a series of interactive sessions, including dynamic tastings and guest appearances by some of the most respected figures in the specialty coffee sector.

Central to the company’s presence this year is its role as the Gold Sponsor of the 20th Annual World Latte Art Competition. This sponsorship underscores the brand’s commitment to the technical mastery and artistic expression that define modern coffee service. By providing the foundational elements for competitors on a global stage, Pacific Foods continues to align itself with the high standards of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), the organization responsible for producing World of Coffee.

The Strategic Importance of World of Coffee San Diego

World of Coffee is widely regarded as the ultimate event for the tea and coffee community, attracting thousands of professionals, including roasters, baristas, retailers, and equipment manufacturers from around the globe. The 2026 San Diego edition marks a pivotal moment for the industry as it continues to navigate shifting consumer preferences and the rapid expansion of the plant-based market.

For Pacific Foods Barista Series, the event is more than a trade show; it is a platform to reinforce its brand promise: "Barista Inspired, Barista Approved." Drew Deller, Brand Manager for Pacific Foods Barista Series, emphasized that the company’s participation is a testament to its dedication to the craft. "Being part of World of Coffee demonstrates our love of and commitment to the coffee community and all the dynamic professionals who push the craft forward every day," Deller stated. He noted that the gathering provides a unique opportunity to engage with attendees who share a mutual commitment to creativity and innovation.

The San Diego Convention Center, situated along the city’s iconic waterfront, provides an expansive venue for the SCA’s multifaceted program, which includes the exhibition hall, educational seminars, and prestigious coffee championships. As the specialty coffee market in the United States continues to grow—with recent data suggesting a steady increase in the consumption of premium and ethically sourced coffee—events like World of Coffee serve as critical hubs for establishing market trends and fostering professional networking.

Innovation in Plant-Based Milks: The Pistachio Spotlight

The focal point of the Pacific Foods exhibit will be the Barista Series Pistachio, the newest addition to the brand’s extensive portfolio. Developed in close collaboration with professional baristas, the pistachio variant was engineered to meet the specific demands of high-volume coffee environments. Unlike standard retail plant milks, the Barista Series is formulated to withstand the high temperatures of steam wands, allowing for the creation of stable micro-foam essential for latte art.

The introduction of pistachio milk reflects a broader trend in the beverage industry toward nut-based alternatives that offer unique flavor profiles without overshadowing the nuances of the coffee bean. Industry analysts have noted that pistachio milk provides a "smooth, velvety" texture that complements both hot espresso-based drinks and cold brew applications. At Booth #3227, attendees will have the opportunity to sample this product in various formats, highlighting its versatility across different roasting profiles and preparation methods.

The development of the Barista Series Pistachio involved hundreds of hours of testing to ensure it delivered a neutral yet distinctive flavor. This balance is crucial for specialty coffee professionals who prioritize the integrity of the espresso. By offering a product that performs similarly to traditional dairy in terms of "stretch" and "pourability," Pacific Foods aims to capture a larger share of the plant-based market, which continues to see robust growth in the foodservice sector.

A Three-Day Chronology of Collaboration and Craft

To demonstrate the practical application of its products, Pacific Foods has curated a schedule of daily highlights featuring award-winning roasters and champions. This programming is designed to showcase how the Barista Series integrates into diverse beverage programs.

Day One: Celebrating Roasting Excellence with Kafiex

The opening day of the event will feature Kafiex, a Vancouver, Washington-based roastery recently named the 2026 Micro Roaster of the Year by Roast Magazine. Founded by Matthew and Seidy Selivanow, Kafiex is recognized for its ethical sourcing and precision roasting. The featured beverage, "Oaxacan Nights," utilizes Barista Series Pistachio combined with bold cold brew, Oaxacan chocolate, and floral agave. This signature drink highlights the ability of pistachio milk to pair with rich, earthy flavors and complex sweeteners.

Day Two: Technical Mastery with Kay Cheon

On the second day, the booth will host 2025 U.S. Barista Champion Kay Cheon. Cheon, who earned his national title after six years of dedicated competition, is esteemed for his technical precision and flavor-driven presentations. He will be serving the "Pistachi-Oat Matcha," a drink developed for Pacific’s "Signature Drinks" campaign. The recipe includes Barista Series Pistachio, matcha, honey syrup, and a unique Barista Series Oat black sesame cold foam. This demonstration will specifically highlight the textural possibilities of combining different plant-based milks to create sophisticated layers and garnishes.

Day Three: Approaching Competition-Level Coffee with Black & White

The final day of the showcase will feature Black & White Coffee Roasters, a company founded by U.S. Barista Champions Kyle Ramage and Lem Butler. Known for making competition-level coffee accessible to a wider audience, Black & White will serve the "Honey Blossom Matcha." This beverage combines Barista Series Pistachio with Hugo Tea matcha, orange blossom water, and honey simple syrup. The collaboration underscores the brand’s focus on hospitality-driven experiences and the continuous improvement of the specialty coffee craft.

Supporting the 20th Annual World Latte Art Competition

Pacific Foods’ Gold Sponsorship of the World Latte Art Competition is a significant component of its 2026 strategy. The competition, now in its 20th year, requires baristas to demonstrate their ability to create intricate designs using milk and coffee under strict time constraints and judging criteria.

The technical requirements for latte art are rigorous. The milk must be capable of producing a glossy, fine-bubbled foam that remains stable long enough for the barista to pour complex patterns such as rosettas, tulips, and swans. By sponsoring this event, Pacific Foods places its Barista Series in the hands of the world’s most skilled practitioners, proving that plant-based alternatives can meet the same performance benchmarks as dairy. This involvement also provides the brand with direct feedback from elite professionals, which often informs future product iterations and improvements.

Market Context and Professional Implications

The presence of Pacific Foods at World of Coffee San Diego occurs against a backdrop of significant evolution in the global dairy alternative market. Recent market research indicates that the global plant-based milk market is expected to continue its upward trajectory, driven by consumer concerns regarding health, sustainability, and animal welfare. Within the specialty coffee niche, the demand for "barista-grade" alternatives has become a standard requirement for cafes seeking to remain competitive.

The Barista Series, which has been a staple in the industry for over 20 years, faces increasing competition from both established players and new entrants. However, its long-term strategy of focusing on "texture and performance" has allowed it to maintain a strong foothold in the foodservice distributor network. The entire Barista Series portfolio, including the new Pistachio variety, is available through distributors nationwide, ensuring that the innovations showcased in San Diego can be quickly adopted by coffee shops across the country.

Broader Impact on the Coffee Community

The engagement of Pacific Foods with entities like Kafiex, Black & White, and champions like Kay Cheon reflects a broader industry move toward collaborative marketing. By showcasing how its products are used by "barista-approved" experts, the brand leverages the credibility of these professionals to reach a discerning audience of coffee shop owners and managers.

Furthermore, the focus on education and community at World of Coffee aligns with the shifting values of the specialty coffee world. Beyond the technical aspects of brewing and steaming, there is an increasing emphasis on the stories behind the ingredients. The inclusion of Oaxacan chocolate and specific tea varieties in the signature drinks served at Booth #3227 highlights a holistic approach to beverage development that considers origin and ethical sourcing.

As the event concludes on April 12, the impact of these showcases is expected to resonate throughout the 2026 coffee season. The trends established in San Diego—particularly the rise of pistachio as a premium plant-based option and the continued refinement of latte art techniques—will likely influence menu development and consumer expectations in the months to follow. For Pacific Foods, the event represents a successful fusion of product promotion and community investment, reinforcing its position as a foundational partner in the global specialty coffee ecosystem.