#Sustainability #Japan #Tokyo #UCC Coffee #Co-Creation

UCC Smile Festa 2026: Shaping the Future Together

UCC Coffee Professional, a subsidiary of the UCC Group based in Minato, Tokyo, is set to host the annual UCC Smile Festa 2026 from March 10 to April 15 at four key cities: Nagoya, Tokyo, Osaka, and Sapporo. This trade event is specifically designed for the food and beverage industry, aligning with this year’s theme of “Co-Creation: Creating New Value Together.” The sub-theme, “Bringing the Future to Life with Coffee,” aims to support customers in realizing their vision through meticulously crafted quality and diverse added values.

Highlights of the UCC Smile Festa 2026

The UCC Smile Festa 2026 continues its focus on co-creation by presenting new values centered around coffee. The exhibition will feature a comprehensive range of products exclusive to the UCC Group while emphasizing creativity, quality, smart operations, and well-being across four dedicated areas:

Originality

This section will highlight unique products and services that foster differentiation in the market. Visitors can experience the joys of brewing flavorful iced coffee using craft methods, engage with live kitchen demonstrations that stimulate the senses, and discover buffet items that utilize vibrant colors to stand out. Furthermore, the introduction of the original blend coffee system, “F.O.B.,” will assist food businesses in achieving their unique value propositions.

Quality

Attendees will have the opportunity to dive deep into UCC's commitment to quality, observing every step from raw material procurement to manufacturing. The “Coffee Academy” booth will offer immersive quality control experiences and live brewing demonstrations. Guests can also taste over 40 varieties of regular coffee that embody UCC’s quality standards, including a luxurious experience with the “Largo” coffee brand, providing a fulfilling narrative around quality coffee.

Smart Operations

In the current context of labor shortages and rising costs, this section will propose solutions for efficient operations in the food industry. From café establishment to operational support, UCC will provide optimal solutions tailored to creating the ideal business environment. The focus will also be on single-cup coffee systems that cater to both professional and home brewing needs.

Well-being

Responding to increasing health consciousness and sustainability awareness, this area will present coffee products and services that are both healthy and environmentally friendly. The approach toward sustainability will not be in a segregated section; instead, it will be integrated into the well-being area. Visitors can sample hydrogen-roasted coffee, explore sustainable sourcing, and participate in engaging presentations on the health benefits of coffee, showcasing the beverage's potential to enrich daily life.

Commitment to Sustainability

Since 2022, the UCC Smile Festa has aimed to realize a resource-recycling event model. This year marks the fifth anniversary, with the motto “Making Sustainability a Standard.” Building upon previous efforts, new initiatives for waste reduction and resource recycling will debut:

1. Paper Thread Handkerchief Towels: Attendees will receive handkerchief towels made from recycled used paper cups. These nostalgic products symbolize the circular economy, transforming waste back into useful items.

2. Recycling Stations: New recycling machines will be installed to ensure that used paper cups are efficiently processed. The “CP Pakkun” will collect and process cups for easy recycling.

Furthermore, UCC will uphold standards to avoid single-use plastic products during the tasting sessions, continuing initiatives to reduce food waste through the “mottECO” and “tabetECO” programs that promote the responsible sharing of unfinished meals.

The festival aims to inspire the food and beverage industry partners and participants, fostering innovation and collaboration through a platform that champions shared growth and sustainability.

Event Overview

• - Nagoya Venue:吹上ホール, March 10–11
• - Tokyo Venue: 東京流通センター, March 24–25
• - Osaka Venue: グランキューブ大阪, April 7–8
• - Sapporo Venue: 札幌パークホテル, April 14–15

Exhibition hours:

• - First Day: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• - Second Day: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Entry Fee: Free (Pre-registration required)

The UCC Smile Festa 2026 presents an exceptional opportunity for food industry attendees to explore innovative solutions and connect with around 100 exhibitors, all dedicated to supporting café operations through quality coffee and a commitment to sustainability.

For inquiries regarding participation or display, please visit UCC Coffee Professional.