Changes coming to 2027 Roasters Playground – BeanScene

La Marzocco and Riverina Fresh will return to MICE2027 as the sponsors of the popular Roasters Playground, where some of Australia’s top roasters showcase their coffee in the heart of Melbourne.

The Roasters Playground was created as a dedicated space for coffee roasters to put their coffee directly in front of café owners, buyers, and industry professionals. Next year’s show marks the third iteration of the concept, with MICE26 seeing 34 roasters take part.

La Marzocco has returned as Platinum Sponsor and official machinery supplier, while Riverina Fresh returns as Gold Sponsor and will provide dairy milk to all roasters within the feature and exhibitors.

With MICE2027 aligning with the 100^th anniversary celebrations of La Marzocco, Commercial Brand and Marketing Manager at La Marzocco Bianca Tuckwell says the brand’s position at the heart of Australian coffee culture means it is well placed to bring all its communities together.

“[This] gives us an opportunity to celebrate our legacy, not only in our espresso machines, but in the people and businesses that have shaped our local coffee community. We want [the Roasters Playground] to be a place to discover something new, strengthen relationships, and celebrate the coffee community together,” she says.

“We sit at the intersection of roasters, cafés, baristas, technicians and the wider hospitality community, and MICE gives us an opportunity to bring those communities together.

“For us, it’s not just about showcasing our equipment. We love that the Roasters Playground gives roasters a platform to share their exciting coffee, connect with old friends and new, and be part of a collaborative space that supports the growth and strength of the specialty coffee industry.”

In an exciting development for the 2027 Roasters Playground, each roaster will take a full day on the show floor, with an increased eight pods running across all three days of the show.

Every pod comes fitted with a La Marzocco machine and grinder, product shelving and signage carrying the roaster’s own logo. A dedicated Roasters Playground manager provides support on site, so roasters only need to bring a barista and their coffee.

Executive Chairman of Riverina Fresh Craig Shapiro says supporting the Roasters Playground is a “natural fit” for the dairy brand.

“We’ve spent years working with roasters and baristas to understand what milk needs to deliver in specialty coffee: consistency, texture and flavour, cup after cup. MICE gives us the opportunity to work alongside the people who keep the industry moving. As a 100 per cent Australian-owned, independent dairy business making milk in Wagga Wagga for more than 100 years, we’re proud to bring our regional heritage to that partnership.”

At the time of writing, all Roasters Playground sessions on Friday 5 and Saturday 6 March are already sold out. Thursday sessions are still available and will be allocated in the order signed contracts are received.

Roasters interested in securing involvement should contact Caitlyn Schroder, Business Development Manager.

E: caitlyn.schroder@primecreative.com.au
P: +61 422 616 054 

Or submit an online enquiry, click here.