Op-Ed by a Canadian Coffee Advocate

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) Expo, a flagship event for the global coffee industry, has long been a destination for Canadian businesses to network, learn, and showcase their products. However, as the 2025 Expo approaches, Canadian coffee entrepreneurs face a pressing question: Should they attend, given the potential resurgence of Trump-era tariffs and the SCA’s Canadian chapter’s failure to address their needs? Beyond logistical and financial concerns, this moment invites a deeper conversation about whether Canada should break from U.S.-centric frameworks and establish its own equitable, diverse, and locally focused coffee association. 

The Trump Tariff Threat: A Costly Gamble 

Former U.S. President Donald Trump’s trade policies—particularly tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel—previously strained cross-border commerce. While coffee beans themselves were not directly taxed, ancillary costs (equipment imports, travel, and supply chain uncertainties) escalated for Canadian businesses. A Trump reelection in 2024 could reintroduce or expand tariffs, further inflating expenses for Canadian exhibitors and attendees at the U.S.-based SCA Expo. For small businesses already navigating tight margins, these costs may outweigh the Expo’s benefits. Moreover, geopolitical tensions could disrupt smooth participation, leaving Canadian companies vulnerable to abrupt trade policy shifts. 

The SCA’s Canadian Chapter: A Lack of Support and Representation 

Compounding these challenges is the SCA’s Canadian chapter’s underwhelming role in advocating for local businesses. Critics argue the chapter focuses more on promoting SCA’s global brand than addressing Canada-specific issues, such as tariff impacts, provincial regulatory hurdles, or access to funding. Additionally, the chapter has faced criticism for its lack of diversity in leadership and programming. Canada’s coffee community—marked by Indigenous-owned roasteries, immigrant-owned cafés, and a growing emphasis on equity—requires an organization that prioritizes inclusion. Yet, the SCA’s Canadian arm has done little to amplify marginalized voices or create pathways for underrepresented groups to thrive. 

Why Canada Needs Its Own Coffee Association 

The SCA, as an American nonprofit, inherently centers U.S. interests. Its policies, certifications, and Expo programming cater to a U.S.-dominated market, leaving Canadian businesses to adapt to frameworks misaligned with their realities. For instance, sustainability benchmarks designed for California’s climate or supply chains irrelevant to Canadian provinces offer limited value. Canada’s coffee sector would benefit immensely from a homegrown association that: 

Advocates Locally: Lobby for federal support on tariffs, export challenges, and sustainability incentives tailored to Canada’s climate priorities. 

Fosters Diversity: Ensure leadership and programs reflect Canada’s multicultural fabric, integrating Indigenous reconciliation and equity into its core mission. 

Builds Community: Create regional events, grants, and educational resources responsive to Canada’s unique coffee culture, from Vancouver’s third-wave scene to Montréal’s café traditions. 

Reduces Dependency: Develop a Canadian Expo alternative, minimizing cross-border risks while showcasing homegrown talent. 

The Path Forward: Cancel the Trip, Invest In Canada 

Cancelling attendance at the 2025 SCA Expo is not merely a protest—it’s an opportunity to redirect resources toward building a resilient, self-sustaining Canadian coffee ecosystem. While the SCA Expo offers valuable global connections, Canadian businesses increasingly recognize that their future lies in collaboration at home. A Canadian association could partner with provincial governments, agricultural boards, and Indigenous communities to strengthen supply chains, promote fair trade practices, and highlight Canadian coffee innovation. 
 
The combination of Trump’s tariff risks and the SCA’s inadequate support for Canadian businesses underscores a urgent need for change. Rather than investing in a U.S.-centric event, Canada’s coffee community should channel its energy into creating an inclusive, autonomous association. Such an organization would not only shield businesses from geopolitical volatility but also celebrate the diversity and ingenuity that define Canadian coffee. It’s time to brew a new future—one that’s truly by and for Canada. 

This article invites feedback from coffee professionals. Share your thoughts: Should Canada forge its own path?