Lisbon hosted the Pre Open de Cata Portugal 2026 on May 2 and 3, over two days dedicated to sensory evaluation, taste memory, and precision in the cup. Andrei Shelomentsev claimed victory and secured his place in the Open de Cata 2026.

Paris hosted the 2026 Pre Open de Cata in France, held at The Beans on Fire in Paris, in a day dedicated to sensory analysis, precision, and taste memory. Felipe Herrera claimed victory and secured his place in the 2026 Open de Cata.

Germany hosted a new edition of the Pre Open de Cata, a qualifying competition for the Open de Cata 2026. Over two days, 30 participants tested their sensory memory, concentration, and precision in one of the most demanding coffee competitions. Aurore Ceretta claimed victory and secured her place in the international grand final.

Athens hosted the Pre Open de Cata 2026 in Greece, a competition held ahead of the Open de Cata where sensory memory, concentration, and coffees from different origins shaped a key day for professionals in the sector. Orestis Sfiris claimed victory and secured his place in the international competition.

In this episode of En la Barra we visit Afortunato in Pamplona and chat with Joaquín about its beginnings, the growth of specialty coffee in the city and its unique model: roastery and coffee shop on the same premises. We talked about coffee profiles (Floral, Citrus, Fruity and Chocolaty), sustainability and innovation, and the big challenges of the sector: logistics, consistency and use of data.

On January 26, 2026, Giesen Roasting Solutions hosted the Pre Open The Netherlands: an intense day of cupping and sensory memory with coffees from five origins. Hidde Smeets (Rotterdam) took the victory with 9 points and a time of 08:17.