Angel Kotsifakis, Greece
VK Quality Brands
Please tell us a little about yourself:
I am the Head of Coffee at VK Quality Brands and a coffee professional based in Greece. I have been competing for several years and have represented Greece in multiple national and international competitions, including the World Cezve/Ibrik Championship, where I finished in the Top 3 globally. I am also the 2025 Greek Coffee Champion.
My journey in coffee started over a decade ago, driven by curiosity and the desire to elevate the specialty coffee scene in Greece. I’ve always loved blending tradition and innovation, and competition gave me the opportunity to push my boundaries and express creativity. I also have experience working with both coffee and spirits, and I enjoy crafting recipes that bring those two worlds together.
I am passionate about education, development, and mentorship in the specialty coffee community, and I want to continue promoting Greek coffee culture internationally. Fun fact: I originally studied something completely unrelated to coffee, but the industry changed my life and now I travel, compete, and collaborate across the world thanks to it.
What are you excited to do while you are in Dubai?
I’m excited to explore the specialty coffee scene in the host city and connect with the international coffee community. Competitions are always a chance to learn, share ideas, and be inspired by different cultures, cafés, and professionals. I also love discovering local flavors, visiting coffee shops and roasteries, and experiencing the energy of a new city during the World Coffee Championships.
What are your interests outside of coffee?
Outside of coffee, I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, and discovering local food and drink culture. I love exploring new flavors, spirits, and traditional products, and I’m also passionate about hospitality, design, and creating unique guest experiences. I try to stay active, learn new skills, and find inspiration from different places and people not only through coffee.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
I would like to thank my team at VK Quality Brands and Seed Coffee Company for their support, passion, and dedication. Nothing in competition happens alone, and I’m grateful to work with people who inspire me every day. I also want to thank my colleagues, partners, and the entire coffee community that surrounds us. Their feedback, encouragement, and collaboration helped me prepare for this competition, and I’m proud to represent our companies and our team on stage.
