Coffee Excellence Center | ZHAW Institute of Chemistry and Biotechnology ICBT

"Coffee is a world in itself and a reflection of our world."

Prof. Dr. MBA Chahan Yeretzian
Professor for Analytical Chemistry, Bioanalytical Chemistry and Diagnostics, Head of Coffee Excellence Center and Head Analytical Technologies
Publications (PDF 906,7 KB) and CV (PDF 387,2 KB)

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E-Learning CAS Coffee. Registration for Oct 2021 is closed. Registration for Oct 2022 will open soon!

The Coffee Excellence Center is the leading Public Research Institution on coffee along the coffee value chain: from crop to cup.

The Coffee Excellence Center was founded in 2008 by Prof. Dr. Chahan Yeretzian and has ever since expanded its scope and expertise to become the leading public science, technology and innovation center on coffee.

We believe that high-quality coffee can only be obtained with a profound and holistic understanding of the coffee value chain. Therefore, we are dedicated to state of the art research on coffee along the whole value chain.

We aim to disseminate our coffee expertise via publications and in post-graduate education programs.

Article: read more about the Coffee Excellence Center (PDF 562,2 KB)

Media

only available in German

Research Focus

The Coffee Excellence Center is organized along five pillars, each lead by a renowned coffee expert.

Origin and Green Coffee. Life cycle of Arabica, cultivation practices and post-processing methods of green coffee, analytical chemistry of non-volatile compounds and antioxidants in coffee: Dr. Sebastian Opitz
Transformation of Coffee. Roasting, grinding, degassing, packaging, freshness: Dr. Samo Smrke
Extraction and Sensory. Extraction of coffee, analysis of coffee aroma, sensory analysis of coffee (Q Grader for Arabica), water treatment and characterization: Dr. Marco Wellinger
Aroma and Flavour of Coffee. Origin, characterisation, ageing: Sara Marquart
Sustainable Development. Sustainability aspects in the coffee value chain, smallholder farmers livelihoods, value adding in origin countries: Sabine de Castelberg

Current Contributions of the Research Group

Industry Partners

We believe that the most demanding form of research is that which is put into practice. Through close, project-based collaboration with our industrial partners, we focus our skills, resources and infrastructure on the current needs of our partners and explore fundamental issues that can help us anticipate future requirements.

Continuing Education

E-Learning CAS in Coffee Excellence

The new post graduate program Certificate of Advanced Studies «CAS in Coffee Excellence» is an exclusive blended e-learning program (in English) designed at the highest level of the coffee training path.

Due to high demand, we are not able to accept more applications for the class starting April 2021. Registration for the class starting October 4th, 2021 is now open.

CAS The Science and Art of Coffee

This continuing education program is the first University course at a Swiss University. The course was developed in close collaboration with the Speciality Coffee Association SCA Switzerland and exponents of the Swiss coffee industry.

The next Certificate of Advanced Studies "CAS The Science and Art of Coffee" (in German) starts September 10 2021*

*Schedule and performance of program are subject to change