The Roasters Playground will return to the Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE) from 4-6 March 2027 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. La Marzocco is back as Platinum Sponsor and official machinery supplier, and Riverina Fresh returns as Gold Sponsor, providing dairy milk to all roasters within the feature and to exhibitors.

Now in its third year, the Roasters Playground has become one of the most popular features at the Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE), highlighting some of Australia’s best roasting talent. Joining the much-loved feature for the third year will be Platinum Sponsor and official machinery supplier La Marzocco, and Gold Sponsor and dairy milk supplier Riverina Fresh.

“We are excited to welcome La Marzocco and Riverina Fresh back to MICE, and thank them for their years of support and commitment to helping us grow the industry and shine a light on the wonderful talent within the Australian roasting community,” MICE Lead Sarah Baker said.

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. In 2026, 34 roasters took part, drawing constant crowds and strong feedback across every session.

For Platinum Sponsor La Marzocco, the feature is about connection as much as equipment.

“Through the Roasters Playground, we are privileged to play a role in connecting the different parts of the coffee industry,” La Marzocco Commercial Brand and Marketing Manager Bianca Tuckwell said.

“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.”

MICE 2027 also coincides with La Marzocco’s 100th birthday year.

“[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,” Tuckwell said.

“We want [the Roasters Playground] to be a place to discover something new, strengthen relationships, and celebrate the coffee community together.”

Riverina Fresh brings its own century of heritage to the Playground.

“Supporting the Roasters Playground as Dairy Sponsor is a natural fit for Riverina Fresh,” Riverina Fresh Executive Chairman Craig Shapiro said.

“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.”

Riverina Fresh will once again provide dairy milk to all roasters within the Roasters Playground and MICE 2027 exhibitors.

Shapiro also shares a message for the roasters taking part in MICE 2027:

“Thank you for the skill and care you bring to the industry. We know the coffee comes first. Our job is to provide milk that performs consistently and helps you get the best from every cup. We value the trust you place in Riverina Fresh and look forward to working alongside you in the Playground,” Shapiro said.  

In an exciting development for the 2027 structure of the Roasters Playground, each roaster will take a full day, with an increased eight pods running each day across the 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.

Disclaimer: This article was originally published by Food & Beverage Industry News (Prime Creative Media) and has been republished with permission. View the original article here.