First Research on Women in Greek Coffee Industry Presented at HORECA 2025

At HORECA 2025, IWCA Greece presented research that hadn't existed before: the first study conducted in Greece examining women's roles in the coffee industry. The research, executed by ierax analytix, brought critical data about women's representation and workplace challenges into visibility.

First research matters differently than subsequent research. It establishes baseline, creates initial documentation, and makes previously invisible patterns visible. Before this, claims about women's participation in Greek coffee industry relied on anecdotal observation. After it, those claims can reference documented data.

The presentation took place through panel discussion where IWCA Greece members analyzed findings, discussed development prospects, and identified initiatives required for more inclusive work environment. That format translated research findings into actionable understanding.

The community response proved substantial, with dynamic panel that engaged seriously with implications. That indicates Greek coffee industry recognizes gender equity as legitimate topic deserving attention.

The research will be published in Snack & Coffee issue 118, ensuring findings reach broader industry audience beyond event attendees. Publication gives research visibility and permanence that conference presentations alone don't provide.

IWCA Greece honored FORUM SA for their support and thanked partners including Nespresso Business Solutions Greece, ARTEMIS, Kross Coffee Roasters, NKG Bero Italia, and Savina Giachgia. Corporate supporters benefit from association with gender equity research while providing resources that small organizations need.

The research focused specifically on Greek coffee industry context, reflecting particular characteristics of Greek labor market—economic conditions, cultural norms, regulatory framework—that affect how women experience coffee industry employment.

For IWCA Greece, commissioning quantitative research represented significant organizational investment. That the chapter, established recently, prioritized research indicates strategic thinking about creating sustainable impact. Data provides foundation for advocacy that anecdotal evidence can't match.

The timing at major hospitality trade show ensured relevant audience. HORECA draws café owners, restaurant operators, hotel managers—people who employ coffee professionals and make decisions affecting women's workplace experiences. Presenting research at this event put findings in front of decision-makers who can affect change.

For Greek women working in coffee, having documented data about their representation and challenges validates what many knew experientially but couldn't prove empirically. Data makes subjective experience objective reality, creating basis for demanding change rather than just requesting it.

The research exists now. The industry can't claim ignorance about women's representation and challenges. That knowledge creates responsibility to respond.

Research is infrastructure. It creates foundation for everything that comes after: targeted programs, evidence-based advocacy, measured progress, accountability. IWCA Greece built that infrastructure at HORECA 2025, establishing baseline for their ongoing work strengthening women in Greek coffee industry.