John Cafferatta is Head of Coffee at The Roasting Club and a leader in specialty coffee with over 20 years of industry experience. He has trained thousands of professionals across roasting, sensory, and brewing disciplines, blending technical precision with real-world application to ensure participants leave truly industry-ready.
John is also a pioneer in coffee-driven social enterprise and education. He has developed work-integrated learning programs, training cafs and roasteries that provide practical skills, confidence, and career pathways for people facing barriers to employment. His initiatives include establishing WISE (work-integrated social enterprise) community cafs and coffee programs within homeless shelters, womenOs refuges, youth hostels, correctional facilities, community colleges, and high schools to support at-risk students, demonstrating how coffee education can empower individuals while giving back to the community.
At The Roasting Club, John oversees roasting operations, quality systems, events, community engagement and professional development programs. His expertise in sensory calibration, roast profile development, and advanced brewing techniques is complemented by a strategic focus on workforce development and community engagement.
John brings a unique perspective that combines decades of specialty coffee expertise, advanced educational frameworks, and a proven commitment to giving back. His insights focus on elevating quality, nurturing talent, and using coffee as a vehicle for social impact.