NZ Coffee industry alive and kicking..
Recently - while I have been a little distracted by the pending arrival of a baby in my household, There have been a number of fantastic events happening in the NZ Coffee Industry.
These events are driven, and supported by the NZ Speciality Coffee Association, which has been going from strength to strength with growing support within the industry. The growing support from Coffee Roasters and individuals within the industry, has enabled the association to equip the industry with new training programs, competitions, and events that build up professional development and coffee excellence.
The NZSCA administers the NZ Coffee Roasters Guild and also the NZ Barista Guild.
Last week we saw the "Huhtumaki NZ Cup Tasters Championship" and for the first time, the "Aeropress NZ Brewers Cup".
While I was unable to attend these events, what i have heard has been totally positive, with a professional standard in organisation and competitors.
A huge congrats must go to the winners who are grinners!
The 2013 Cup tasters champ was (for the 2nd time) Krisse McGregor from Coffee Lab.
The 2013 NZ Brewers Cup champ is the nice guy that is Guy McCracken from Cafe on Oxford - Nelson.
Both of them will be representing NZ at the respective world championships coming up later this year.
For more info on how the championships went, you can visit the NZ Speciality Coffee Association Website at: www.nzcra.org.nz
However - Coming up this week ... (aside from a stork making a delivery to my house... ) Is, the 2013 Meadowfresh NZ Latte Art Championships!
Check out the details here at: http://www.nzcra.org.nz/events/meadow-fresh-nz-latte-art-championship/
This competition is alot of fun, for the spectators and competitors alike. Having competed last year I know first hand, it can be incredibly challenging yet a lot of fun in the fast paced environment.
So you want to see the best Latte artists in NZ? in Auckland on the 3rd/4th of May? Then come and support your favourite Barista! Or if you are a Barista yourself, and can do a pretty awesome rosetta (or 5) in a cuppa, then why not enter yourself, push yourself... you never know what you may achieve!
Depending on the timing of my pending blessing arrival, I may see you there.... Are YOU going to enter?