Congratulations Max Cui, our 2024 Aotearoa Barista Champion

Averil at the World Cup Tasters!

Averil Cooper, our NZ Cup Taster’s Champion, competed at the World Cup Taster’s Championship in Vienna on 16 June. She was in one of the earliest rounds and scored a very good 6/8 in an astonishingly quick 2 minutes 58 seconds.
Unfortunately a score of 7/8 was needed to make it into the semi-finals, and like our Barista Champion Aymon, Averil placed 14th in the World. We’re still very proud of her!
 
HERE’S A QUICK Q&A WITH OUR CUP TASTING CHAMP
Did you enjoy your time in Vienna?
Absolutely! This experience was amazing, soaking up everything at the World of Coffee, competitions, exhibitions, work shops, cup tastings and the people was truly inspiring.
 
Did you feel prepared for what the competition would be like at the Worlds?
Nothing can prepare you for the excitement/nerves and atmosphere and how many people attend the competition, all crazy about coffee!
 
What was the most memorable thing that happened?
Watching the final 6 Barista’s fight it out was such privilege, and the build up to the presentation for the winner “Raul Rodas” the atmosphere was so exciting and emotional.
 
What was the best thing to come out of your experience in terms of professional development?
Meeting and sharing knowledge with others in the industry was invaluable. It was great making new friendships and having this opportunity to further development skills.
 
What would you do differently next time?
More time off to travel!
 
Has the experienced encouraged you to compete again?
Definitely, this competition leaves you wanting to learn more…
 
The WCTC is in Nice next year, do you have any feedback on how we might work towards getting a kiwi World Champion?
Training, training and training! Watching past competitors performances, and continue to hold our own NZ Cup tasters comp.
 
You took some personal time around Europe – what was the coolest thing you did?
A 7 day cruise around the Western Mediterranean, best place was Italy – Cinque Terre and walking the Via Dell”Amore (“Love Walk”) gorgeous place!
 
Follow the World Cup Taster’s Championship here>

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