We had 17 entrants into this year’s Championship, with a mixture of previous champs and new blood. And, new blood took it out! Congratulations to Takahito Koyanagi, Brew Bar Manager at Auckland’s Toasted Espresso, who picked out seven out of eight cups on table to be declared winner over the three other finalists, all from Bell Tea and Coffee – runner up Matt Greenwood, third Philippa Swale, followed by Alla Heta. Taka sited his ‘new technique’ as his weapon to win the Champs. No stranger to competition, Taka was also competing in the 2016 Meadow Fresh NZ Latte Art Champs…a true all-rounder.
Competitors came from far and wide to contest for the title and we even had a few honorary entrants join the fun on the day too. Our emcee David Burton, AMC’s Emma Markland Webster, and John Burton Ltd’s Henrik Rylev all got involved. As ever, this event was a lot of fun, and very engaging for the audience too. There’s always a great atmosphere in the room for this fast paced championship, and it was certainly a fitting way to round out this year’s NZ coffee championships.
Huge thanks to our sponsor and venue host John Burton Ltd who’s team not only provided us with a superb space, but worked tirelessly helping set every thing up and then breaking it down. Big shout outs to our other event partners and sponsors AMC Roastery Supply NZ, Cafetto, Marco, and ACME&Co.
We wish all the best to Taka as he carries the hopes of a nation forward to Shanghai to compete from 29 March- 1 April as one of the true ambassadors of NZ specialty coffee.
Images thanks to Nick Kean. Further images here
