We would like to formally introduce Jessica MacDonald as the NZ Specialty Coffee Association’s Community and Events Coordinator. Much has happened since 2014 when we first created the Executive Director staff role with the NZ Specialty Coffee Association. Aptly filled by Aymon McQuade for the past 18 months, we wish Aymon all the best as he pursues new challenges with Bell Tea and Coffee. This also provided the opportunity for the Board to review and realign the role with a greater focus on member liaison and events support – the role we welcome Jessica to.
Jessica’s affair with the coffee world started 12 years ago, when she left New Zealand to travel. Landing in Melbourne, she joined the team at Icoco in Albert Park and discovered her love of coffee and the roasting process. After completing training in coffee roasting, she moved to London and worked supplying quality coffee for high-end events, exhibitions and private parties throughout Europe gaining valuable technical knowledge of coffee machines. She later helped the company set up their first roasting operation.
In 2010 she was offered a production position at Square Mile Coffee Roasters in London. Here she worked in all areas of the company, constantly learning as it went from small startup to specialist roastery focused on supplying exceptional coffee to the burgeoning London coffee scene. Following her passion, she developed and settled into the role of Head Roaster and was in charge of all quality control.
During this time she was a member of the Cup of Excellence jury, as well as being involved in work with World Coffee Events, where she was a Chairperson of the WCE Rules and Regulations Sub Committee, a barista judge and barista coach. She also sat and passed the Q grader certification run by the Coffee Quality Institute.
In 2014 Jessica moved back to New Zealand to start Framework coffee, since being back she has enjoyed getting to know and understand the New Zealand coffee industry and how different and diverse it is.
Now in New Zealand, Jessica mixes her love of the coffee industry with organising competitions to run as smoothly and efficiently as possible.
The first event that Jessica will be involved with is the Association’s annual AGM. A highly anticipated and social event each year, this year’s AGM will be no different. It will also include the release of the member survey completed earlier this year.
Growth and evolution is a key part of any business, industry or association, and the NZ Specialty Coffee Association is committed to ensuring that we meet member expectations. The inaugural survey gave members the opportunity to anonymously voice their opinions on a range of topics, as well as gather information on industry statistics, something that has not been held until now. As expected, results were varied, reflecting the diverse nature of our members – from small, owner operator roasters, through to multi-nationals, as well as our Allied members that provide support to the industry.
We look forward to releasing key highlights following the AGM and sharing with the rest of our industry.