We interview Zoe Fawcett, Business Development of Kōkako Organic Coffee Roasters about her coffee journey so far.
What is your earliest coffee related experience?
My parents set up The Lighthouse Cinema in Upper Hutt in 2002, this was the first time I had really seen coffee being made and coffee machines. I remember getting pretty upset that my older brother was allowed to learn how to make coffee but I wasn’t. As soon as I had mastered the steaming of hot chocolates I was able to learn the coffee side at 13 years old and it’s a passion I have held ever since.
What did you want to be when you were a kid?
I wanted to be a chef, coffee is at least still related.
When did you first get working in coffee?
Learning in the family business was a great foundation to get me making coffee full time once I left school.
What led you to become a barista/role you’re in now?
I tried the university thing but I missed making coffee. My coffee career has been varied, working in Wellington, Dunedin and Auckland as a barista and entering barista champs a couple of times too in 2010 and 2011. I always wanted a future in the roastery side of the business and was lucky enough to land myself a role at Kokako when I returned from my O.E. My role has transitioned since I have been at Kokako and now I am Business Development Manager.
What is the best part of your job?
Meeting passionate people who care about quality coffee!
Talk us through a typical workday
Every day is different, there are always emails and people to call. I am often hosting people at the roastery who are keen to work with us and starting a business or visiting cafes and chatting with baristas and cafe owners.
What is your favourite brew method and/or coffee origin and why?
Love a good Aeropress, no favourite origin as its good to try new things as they become available.
Tulip or Rosetta or swan?
Rosetta all the way I cant do the others very well!
What are your interests outside of coffee?
Love food and cooking and getting into nature. Nothing better for the soul than getting outside! I like a good bike ride too!
Where do you see yourself in five years?
Not sure yet, let’s see what happens!
How do you see the coffee industry changing in the future?
More technology in coffee machines for sure and I would love to see more filter coffee and soft brew with Single Origins.
What would be your dream ‘coffee experience’?
Coffee served in a nice mug somewhere looking over the ocean with some time to contemplate everything. Take it easy and enjoy the coffee, that’s the best sort of experience!
Do you have a ‘coffee crush’?
umm, not yet no…