Thanks to our amazing sponsors, this event just got bigger with the addition of two regional events in March/April. We are proud of our events and we know we couldn’t do them without the help of many companies individuals and NZ Coffee lovers. They don’t just give us the money, each sponsor assists in their specialised way to ensure we have the best events for our whole community.
Principal: three-year 2024/25/26 At Meadow Fresh, we believe that great coffee starts with the best ingredients. As the “The Milk Behind the Masters,” we take pride in offering the highest quality milk products that perfectly complement the coffee. We understand that every element is important in crafting a truly delicious cup, and because of this we are committed to being a trusted partner of the New Zealand Specialty Coffee Association, supporting the talented baristas, roasters, and coffee enthusiasts who are pushing the boundaries of coffee culture in Aotearoa. Meadow Fresh Farmhouse and Original will be the only provided fresh milks for use in competition at the regional events. Our favourite Chocolate milk from Puhoi Valley will be available for attendees. Regional prize packs: Meadow Fresh is generously offering the following regional prize mix, alongside goodie bag treats.
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La Marzocco NZ Espresso Machines: three-year 2024/25/26
La Marzocco is synonymous with specialty coffee both here in New Zealand and around the globe.
An unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation and the art of espresso makes La Marzocco the perfect partner for the New Zealand Specialty Coffee Association.
The solid reputation as a leading manufacturer of espresso machines stems from a rich heritage dating back to 1927, La Marzocco has consistently set the industry standard for quality, durability, and performance.
La Marzocco machines are renowned for their precision engineering, allowing baristas to unleash their creativity and showcase their skills at the highest level of competition.
The collaboration with La Marzocco and the New Zealand Speciality Coffee Association ensures that participants have access to the best equipment that enhances their ability to craft exceptional coffee experiences.
We wish the best of luck to all the competitors in this year’s Championship!
La Marzocco Linea Classic S is the official machine for the main event.
Ahead of the barista champs in October and given there are differences across La Marzocco models here is a deep dive into the Classic S.
Features of the Linea Classic S:
1. Design and Aesthetics
The Linea Classic S retains the iconic, timeless design that La Marzocco is known for, with its clean lines and minimalistic aesthetic that stem from a refined and updated body design. With a new set of advanced features, the Classic S has a lower profile and a more ergonomic design, making it more comfortable for baristas to use, greatly improving workflow.
2. The Control Panel
The Classic S has a straightforward, easy to use control panel with in-built shot timers, giving baristas the control to deliver reliable, repeatable and consistent espresso all day everyday regardless of volume. The genius is its simplicity which makes it a barista favourite.
3. The Technology and Features
The Classic S is equipped with La Marzocco’s reliable dual-boiler system, ensuring unparalleled temperature stability and consistent steam pressure. It’s a workhorse that is known for its durability and ease of maintenance. With features like ¼ turn activated steam valves for precise steam pressure control, programmable pre-infusion, and a more advanced PID temperature control system. The new Classic S allows baristas greater accuracy and consistency.
4. Key Competition Information
- The free flow button will be set to a 1 second purge
- Pre Infusion / Pre Wet – will be de activated
- A shot timer will be in use for each group
- La Marzocco 17g Precision Baskets will be used
- Groups have a free flow rate of 450mls in 30 seconds
- The volumetrics will be disabled for the single & double shot buttons – this allows manual stop start brewing in the competition. (on both short press and longer press activations)
- 1.3 bars will be the pressure setting for the steam boiler on the Classic S
- Group Temperature will be set at the mid-point within the 90.5 – 96 deg. range as per the rules and regulations of the NZSCA
Competition machines special
All the competition machines once used for the event are available for sale at very, very special prices sales.nz@lamarzocco.com for details : )
La Marzocco is bound to bring some cool merch and goodies to the party too. Save the Date Friday 4 September
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Acme CupsCeramics: three-year 2024/25/26
We’re strong believers that the hospitality industry is one of the best industries to work in and want to champion those who see their future in this industry. The NZBC is a brilliant event that gives baristas an opportunity to not only showcase their skills but also gives them a platform to learn and engage with the industry.
This year marks our 11th year of sponsoring the NZBC, we’re so incredibly honoured to be able to give back to the community that supports not only Acme but also its co-owners, Megan and Paddy, and their careers in Speciality Coffee. Have we mentioned that we love Speciality coffee? Cause we do. At the main championship event baristas may choose whatever ceramics or vessels that they wish, unlike the regionals when it was compulsory and we provided them. You may choose to use other ceramics if you wish, but please note that there will be no cups provided onsite to use like the regional events Acme has kindly offered a sweet discount for our registered baristas. This will be applied to the order automatically when the link is used for 30% off any cups and saucers for use in the championship. Any questions regarding ranges etc can be directed to Megan: alan@acmecups.com Winner (each region): The regional winner will receive a voucher for a dinner in Wellington to the value of $100
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Cafetto
Cleaning Supplies: three-year 2024/25/26
Started in 2003, Cafetto is a specialist manufacturer of cleaning and sanitation products for espresso, coffee brewing, and dispensing equipment, providing a clean machine and perfect tasting cup every time.
Today, our objective remains the same as when we started – to provide the most effective cleaning solutions without compromising on quality. We’re proud to have poured 21 years of passion into supporting the people who make up the coffee industry.
We take great pride in working with the talented baristas behind the machine. We’ll let the experts bring their unique, artistic flair while we take care of the cleanliness behind that rich, smooth cup of ‘oh so good’, champion-worthy coffee.
On behalf of the Cafetto team, we wish all the competitors the very best of luck – we’ll be at the edge of our seats watching!
Cafetto products will be on-site ensuring all of our equipment stays sparkling clean and the coffee tastes delicious.
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Grinders & Equipment: three-year 2024/25/26
“Grind It… Brew It!” By now you will hopefully know AMC Roastery Supply as the place to get your Mahlkoenig, Ditting, and Hey Cafe grinders, thanks to our 17-year-long sponsorship of the New Zealand Coffee Championships.
And if you have been paying closer attention, you will also know we are the place to go for you Fetco filter brewers, and Brew-Rite coffee filters. Sixty years after Alec Clubb – a canny ex-pat Scot – first started importing coffee brewing equipment, our third-generation family-owned and run business has assembled an enviable stable of the best-performing equipment brands in each market segment we have expanded into.
We like to sell solutions, not headaches, and back them up with expert product knowledge, local spare parts, technical training, and support. We also like to give back to the industry that we operate in, which is why we have gladly sponsored the various New Zealand Coffee Championships for such a long time, and look forward to continuing that support for many years to come.
We would also encourage others to similarly support the NZSCA and/or the competitions and events that they organise, which allow coffee professionals to showcase and improve their products, knowledge, and skills. A rising tide lifts all boats, as they say. So, volunteer your time or sponsor with some coin, if you can, or at the very least become a member of the Association and patronise their events. I guarantee you’ll get more out of it than you put in.
And remember, if you need to “Grind It, or Brew It” then give Emma, Dave, or Greg at AMCRS a call. Go on, you know you want to!
At the regional events we will be supplying Hey Cafe Buddy grinders and of course, bringing the best snacks.
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Syrup: single-year 2024
MONIN NZ is proud to sponsor the 2024 Barista Champs, to connect with and inspire creativity in our local barista community. MONIN has been trusted by hospitality professionals for generations, all around the world as well as here in NZ. Our premium range of syrups, purees, and sauces inspire creative and innovative flavour solutions for a high-quality beverage.
Monin will be onsite at our regional events pouring a few signature coffee drinks with their products. Showcasing how versatile Monin can be in the cafe and bar settings.
Winner’s prize for each region: MONIN syrup goodies and merch including a cool branded denim and leather apron and a stainless steel latte art pen.
Places second through fourth of each region receive: MONIN syrups and goodies.
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MILKLABPlant-based Milk: single-year 2024
MILKLAB was established in 2015 in Sydney, Australia as a foodservice-exclusive range of alternative milks, designed to provide the hospitality industry with a premium offer that would elevate the café coffee experience for their customers. MILKLAB’s range includes Almond, Oat, Soy, Macadamia, and Coconut milks which all texture and stretch with high performance, provide a creamy mouthfeel and compliment the flavour of espresso coffee.
We colLABorate extensively with the coffee industry to create our products. The result? Milk that’s made especially for coffee — whether you enjoy MILKLAB in a barista jug or a coffee cup.
Supporting the NZSCA 2024 Barista Champs is an incredible way to support baristas throughout New Zealand and to give our baristas a stage to showcase their knowledge and talents. We are pumped to see different milks paired with different coffees to highlight flavour notes, texture, and design.
MILKLAB will have all five of their plant-based milks available for use on-site for the competing baristas: Almond, Oat, Coconut, Soy, and Macadamia.
Winner’s prize for each region: The regional winner will receive a MILKLAB merch pack.
Deal for registered competing Baristas: We are thrilled to be supporting this year’s National Barista Champs! We are so keen to see plant-based milks used in the champs and to be hero’d by you. As a thank you for your support and to let you trial different plant milks with your coffee, please visit www.aitkens.co.nz/collections/milklab and use the discount code: “BARISTACHAMPS2024” for 20% off.
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Our Regional Hosts
Our regional hosts are helping us with their fantastic venues and they are offering assistance in sourcing some tasty coffee. C4 Coffee Roasters are offering additional discount codes for their IMPRESS tampers and jugs, alongside their Varia espresso scales. Their tampers and jugs will be available on-site and at the regionals for those who need them. Please note that these discount codes are set for one use only and are for registered competing baristas only.
Havana HQ Auckland
Leading the coffee revolution in NZ since 1989, Havana is committed to using sustainable practices at our magical roasteries in Auckland & Wellington, where all your senses are fulfilled – the aromas, the music, the vibe, the people, & the fun! We celebrate inclusivity, authenticity & the spirit to break free from the everyday. We champion premium quality coffees, ethically grown, and directly traded from countries of origin, and we’re so stoked to be hosting the 2024 Auckland Barista Champs and providing a platform for amazing coffees and passionate baristas to tell their story.
C4 Coffee HQ Christchurch
C4 Coffee Co. – Trailblazers of the South Island specialty coffee scene since 1996, we’re honoured to be the Ōtautahi regional hosts for the 2024 Barista Championships. Originating from a desire to bring Wellington’s vibrant coffee scene to Christchurch and evolving from a modest 12 kg Probat roaster to a leader in New Zealand’s specialty coffee industry, we’ve dedicated ourselves to discovering and sharing the finest sustainable coffee micro-lots, air-roasted and shipped every weekday. As a proud independent, family-owned business, our commitment extends beyond maintaining high standards for our coffee to nurturing a community of coffee enthusiasts and professionals distributing the world’s best brew gear. Join us as we continue to shape the specialty coffee experience for Kiwis, celebrating a legacy of excellence and passion.