Like its namesake, the specialty coffee scene in Australia is special. The convergence of coffee professionalism and café culture is unique, and Australia is recognised across the globe for its standards for quality. Certainly, this has contributed to the growth of specialty coffee, with more consumers opting to buy specialty coffee beans. In fact, the retail market for independent roasters has skyrocketed, and specialty coffee can even be found lining mainstream supermarket shelves.
But how do we define specialty coffee and what does this mean for the local industry?
This article provides a quick history of specialty coffee including its rise in Australia, and an interview with award-winning-barista and owner/founder of Criteria Coffee, Craig Simon.