The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) has announced that entries are now open for the 2021 Australian International Coffee Awards (AICA).
First held in 2013, the AICA are recognised as Australia’s premier international coffee roasting and cold brew competition seeing support from across the globe.
Now in its ninth year, the AICA provides the best local and international roasters with the opportunity to credibly benchmark their products, receive invaluable industry feedback from a panel of more than 40 leading industry experts, and drive immediate sales.
RASV CEO Brad Jenkins is very pleased that the Australian International Coffee Awards can proceed in 2021, as the industry highly value the Awards as a platform to improve quality and inspire innovation.
“The Australian International Coffee Awards conducted by the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria attracts roasteries and roasters from around the world because it offers a valuable opportunity to benchmark against industry standards and ultimately continue to improve quality and inspire innovation and new trends,” he says.
Overseen by a highly skilled Industry Advisory Group, the AICA is shaped by the trends in the coffee industry and consumer demand for style and variety.
RASV Manager, Category Growth and Development, Damian Nieuwesteeg was thrilled to announce that the Coffee Awards would be going ahead in 2021.
“With the Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria successfully staging the Australian International Beer Awards last month, we are confident that the Australian International Coffee Awards too can be delivered safely for participants and the judges,” Damian explains.
“To minimise the potential impact of ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, in particular interstate travel, the panel will comprise mostly Victorian-based coffee experts who will bring the skills, knowledge, experience and, most importantly, a passion for celebrating excellence in coffee roasting and cold brewing.”
A highly skilled Industry Advisory Group oversees the AICA, with members including Melissa Caia from the Coffee Academy at William Angliss Institute, Dean Slade of Xtracted Espresso Solutions, coffee consultant Adam Metelmann, and Georgia Major from Bennett & Sons.
The Industry Advisory Group works closely with RASV to develop and shape the future direction of the AICA and have this year introduced some innovative changes to the program.
“Several exciting changes have been introduced for the 2021 Australian International Coffee Awards, including the division of the Champion Espresso Trophy into two to recognise the differences between single origin and blend espressos. There will now be a Champion Espresso – Blend Trophy, and a Champion Espresso – Single Origin Trophy,” Damian says.
“These category changes ensure the Australian International Coffee Awards are at the forefront of industry trends, production techniques and consumer interest.”
Roasters whose product judges score highly earn the right to display an Australian International Coffee Awards seal of excellence and gain access to an exclusive medal winners’ marketing and promotions toolkit.
Judging will take place from 9 to 11 August at the Melbourne Showgrounds in Victoria, with the trophy winners to be announced on International Coffee Day on 1 October in the MasterChef Pavilion at the 2021 Royal Melbourne Show.
Coffee roasters are encouraged to get their entries in early to be part of this prestigious program. Entries for the competition close on 16 July.
For more information, visit www.rasv.com.au/australian-international-coffee-awards