Registration for the 2018 Australian International Coffee Awards (AICA) close 21 February.
The AICA has become one of Australia’s leading coffee competitions for small and large coffee roasters from Australia and around the world to promote coffee roasting excellence.
Time is running out to have your roast counted. The AICA includes entries for espresso, milk-based, filter, pour-over and cold brew coffees. To apply, click here.
Judging of all entries will take place 6 to 9 March at Melbourne Showgrounds in Ascot Vale.
“In 2017, we received more than 800 coffee entries from over 180 exhibitors, and awarded a total of 247 medals – including nine gold,” says Paul Guerra, Chief Executive Officer, Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria. “Many of these were international entries from more than nine countries, and we look forward to growing the competition further in 2018.”
Last year, Canberra proved it had more to offer than just Parliament House. The capital city stole the title from Melbourne as “the one to watch”, with Bean!Roasters by Cosmorex in the Australian Capital Territory awarded the title of AICA Champion Australian Roaster for the second year running.
Bean!Roasters by Cosmorex not only took out the most prestigious roasting award of the night, but also won Champion Espresso for its Panama Red Bourbon, one of a total of 21 medals awarded across its product range.
Aroma Coffee Roasters in New South Wales won Champion Filter Coffee and Queensland’s Bellissimo Coffee took out a trifecta of Champion awards in 2017. It won Champion Cold Brew, Champion Direct Trade/Micro Lot Coffee, and Champion Milk-Based Coffee.
“Since winning, we’ve got a lot more orders outside of where we thought our reach was, with online retail sales rising and more customers from Melbourne and Sydney,” says Bellissimo Director Mark Bignell. “Sometimes they’re just curious and want to try your product once, and other times it could result in regular business.”
No matter if you’re a veteran of the roasting game or a newcomer, Mark says entering the AICA is a learning experience.
“When we entered for the first time, we didn’t have much idea of what to expect and the result was beyond our wildest dreams,” he says. “It’s not just about how good your coffee is, but how good everyone else’s is.”
Paid barista roles and volunteer steward positions are still available to assist at the judging of the AICA.
For more information on experienced baristas (paid roles), click here.
For more information on event stewards (volunteer roles), click here.
Successful candidates will have the opportunity to meet some of Australia’s leading coffee judges and top industry professionals, and surround themselves with award-winning products. Baristas will also have the opportunity to gain insight into the judging process and operation of a multifaceted roasted coffee competition.’
To apply, email coffee@rasv.com.au
To enter your roast into the AICA, click here.
For more information, visit coffee.rasv.com.au.