Time is running out to get your coffee samples into the 2017 Australian International Coffee Awards (AICA).
Entries for the prestigious awards will remain open until 24 February 2017. To enter, click here.
Samples must be delivered between 6 – 7 March, with judging to commence between 8 – 10 March.
The Royal Agricultural Society of Victoria (RASV) will host the international coffee roasting competition that honours Australian and international roasting efforts in the categories of espresso, milk-based, filter, cold brew, and direct trade or microlot coffees. A Champion Australian and Champion International Roaster will still be awarded.
This year, in response to industry trends, innovation and consumer interests, a new immersion coffee class will replace the previous plunger and siphon classes.
The Clever Coffee Dripper will also be utilised to brew immersion coffee entries, with industry feedback indicating the method allows for clean and consistent brewing. The awards will also see a change in the brewing specification for espresso coffee.
The awards are a great way for participants to benchmark their products against industry standards and market their coffee with a seal of quality. Entrances receive invaluable feedback from independent industry experts and have the chance to receive medals for their coffees.
Melissa Caia will be Head Judge of the AICA in 2017. Melissa is a World Barista Championship sensory judge and Manager of The Coffee Academy who will guide the expert judging panel in her new position.
In keeping with the high quality of brewing throughout the competition, 2015 ASCA Queensland Barista Champion and Technical Operatons Manager of Pullman Espresso accessories, Adam Metelmann, has been appointed Head Barista for the 2017 competition, leading a team of specially selected professionals.
In 2016, AICA received 658 entries from 143 local and international coffee roasters, including coffees from New Zealand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Korea, Singapore, Canada, the United States and United Kingdom.
The AICA presentation evening and combined MICE2017 launch will take place on 29 March 2017. To purchase tickets to the event, click here.
For more information and to complete the online registration visit www.rasv.com.au/coffe
Image credit: RASV, featuring Bean!Roasters by Cosmorex, 2016 Champion Australian Roaster