Author: Qahwa World

In a dazzling display of coffee craftsmanship, Alexander Bernardo, the 2023 UAE AeroPress Coffee Champion, has clinched the 4th position in the World AeroPress Championship, held in Melbourne, Australia. Despite the intense competition, Bernardo’s stellar performance showcased the UAE’s prowess in the art of AeroPress brewing.

The grand winner of the 2023 World AeroPress Championship was Ekameth Wipvasutti, representing Thailand, who emerged as the global champion in this fiercely contested event.

The journey to the top for Alexander Bernardo was nothing short of remarkable. Hailing from the UAE, he triumphed in the national competition, hosted by @uaeaeropress, using Archers, Ethiopia Hamasho, Natural, 74158 coffee beans. Employing an inverted brewing technique with precise measurements and a carefully curated process, Bernardo’s skillful execution set him apart from the competition.

Here’s a glimpse into Alexander Bernardo’s winning recipe:

Brewer Position: Inverted
Filter: AeroPress Classic Paper, Single Filter, Rinsed
Dose: 18g
Grinder: Comandante, 22 Clicks
Water: 150ml, 65°C
The step-by-step brewing process included a meticulous sequence of actions, from the initial coffee drop to the final extraction, demonstrating Bernardo’s dedication to his craft.

The World AeroPress Championship, founded in 2008 with a modest beginning in Oslo, has evolved into a global phenomenon, uniting coffee enthusiasts from over 60 countries in friendly competition. This year’s event, hosted in Melbourne, Australia, attracted one of the largest competitor pools, with the UAE circuit making a substantial impact.

As  Alexander Bernardo celebrate his outstanding achievement, the World AeroPress Championship continues to foster a sense of community, friendship, and a shared love for coffee. With over 4,500 participants from across the globe, the championship remains true to its roots as a fun, inclusive, and light-hearted pursuit, bringing people together over a common passion for exceptional coffee.

 

Embark on a journey into the world of coffee mastery with Mr. Frederic Bejo, the distinguished winner of the 2023 UAE Brewers Cup. In this comprehensive interview, Mr. Bejo shares his rich background, the evolution of his brewing techniques, and his profound impact on the local coffee community.

• Background and Inspiration:

 Can you share a bit about your background and how you got into the world of coffee brewing? What inspired you to participate in the UAE Brewers Cup?

I have been competing for various of coffee competition for the past 10 years, last 2021 is my 1st time to join the national Brewers Championship,which I placed 2nd. The Brewing Coffee Community in UAE is fast growing. Home Brewers and even in the cafe, filter coffee brewing is now becoming a staple choice to many coffee drinkers specially in UAE.

With this fast growth comes many new innovations, from the Coffee producers and even device developers, everyone is pushing the boundaries to help us deliver and serve the best tasting coffee. Unfortunately sometimes many options for devices and coffee brewing techniques leads to confusion specially for new specialty coffee drinkers.

This inspired me to combine very accessible brewing tools and create a brewing technique that is easy, efficient and consistent, by using simple devices with immersion method. My goal is to help Home Brewers and Baristas in super busy Cafes reach a high level of consistency in brewing.

• Championship Experience:

Can you take us through your journey in the 2023 UAE Brewers Cup? What were the highlights for you? Were there any challenges you faced during the competition, and how did you overcome them?

the biggest challenge is to find the reason why you compete? and what’s your purpose of competing.

-this question takes me a while to answer. Since early this year I’ve been finding a reason and motivation to compete again. I feel like I’m not ready and unsure of coming back.

The coffee brewing industry is growing super fast and there are many newly breed & laser focused brewers already plus hundreds of brewing tools and techniques needed to focus & study! It’s really hard to keep up.

These are areas where I feel I’m already outdated, since my main focus for the past years is mainly on the other side of the value chain which is farm, process, green buying and logistics. And mainly stock in the cupping room, cupping thousands of coffees Every year.

• Winning Moment:

How did you feel when you were announced as the 2023 UAE Brewers Cup Champion? What do you think set your brewing technique apart from others in the competition?

It has mixed emotions, but I know I did my best and gave it my best shot. not because I really wanted to win.

I feel like giving your best shot is paying respect to other competitors, Judges and everyone that is involved in the whole process.

My coach, my team, organizers, sponsors, and volunteers literally everyone who gives plenty of time, effort and work so hard to make the competition happen.

for My Brewing technique is very simple, less movement and easy to replicate and consistent.

• Brewing Techniques:

Can you share some insights into your preferred brewing methods and techniques? Are there specific coffee beans or roasts that you find particularly enjoyable to work with?

Coffee is already a very complex product, so I always prefer to break down the complexity into a simple format.

I always prefer to brew coffee using an immersion method, less variables needed & less movement more realistic and accessible to everyone.

This is the reason I choose the Plastic Hario Mugen Brewer and combine it with the base of the Hario Switch Brewer. Mugen Device has 2 key advantages:

1st its plastic material means it has low thermal mass, which is a good heat insulator, meaning they can efficiently trap heat. which is very vital for coffee extraction.

2nd the surface of the Mugen device is completely flat, this removes the gap between the paper filter and the wall, that allows us to have a very low bypass, because all of the water can only escape through the coffee grounds in the middle. This reduces the coffee channelling that leads to better extraction of acidity and flavors.

Combining it to the Base of the Hario V60 Switch for immersion brewing, gives less movement and more control of the coffee extraction. The immersion method is used as our industry standard, because this is by far the most efficient and consistent way to brew coffee.

Talking about Roast profile for brewing we always focus to roast the coffee a lighter profile and specially finding the sweet spot in roasting. a type of profile to highlights the coffee quality itself. its terroir, process and the variety.

• Coffee Philosophy:

What does coffee mean to you on a personal level? How would you describe your philosophy or approach to brewing the perfect cup of coffee?

-Coffee for me is everything, It is My life. Aside from my family and kids there are no other things that interest me rather than coffee.

I hope soon I can find another interest in life. aside from coffee. I’m looking forward to it. but for now. I will stick to learning more about coffee.

As I said earlier, coffee is already a very complicated product. My approach is to make it simple for everyone to understand.

not to intimidate coffee consumers with deep science and chemistry in coffee. The simpler the better, it allows everyone to understand and join our movement in specialty coffee so that we grow which leads for a better sustainability to our industry.

• Advice for Aspiring Brewers:

What advice do you have for individuals aspiring to participate in coffee brewing competitions? Are there specific skills or knowledge you think are crucial for success in the world of competitive brewing?

Understanding the Rules & regulations religiously is the most basic, when thinking about participating in a coffee competition especially at the National Championship level.
Understanding how the score sheets work and what type of coffee works well with the scores plus technicalities is very crucial to win.

• Future Plans:

What are your plans or aspirations within the coffee industry moving forward? Do you have any upcoming projects or goals related to coffee brewing?

My aspiration is to push the level of competition in UAE higher. It plays a huge impact for myself and I always have a good domino effect from other competitors and even to our local judges, leaving remarks that push everyone to be better and better for the upcoming years to come.

• Impact on Community:

How do you think your win will impact the local coffee community in the UAE? Are there ways you plan to give back or contribute to the coffee culture in your region?

I have been involved in pushing coffee education to the UAE market. by giving access to coffee education and workshops. also By working tirelessly to bring the best of the best coffee to our market.

I will continue creating impact in any way that I can. to inspire others and push to add value to our community in the UAE.

Lastly, I would like to thank everyone for the overwhelming greetings and support that I received after the final announcement.

It motivates me to push more to represent everyone and hopefully to achieve a good position for the upcoming World Brewers Championship.

In Abu Dhabi, the curtains have fallen on the events of the 2023 UAE Coffee Championship, held alongside the Abu Dhabi Food Exhibition at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center, “ADNEC.” The exhibition drew a distinguished crowd of thousands, including visitors, brands, exhibitors, industry leaders, government officials, and representatives from the agriculture, food, and beverage sectors.

The expansive exhibition, covering an area of 28,465 square meters, saw broad participation from exhibitors representing over 50 countries worldwide, with 12 countries making their inaugural appearance. The exhibition was not just a showcase; it was a marketplace where deals and agreements exceeding AED 3.9 billion were sealed over the course of the three days, reflecting the significant growth of the event as a leading global platform for innovation in the food industries.

The closing day of the exhibition marked the announcement of the winner of the National Coffee Competition. The competition witnessed widespread participation from the world’s most skilled coffee makers, showcasing their talents and innovations in the art of coffee preparation.

The competition, hosting 16 coffee makers from various countries, served as a platform for knowledge exchange, exploration of new trends, and celebration of the heritage of coffee and its preparation methods. Over the three days of the exhibition, a judging committee evaluated participants based on specific criteria, including preparation time, processing of the designated beans, the final flavor of the cup, the presentation, and the taste of the coffee.

Frederic Bejo from “Archers” claimed the first position in a competition marked by fierce competition among the best coffee makers and specialists. This victory qualifies Frederic Bejo to represent the UAE in upcoming international coffee competitions, including the Busan International Coffee Championship in May 2024 and the World Coffee Makers Championship, along with the Copenhagen International Coffee Championship in June 2024.

He will also represent the UAE at the World Coffee Brewing Championships in Chicago, USA from April 12-14, 2024 at the Specialty Coffee Expo.

Ibrahim Hamza Al Malouhi from The Espresso Lab secured the second position in the championship, while Jin Cabusas from Behind The Cup took the third position. The UAE Coffee Association extended congratulations to the winners and expressed gratitude to the main supporters of this significant national championship.

The competition saw wide participation from coffee-making experts who faced a series of challenges designed to test their coffee preparation skills. The event celebrated the art of coffee preparation, offering visitors the opportunity to witness the intricate processes and dedicated individuals behind every cup enjoyed. The competition also highlighted the manual preparation of filtered coffee and the provision of exceptional service in this field.

In its ongoing commitment to fostering self-sufficiency and prosperity in coffee-producing communities, the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) is extending the reach of the Global Fund, an initiative launched in 2022, to further enhance coffee education and market connection activities. This transformative effort aims to elevate the education and well-being of individuals engaged in coffee production.

CQI’s Vision and Mission

CQI remains dedicated to envisioning an education system that propels coffee communities towards self-sufficiency. This vision involves advocating a shared language of coffee and implementing best scientific practices throughout the value chain. As a non-profit global entity, CQI has been tirelessly working since 1996 to elevate coffee quality and improve the lives of coffee producers through education, partnerships, and international collaborations.

Expanding Access to Education

To realize its objectives, CQI is intensifying its impact by broadening access to education. The CQI Global Fund, established in 2022, serves as a pivotal mechanism for the coffee industry to support CQI’s education initiatives, technical assistance, and global network of experts, especially in regions where educational opportunities may be limited.

Global Fund Operations

Operating on a flexible and adaptable model, the Global Fund responds directly to the unique needs of coffee communities. A Global Fund Committee, comprising CQI staff, trustees, and community members, identifies high-impact education and services. This committee assesses annual priorities, industry studies, and community needs to develop initiatives aligned with specific goals.

Initiatives and Impact

In 2022, the Global Fund successfully provided educational opportunities through the Learning Online Together (LOT) program, offering free online post-harvest processing training. Building upon this success, CQI is poised to broaden the scope of Global Fund initiatives in 2023, encompassing in-person training sessions.

How to Get Involved

The Global Fund relies on support from various stakeholders within the coffee community. Funding partners, global fund applicants, CQI implementing partners, and Coffee Corps Volunteers all play crucial roles in ensuring the success of the initiative. Companies and organizations within the coffee industry can contribute through donations, while individuals can volunteer their time or expertise.

Global Fund in Action

The impact of the Global Fund is already evident in initiatives like “Higher Ground,” a multi-year project supporting sustainable farming and business practices at the origin. Additionally, the “Learning Online Together” program has provided valuable training to producers, contributing to the enhancement of specialty coffee and post-harvest processing techniques.

CQI’s Call to Action

As CQI remains steadfast in its mission to enhance the quality and livelihoods within the coffee industry, the call for continued support resonates. Whether through financial contributions, applications for fund initiatives, partnerships, or volunteering, the coffee community is encouraged to actively participate in the ongoing endeavors of the expanded Global Fund.

WHAT IS THE GLOBAL FUND?

In the rich tapestry of the coffee industry, where the aroma of freshly brewed beans mingles with a commitment to quality and community, the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) has been a guiding light since 1996. Rooted in education and collaboration, their mission has evolved into a powerful force known as the Global Fund.

Expanding Access Together

The Global Fund, an initiative born from CQI’s passion, offers the coffee industry a unique opportunity to support transformative activities. These include education classes, technical support, and a global network of experts, all aimed at empowering coffee communities that might otherwise lack access to educational opportunities.

Growing Together

In 2022, the Global Fund made waves with the Learning Online Together (LOT) program. Picture this: producers from coffee communities immersed in online post-harvest processing training, all made possible without any financial burden. As we step into 2023, the Global Fund is set to unfold new chapters, introducing in-person training and expanding its array of initiatives.

How It Unfolds

The Global Fund Committee, a fusion of CQI experts and community representatives, meticulously identifies opportunities. They weave a narrative shaped by geography, industry studies, and the invaluable insights of coffee communities. The process unfolds through a dance of annual priorities, calls for applications, and the collaborative creation of initiatives that meet community goals.

Addressing Unique Challenges

Flexibility is the magic wand of the Global Fund. It bends and adapts to the needs of coffee communities, breaking barriers to education, supporting infrastructure development, and enhancing market access. Each initiative is a bespoke solution crafted to address the unique challenges faced by those who cultivate the world’s beloved brew.

Getting Involved

The Global Fund is not a distant endeavor; it’s a call for collective action:

1. Funding Partners: The lifeblood of the Global Fund. Generous donations from stakeholders across the coffee industry, be it roasters, traders, or retailers, breathe life into impactful initiatives.

2. Global Fund Applicants: The architects of change. Calls for Applications echo the Fund’s commitment to inclusivity, inviting individuals and organizations to propose programs that resonate with community needs.

3. Implementing Partners: The amplifiers. Partnerships across the value chain – equipment provision, joint participation in industry events, and collaborative communication efforts – all enhance the impact of the Global Fund.

4. Coffee Corps Volunteers: The heartbeat. From seasoned Q Graders to passionate Assistant Instructors, the Global Fund thrives on the dedication of a global network of coffee enthusiasts and experts.

Join the Journey

The Global Fund is more than a financial venture; it’s a journey of empowerment, collaboration, and transformation. Whether you’re a funding partner, an applicant with a vision, an implementing partner with resources, or a volunteer with a passion for coffee, your involvement is a vital thread in the rich tapestry of this global initiative.

Together, let’s expand access, elevate lives, and nurture thriving coffee communities around the world through the Global Fund.

Barcelona, November 30, 2023 – Distinguished leaders from Europe’s vibrant coffee, foodservice, and hospitality sectors convened at W Hotel in Barcelona for the European Coffee Symposium (ECS) from November 27 to 29. The ECS, a hallmark event for the past 15 years, has facilitated connections among over 7,000 influential decision-makers, fostering valuable business alliances.

This year’s ECS featured an esteemed speaker lineup, with insights shared by industry luminaries such as Roland Horne (CEO and Founder of WatchHouse), Yassir Raïs (CEO and Founder of Syra Coffee), Ignacio Llado Alvarez-Salas (Managing Director for Blank Street UK), Koral Ibrahim (Founder & Managing Director of The Ready House), and Maxwell Colonna Dashwood, a notable coffee entrepreneur and author.

Notably, the 2023 ECS showcased the inaugural live recorded episode of the 5THWAVE podcast, featuring interviews with Marta Pogroszewska (Managing Director of GAIL’s Bakery), Elaine Swift (Out-of-home Director at UCC Europe), Guido Bernardinelli (CEO of La Marzocco), and Adrian Steiner (CEO of Thermoplan).

After a successful 1-to-1 Meetings Programme and Expo, attendees gathered for the prestigious European Coffee Awards + Gala dinner, a black-tie event showcasing the industry’s best through peer voting. The ceremony, adorned with comedy, live music, and culinary excellence, honored outstanding companies and individuals in Europe’s coffee and hospitality sector.

Without further delay, here are this year’s distinguished winners:

Best Coffee Chain – Western Continental Europe

• Winner: The Barn
• Runner-up: Costa Coffee
• Highly commended: Starbucks Coffee Company

Best Coffee Chain – Nordic Region

• Winner: Joe & The Juice
• Runner-up: Espresso House
• Highly commended: Starbucks Coffee Company

Best Coffee Chain – Southern Europe

• Winner: Coffee Lab
• Runner-up: Gregory’s
• Highly commended: Starbucks Coffee Company

Best Coffee Chain – UK & Ireland

• Winner: Blank Street
• Runner-up: 200 Degrees Coffee
• Highly commended: Costa Coffee

Best Coffee Chain – Central / Eastern Europe

• Winner: Costa Coffee
• Runner-up: 5 To Go
• Highly commended: Starbucks Coffee Company

Best Coffee Roaster – Europe

• Winner: Lavazza
• Runner-up: illy
• Highly commended: UCC Coffee

Best Specialty Coffee Roaster

• Winner: Origin Coffee Roasters
• Runner-up: Five Elephant
• Highly commended: Small Batch Coffee Roasters

Best Coffee Equipment Supplier

• Winner: La Marzocco
• Runner-up: Astoria
• Highly commended: Victoria Arduino

Best Independent Coffee Shop – Europe

• Winner: WatchHouse
• Runner-up: Bonanza
• Highly commended: La Cabra

Best Non-Coffee Supplier – Europe

• Winner: Monin
• Runner-up: Beyond The Bean
• Highly commended: Chalo

Most Ethical Brand – Europe

• Winner: Union Hand-Roasted Coffee
• Runner-up: 200 Degrees
• Highly commended: Starbucks Coffee Company

Outstanding Industry Contribution

• Anne Lunell
• Michal Molcan
• Radu Savopol

Lifetime Achievement Award

• Cosimo Libardo

Congratulations to all the deserving winners for their outstanding contributions to the European coffee, foodservice, and hospitality industries.

In a recent development, Nestlé and Starbucks have introduced new coffee varieties, N°20 and six climate-resistant types, respectively. This has sparked discussions on whether companies should have intellectual property rights over specific coffee varieties, potentially leading to a monopoly and impacting farmers.

Nestlé’s N°20, developed over two decades, is exclusive to Nespresso capsules and currently grown solely in Colombia. Similarly, Starbucks unveiled climate-resistant varieties from its research center in Costa Rica, addressing challenges posed by diseases and climate change in the coffee industry.

While the creation of hybrid coffee varieties is not new, concerns arise when large companies fund and develop unique varieties independently. The question at the center of the debate is whether these companies can claim ownership through intellectual property rights.

The potential enforcement of intellectual property rights over coffee varieties raises concerns about creating a monopsony, a single-buyer condition. Farmers growing a coffee type with proprietary genetics might be obligated to sell exclusively to the owning company, diminishing their position in the supply chain. This could lead to legal and economic dependence on powerful entities, limiting farmers’ alternatives in terms of buyers.

Karl Wienhold, a researcher and consultant, emphasizes that private ownership of coffee varieties may grant companies complete control over the terms of trade, both upstream and downstream. This control could extend to limiting farmers’ alternatives in selling their harvest and establishing a monopoly in the market.

Drawing parallels with past cases, such as Monsanto’s patent claims over genetically engineered seeds, the concern is that legal ownership of coffee varieties could lead to conflicts between large companies and smallholder farmers. However, both Nestlé and Starbucks claim positive intentions. Starbucks asserts that their new varieties are freely available for global farmers, and Nestlé restricts the production of N°20 to its facilities, mitigating immediate legal concerns.

Despite these assurances, industry observers are wary of potential future issues, especially as climate change and supply shortages become more significant challenges in coffee production. The demand for genetically engineered climate-resistant varieties may increase, potentially leading to legal disputes akin to those seen in other agricultural sectors.

The debate over the ownership of coffee varieties by conglomerates prompts considerations of the greater good for the industry. While companies argue for the right to determine the use of their researched varieties, concerns linger about the impact on farmer wellbeing and the industry as a whole. The discussion underscores the delicate balance between protecting intellectual property and ensuring equitable benefits for all stakeholders in the coffee supply chain.

In a jaw-dropping climax at the Abu Dhabi Food Exhibition in ADNEC Group, Frederick Bejo emerged victorious as the 2023 UAE Brewers Cup Champion. The highly anticipated final round witnessed a fierce showdown among the six finalists, each displaying exceptional skills in the art of brewing.

Frederick Bejo’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary, capturing the judges’ attention with his precision, creativity, and innovative brewing techniques. The Specialty Coffee Association UAE Chapter (SCA-UAE) officially crowned him the champion, marking a significant achievement in the world of specialty coffee.

Coffee enthusiasts and industry professionals gathered to witness this thrilling turn of events, as Bejo’s triumph adds another chapter to the competition’s storied history. Stay tuned for exclusive insights into Frederick Bejo’s winning recipe and reactions