To say a fantastic time was had by all doesn’t do justice to the Golden Bean – a pioneering competition which brings together an otherwise disparate group of coffee professionals who are often reluctant to come together to share thoughts over a coffee (or five hundred) in an atmosphere of comradery, collaboration and mutual respect.

Aside from being a great opportunity to evaluate current trends in one of the most progressive coffee scenes in the world and see how they relate to your business; it is a rare chance to work side by side with some of the most highly regarded industry professionals (and try to beat them at go-carting.) Think of the Golden Bean as palate training with the best in the business. I can’t strongly enough recommend entering the Golden Bean and signing up to take part as a judge. It is an indispensable tool for professional development in an easy-going and supportive atmosphere.

One highlight for me was the Green Bean Zone which this year was graciously hosted by Bombora and was a fantastic chance to meet with like-minded roasters, bean brokers and baristas in the warehouse of the country’s premier coffee/barista tools supplier.

Congratulations to back to back winners Uncle Joes, also to Gridlock Coffee, Ona Coffee, Mahalia Coffee and everyone who took home winners medals. A huge thanks to the support crew, head judge Anne Cooper, the barista team, all the judges and of course the Café Culture team who did a wonderful job once again in putting on such a special event.