June 23, 2018— Thousands of coffee professionals gathered in Amsterdam this week for World of Coffee (WOC), Europe’s largest coffee trade show, and the host of the 2018 World Barista Championship. Just under 11,000 professionals from across Europe and around the globe registered to attend, breaking records for the event. Sponsored by BWT water+more, WOC Amsterdam put a spotlight on the work of coffee farmers from Colombia, represented as this year’s Portrait Country by the Café de Colombia brand.
Agnieszka Rojewska of Poland won the 2018 World Barista Championship (WBC). Agnieszka, a veteran of multiple coffee competitions across the globe, triumphed over 55 other baristas to become the first woman ever to win the title.
2018 World Barista Champions
55 champions from around the globe gathered in Amsterdam over four days at the 2018 World Barista Championship, which took place inside the WOC trade show. Competitors in the WBC prepare 4 espressos, 4 milk drinks, and 4 original signature drinks to exacting standards in 15 minutes. The WBC is organized by World Coffee Events, the events management organization of the SCA. The 2018 champions are:
- Agnieszka Rojewska - Poland
- Lex Wenneker - The Netherlands
- Mathieu Theis - Switzerland
- Michalis Katsiavos - Greece
- Cole Torode - Canada
- John Gordon - New Zealand
Best New Product Awards
The Best New Product Competition recognizes new products judged on their quality and value to the specialty coffee and tea industry. Awards were presented in 9 categories to exhibiting companies at WOC. A full list of winners and their photos can be found in this press release.
World of Coffee Travels to Berlin in 2019
All eyes are now on Berlin as WOC heads to the German capital from June 6-8, 2019 at the Messe Convention Center. Bookings for exhibitor space are now open and filling up fast. Contact information for 2019 bookings can be found on our website at https://www.worldofcoffee.org/book-a-stand/.
About World of Coffee
Organized by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) and sponsored by BWT water+more, World of Coffee features over 200 of the world’s most innovative coffee industry suppliers, three full days of competitions and awards, inspiring symposiums, 40+ lectures, educational workshops and a packed social and networking program. Learn more at https://www.worldofcoffee.org/.
About World Coffee Events (WCE)
WCE is the event management organization of the Specialty Coffee Association and the premier producer of events for the coffee community worldwide. WCE’s mission is to develop events that engage the specialty coffee community and promote coffee excellence. The current portfolio involves competition events such as the World Barista Championship, the World Cup Tasters Championship, the World Latte Art Championship, the World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship, the Cezve/Ibrik Championship, and the World Brewers Cup, as well as show features such as the Espresso Bar and the Brew Bar. Learn more at https://www.worldcoffeeevents.org.
About the Specialty Coffee Association
The SCA is a trade association built on foundations of openness, inclusivity, and the power of shared knowledge. From coffee farmers to baristas and roasters, our membership spans the globe, encompassing every element of the coffee value chain. SCA acts as a unifying force within the specialty coffee industry and works to make coffee better by raising standards worldwide through a collaborative and progressive approach. Dedicated to building an industry that is fair, sustainable, and nurturing for all, SCA draws on years of insights and inspiration from the specialty coffee community. Learn more at www.sca.coffee
