Flat white, cappuccino or latte, International Coffee Day has highlighted the importance of the daily brew.
International Coffee Day has returned for 2024, celebrated internationally annually with a spotlight on one of the country’s favourite beverages.
Even amid the cost of living crisis, customers have continued to pick up their favourite morning brew on the way to work, frequent a cafe on the weekend, and try new varieties entering the market constantly.
Megan Wyper from the New Zealand Specialty Coffee Association said there is now a deeper conversation between baristas and customers about what goes into the cup.
Although the industry has experienced a tough few years, Wyper believed it would bounce back. She added that businesses have adapted to new ways to offer customers premium coffee, such as selling roasted beans to take home.
Wyper said that slow-brew coffee has made a resurgence locally, following the strong trend overseas.
“Coffee that comes out of the regions can showcase what we can do. Much like wine, coffee can offer a different perspective,” said Wyper.
For Auckland barista, Camilo Kirong, the best quality coffee will offer customers the best experience.
“It is an honour to be able to interact with our customers every day and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere in the café,” said Kirong.
He added that every cup of coffee should be lively, tasteful and strong, and although coffee preferences were subjective, a good cup of coffee should provide comfort from the first sip to the last drop.
Head barista at Ozone Coffee, Meiko Matsuo, said a well-balanced coffee should have mile to medium acidity, with a good body and sweetness, and that a good barista should focus on coffee details and consider the best brewing method for each cup.
Matsuo said that for customers, it’s not just about the beverage but also the connections and friendships forged over a cup of coffee, which has made the role of the barista more meaningful.
"One of my customers told me, 'Without morning coffee, I'm like a dried-up piece of goat.' It's very true," she said.
A survey conducted earlier in the year by Renub Research found that the international coffee market will be valued at USD 161.66 billion in just over five years’ time. Coffee consumption in 2023 reached 175.6 million 60-kg bags, equivalent to approximately 2.25 billion cups daily, as reported by the International Coffee Organisation.
International Coffee Day was first founded in 2015, and since then has become a calendar highlight for baristas internationally.
More news here.
