The best of New Zealand's coffee creatives showcased their skills at the NZSCA Aotearoa Brewers Cup Championships.
This past weekend, the New Zealand coffee community came together for a fantastic championship event celebrating skill, passion, and camaraderie. Over three days, the NZSCA hosted the Aotearoa Brewers Cup Championship on Friday and Saturday, followed by the Aotearoa Cup Tasters Championship on Sunday.
One of the highlights was the return of the Brewers Cup Championship to the national calendar after a nine-year hiatus. The competition showcased an exceptionally high level of skill, with each competitor demonstrating real care and passion in their performances. The NZSCA said it was truly special to see so many brewers present, passionately sharing their craft, which created an electric atmosphere in the room.
The lineup of competitors was diverse, featuring both familiar names and many first-time entrants stepping onto the stage. This mix brought fresh perspectives and signalled a promising future for the competition in New Zealand. Dove Chen won the Aotearoa Brewers Cup Championship 2026 and will represent New Zealand at the World Championship in Bogotá, Colombia.
The Aotearoa Cup Tasters Championship on Sunday was filled with fast-paced fun, as always, with plenty of crowd involvement. Enthusiastic cheers accompanied the reveal of the cups! The final four contestants displayed amazing team spirit, supporting one another and celebrating as the results were announced. Ultimately, it came down to two competitors, both having identified seven out of eight cups correctly. The title was won by YJ Huang with the fastest time; he will also represent New Zealand on the World stage. Details of the location and time are yet to be released by the World Coffee Championships.
“We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone involved for making this competition a tremendous success,” said Jessica MacDonald, General Manager of NZSCA.
“A special thank you to our sponsors, whose support makes a significant impact on everyone who participates in and enjoys these competitions. Your contribution means a lot!”
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