It was so wonderful to have this opportunity for the competitors! My favourite piece of advice from Cole Torode was, "Out on stage you are only competing against yourself, so support your fellow competitors, you will all rise up together!" Looking forward to a fantastic National competition at the end of the month!
Words By Henning Lubbe and Claire Strydom (Directors, SCASA Education and Training Portfolio)
The Specialty Coffee Association of South Africa (SCASA) is buzzing with anticipation as we gear up for the National Coffee Championships—one of the most exciting events on the South African coffee calendar. In our continued commitment to prepare our talented competitors for SCASA recently hosted a series of three insightful and impactful online workshops.
This workshop series was carefully curated to guide competitors through the nuances of the newly released 2025 ruleset, ensuring everyone is up to date with the latest guidelines and changes. The rules and regulations were expertly unpacked by Tim Krynauw, a SCASA Director and our esteemed National Head Judge. His in-depth analysis provided competitors with a thorough understanding of the judging criteria and expectations.
The workshops went beyond just technical regulations—they offered a rare opportunity for attendees to learn directly from international experts and seasoned World Competition competitors across multiple disciplines.
We were privileged to host the following world-class speakers who generously shared their knowledge and experience:
Cup Tasters: Yanina Ferreyra
Latte Art: Victor Vu
Barista: Cole Torode
These global coffee professionals offered invaluable insights, practical advice, and best practices to help our national finalists sharpen their skills. A key part of the sessions focused on demystifying the score sheets, providing clarity on how judges assess performances and helping competitors tailor their routines for maximum impact.
Beyond the technical knowledge, the guest speakers shared vital pre-competition strategies based on their own experiences on the world stage. From game-day routines to managing nerves and maintaining focus, their stories were packed with practical tips and inspiration. Each session concluded with a Q&A, allowing attendees to engage directly with the speakers. These discussions sparked thoughtful conversations and further deepened participants’ understanding and readiness.
Feedback from attendees has been overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed feeling more confident, motivated, and equipped to tackle the upcoming championships.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Yanina, Victor, and Cole for their time, generosity, and invaluable contributions to the South African coffee community. Their willingness to share their hard-earned expertise has provided an exceptional boost to our competitors' preparation.
Now, the stage is set for an electrifying showdown of talent and passion. We invite all coffee lovers, industry professionals, and the general public to come and support our incredible competitors at the SCASA Coffee Championship National Finals, hosted by the Specialty Coffee Expo at Fourways Mall from 30 May to 1 June.
Experience the thrill as competitors battle for a coveted Top 6 position during the preliminary rounds on 30 and 31 May, culminating in the finals on Sunday, 1 June, where South Africa’s next coffee champions will be crowned.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the pinnacle of South African specialty coffee and celebrate the individuals pushing the boundaries of coffee excellence!
Want to be part of the action?
Become a SCASA member and gain exclusive access to future workshops featuring exciting topics and industry-leading experts. Memberships start from as little as R200 per year—an unbeatable investment in your coffee journey. Whether you’re a barista, roaster, café owner, or passionate enthusiast, SCASA membership connects you with a thriving community dedicated to excellence in coffee.
Join today and fuel your passion for coffee with knowledge, community, and opportunity.
Follow the link: https://scasa.coffee/collections/scasa-memberships
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