Colombian Coffee Stars in the World Barista Championship

Colombian coffee took center stage at the World Barista Championship (WBC) held in Busan, South Korea, from May 1st to May 4th. In the event, all competition finalists used coffee sourced from five Colombian farms in their preparations.

The champion, Mikael Jasin from Indonesia, clinched victory with the Aji coffee sourced from El Diviso Farm in Huila. Furthermore, the remaining four top winners selected diverse Colombian coffee varieties from distinct farms: Pacamara from Zarza Farm, Caturra from Milan Farm, Mara Geisha from Villa Betulia Farm, Sudan Rume from Las Margaritas Farm, and Pink Bourbon from Aroma Nativo (Native Aroma Farm).

What is the World Barista Championship?

The World Barista Championship (WBC) is the foremost international coffee competition organized annually by the Specialty Coffee Association. The competition aims to promote excellence in coffee, advance the barista profession, and serve as the culmination of local and regional events worldwide. Each year, contestants prepare espressos, milk drinks, and original signature drinks to exacting standards in a 15-minute performance.

Certified Judges from around the world evaluate each performance based on the taste of beverages served, cleanliness, creativity, technical skill, and overall presentation.
The tournament, which began in 2000, hosted one of its recent editions in Athens in 2023. The 2024 edition, held in Busan, featured over 53 competitors from various countries.

The success of Colombian coffee at the 2024 World Barista Championship is a clear reflection of its exceptional quality and growing potential. As the demand for specialty coffees continues to rise and Colombian coffee gains traction in the international market, the coffee sector faces a significant challenge.

Colombian coffee industry faces cargo price challenges

In March 2023, the National Federation of Coffee Growers explained that a 125-kilogram load was priced at over $1.9 million, but in the same month of 2024, it was negotiated at an average of $1.4 million, implying a decrease of $553,000.

Nevertheless, the involvement of Colombian products in such events continues to bolster the Colombian coffee industry. Companies like Divisso Coffee and Aroma Nativo shared their moments of celebration and participation in the WBC on social networks. This event celebrates the best in the art of baristas.

Barista: Expert in Coffee Preparation

Barista expertise encompasses the skill of preparing coffee, proficiency in its techniques, serving protocols, and identifying the types of coffee available in the market. Baristas are adept at operating different coffee machines and possess a discerning palate to select from a diverse array of coffee beans based on their aromas, flavors, and textures.