NZ Coffee Awards

The New Zealand Coffee Awards started life as a small idea and, not surprisingly, first emerged in a discussion with industry professionals over a cup of coffee. The New Zealand coffee scene is rated as amongst the finest in the world , with ever growing high standards of delivery from Roasters and Baristas. We felt it lacked only one thing, an industry standard for the best coffees, a showcase for excellence in both roasting and delivery of fine espresso coffee. Heck they do it for wine, why not coffee? Here at Coffee Central, we are all highly passionate about these things, and thought 'what the heck, let's start an event! Michael Guy a man with great contacts and limitless energy, was elected head of the organisation, and he thrust himself into the event with fervour.

With support from several leading industry notables, and key sponsorship from BP, the first NZ Coffee Awards were held in Taupo in October 2004. This was an excellent start, with a successful trade show and other events. The head judge for the Coffee awards was brought in from Australia and a panel of experts assisted the awarding of Gold, Silver and Bronze medals for the outstanding coffees. With such luminaries as Tom Shadbolt and Gary McCormick attending and excellent media support this event paved the way for ongoing events. Bica a small Auckland roastery won the first ever Supreme award, fab!