At the beginning of May, the New Zealand coffee community came together in Auckland for the highly anticipated NZ Brewers Cup Championship and NZ Cup Tasters Championship.
This year marked a significant milestone for the Brewers Cup, returning for the first time in nine years, a revival that was met with overwhelming enthusiasm from across the industry. Tickets sold out within minutes, underscoring the strong appetite for competition and connection within Aotearoa’s specialty coffee scene. A total of 48 competitors took to the stage across the two disciplines, showcasing both established names and an exciting wave of emerging talent.
Across the weekend, the level of competition was exceptionally high, with competitors delivering thoughtful, technically precise performances. The events ultimately crowned two standout champions. Industry legend Dove Chen of Grey Roasting Co took out the Brewers Cup title, bringing experience, precision, and a deep understanding of coffee to the stage. In the Cup Tasters Championship, YJ Huang of Eternal Coffee secured the win, a respected figure who continues to champion coffee culture in Auckland and beyond.
As always, Cup Tasters proved to be fast, furious, and hugely entertaining. The energy in the room built with each round, culminating in a thrilling finale that quite literally had people jumping, a fitting end to one of the most engaging and accessible competition formats in coffee.
A notable highlight across both events was the presence of new talent stepping confidently into the spotlight, demonstrating that the next generation of coffee professionals is both passionate and highly skilled. Their contribution added fresh energy and perspective, reinforcing the strength and depth of the local coffee community.
The event was proudly supported by Meadow Fresh a key partner of the NZSCA, helping to bring the championships, and particularly the long-awaited return of Brewers Cup, back to life while creating a platform for connection, competition, and celebration within the industry.
Beyond the competition stage, the programme also featured The Knowledge Lab, thoughtful activations designed to bridge the knowledge gap between people in the room. Sarah McMath from Meadow Fresh and Paddy Kennedy from ACME Cup Co. were joined by Bex Smidt of San Ray and Cazador Restaurants for an engaging panel discussion. The conversation tackled the realities of running hospitality businesses today, evolving customer expectations, and the resilience required to navigate an ever-changing environment.
Overall, the return of the Brewers Cup Championship alongside another strong showing from Cup Tasters signals renewed momentum for the industry. With a packed crowd, exceptional competitors, meaningful conversations, and a celebratory atmosphere, the weekend set a powerful tone for the future of specialty coffee in New Zealand.