Crisis in the World Coffee Championships (WCC) for latte art!
Discover the tensions shaking the coffee world following the recent announcement by the Specialty Coffee Association regarding the introduction of an automatic machine in the latte art competitions of the World Coffee Championships. This decision has sparked a wave of discontent among baristas, calling into question authenticity and artisanal craftsmanship within this sector. This article examines the implications of this initiative and the predominant role that the SCA plays in the specialty coffee world. Join our discussion on Discord to share your thoughts and opinions on this hot topic.
On my Discord server, information has been circulating that the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has approved the introduction of an automatic machine in the latte art competitions for the next four years at the World Coffee Championships (WCC).
This announcement has been extremely poorly received within the community of coffee enthusiasts and professionals. Many renowned baristas have already expressed their discontent and some have even announced their intention not to participate in upcoming editions of the WCC competitions.
What is the SCA (Specialty Coffee Association)?
The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), founded in 1982, is a key organization in the coffee sector, bringing together an international community including producers, baristas and consumers. It defines quality standards for specialty coffee and establishes strict criteria for its classification.
The SCA also offers educational programs and certifications for coffee professionals, while conducting research and supporting innovations to improve quality and sustainability in the industry.
It organizes prestigious events and competitions and plays an important role in advocating for fair and sustainable trade practices, thus asserting its central role in the specialty coffee world.
What is the World Coffee Championships (WCC)?
The World Coffee Championships (WCC) is a series of prestigious international competitions that celebrate excellence and the art of coffee preparation. These competitions bring together the best baristas and coffee professionals from around the world. Here are some of the main events that make up these championships: (click to expand).
World Barista Championship (WBC): This is probably the most well-known of the events. Baristas showcase their skills in preparing espresso, cappuccino, and original coffee-based beverages. They are evaluated on their technique, the flavor of their drinks, and their overall presentation.
World Brewers Cup: This competition focuses on filter coffee. Participants must prepare and serve three filter coffee-based beverages, using a method of their choice, to highlight the quality and unique characteristics of their coffee.
World Latte Art Championship: Here, the emphasis is on artistry. Competitors create complex and precise patterns with steamed milk on an espresso. Creativity, precision, and aesthetics are key elements of this competition.
World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship: This contest merges coffee and alcohol, where participants must prepare innovative and flavorful beverages by combining coffee and spirits.
World Cup Tasters Championship: In this competition, the emphasis is on the sense of taste. Participants must identify the differences between various coffee samples, demonstrating a high level of sensory acuity.
World Coffee Roasting Championship: Here, the art of roasting takes center stage. Participants are judged on their ability to roast coffee beans and develop ideal flavor profiles.
These championships are not only a platform for coffee professionals to showcase their expertise, but they also serve to promote innovation, education, and appreciation of coffee at a global level. They attract significant attention from coffee enthusiasts, industry professionals, and the general public, thus contributing to the continuous evolution of coffee culture.
Why an automatic machine at the World Latte Art Championship?
The article from the Specialty Coffee Association reveals that the Thermoplan Black&White4 CTS is the first fully automatic espresso machine qualified for the World Latte Art Championship from 2024 to 2027. This qualification marks a major evolution in equipment standards for the World Coffee Championships (WCC), supported by sponsors like Thermoplan.
Thermoplan Black&White4 CTS automatic coffee machine selected by the SCA for the WCC
The WCC Championships are made possible thanks to the support of numerous organizations and individuals, including qualified sponsors who provide the equipment used by competitors. These sponsors, after successfully completing a rigorous testing program, supply high-quality equipment for the competitions. Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the SCA, and Sven Schilliger from Thermoplan, express their enthusiasm for this advancement and the future use of this machine in competitions, notably at the 2024 World Latte Art Championship in Copenhagen.
How is the community reacting?
The community’s reaction has been predominantly negative. Many see this as calling into question years of practice and training, replaced by automation. Espresso enthusiasts know that every step of its preparation is unforgiving and tolerates no mistakes.
If a machine replaces manually acquired skills that took so long to develop, the interest and challenge of the competition could be diminished.
Several competitors have stated that they would withdraw from the next latte art competition, in response to the recent changes.
To grasp the extent of the discontent, one need only consult Thermoplan_ag’s Instagram post and the associated comments, clearly revealing the profound disappointment of coffee enthusiasts and professional baristas.
Naturally, this announcement quickly inspired parodies on the Internet, with the emergence of numerous humorous memes, of which here are a few examples below:
Conclusion
It is legitimate to question the SCA’s decision, a renowned organization, to integrate an automatic machine into latte art competitions.
This discipline normally requires complete mastery of espresso preparation, milk steaming with the appropriate bubble size, right through to the dexterity required for latte art. Replacing these artisanal skills with automation raises questions.
Admittedly, the Thermoplan Black&White4 CTS is an impressive automatic machine, certainly capable of producing excellent coffee. Nevertheless, it has no place in a latte art competition.
What do you think?
