Entries now open for Australian International Coffee Awards

How does Melbourne Royal take its coffee? Seriously. Very seriously. Melbourne Royal has announced that entries are now open for the prestigious 2022 Australian International Coffee Awards.

Established in 2013, the Melbourne Royal Australian International Coffee Awards is Australia’s leading international coffee roasting competition, attracting a diverse range of beans and cold brews from around the world each year.

After being unable to run the awards in 2021 due to COVID-19, Melbourne Royal has taken the opportunity to introduce some innovative changes to the program. This year, roasters will have the opportunity to nominate the milk that the coffee is brewed with that will best showcase their beans. Dairy milk will be supplied by Riverina Fresh, or entrants can sample and choose soy, almond or oat milk from the Alternative Dairy Co.

The Filter Category has been reworked to acknowledge its growth and will see not one, but four trophies awarded: Best Pour Over (Blend), Best Pour Over (Single Origin), Best Immersion (Blend) and Best Immersion (Single Origin). This brings it in line with the espresso categories and recognises the difference between blend and single origin coffees.

“These exciting category changes ensure the Australian International Coffee Awards are at the forefront of industry trends, production techniques and consumer interest,” said Mr Brad Jenkins, CEO Melbourne Royal.

“The Australian International Coffee Awards conducted by Melbourne Royal attracts roasteries and roasters from around the world because it offers a valuable opportunity to benchmark against industry standards, receive valuable feedback, continue to improve quality and inspire innovation and new trends,” said Mr Jenkins. 

The awards give producers, large and small, the opportunity to establish their credentials in the Australian and international coffee industry. Being awarded medals and trophies provides differentiation in the market for award-winners to help drive sales. 

Judging will take place from Monday 8 August to Wednesday 10 August at Melbourne Showgrounds, Victoria, thanks to industry partner Xtracted Espresso Solutions and major sponsors Synesso and COMPAK. The trophy winners will be announced on International Coffee Day, Friday 1 October, as part of the 2022 Melbourne Royal Show. 

Coffee roasters are encouraged to get their entries in early to be part of this prestigious program. Entries close 15 July 2022. Head to Australian International Coffee Awards (melbourneroyal.com.au)