Update to U.S. Coffee Championships 2020–2021 Seasons

by

Editorial Policy

Published on

Last updated on

The United States Coffee Competitions have announced that all remaining events will be canceled until 2021. 

Although the 2020 season’s Barista and Brewers Cup finals were held in February, the Coffee in Good Spirits, Roasters, and Cup Tasters finals were meant to be held in April at the Specialty Coffee Expo in Portland, Oregon, which was canceled due to COVID-19.

USCC is canceling the 2021 Preliminaries and Qualifiers; instead, the competitors who have already qualified for Coffee in Good Spirits, Roasters, and Cup Tasters will automatically qualify for the 2021 championships at the Specialty Coffee Expo in New Orleans. Additionally, the Barista and Brewers Cup champions can choose to defer their candidacy from the 2020 World Coffee Championships to 2021. 

“In considering our options for moving forward—both completing the 2020 season and starting the 2021 season—we took into primary account the health and safety of the coffee workers in our community,” says Nathanael May, U.S. competitions coordinator. “Convening competitors and judges for a large competition comes with significant risk. We want to also be sensitive to the employment situations and finances of the people we serve.

View this post on Instagram

Andrea Allen is the 2020 US Barista Champion! Congratulations and well done to all of the competitors, and best of luck in Melbourne, Andrea!⠀ ⠀ 1. Andrea Allen, Onyx Coffee Lab, Rogers, AR⠀ 2. Kay Cheon, Dune Coffee Roasters, Santa Barbara, CA⠀ 3. Sam Neely, Amethyst Coffee Company, Denver, CO⠀ 4. Sam Spillman, Dillanos Coffee Roasters, Seattle, WA⠀ 5. Isaiah Sheese, Archetype Coffee, Omaha, NE⠀ 6. Anthony Ragler, Black and White Coffee Roasters, Brooklyn, NY⠀ ⠀ The 2020 USBC is title-sponsored by Pacific @baristaseries, with equipment and cleaning products provided by @nuovasimonelli, @mahlkonigusa, and @urnexbrands. Melbourne travel b is supported by @DaVinci_Gourmet, and the origin trip by @allycoffee. Prizes are being provided by @Puqpress and @Baratza.⠀ ⠀ #USCoffeeChamps⠀ ? @jenn.hall.photo

A post shared by U.S. Coffee Championships (@uscoffeechamps) on

“Returning to US competitions in 2021,” he adds, “we also want to recommit to a competition structure that is ever more diverse and inclusive—we reject racism, prejudice, and the marginalization of our Black colleagues. Our Competition Committees have committed to making competitions fair and equitable. We will spend time listening to and working with our community to actively evolve our coffee competitions in the diverse image of the industry they represent.”

USCC plans to have actionable changes and steps outlined by October, with the commitment to implement those changes by April. The committee also aims to hold forum or virtual town halls, inviting dialogue between committee members and the industry at large.

Visit the USCC website for further updates and information.

Share This Article

Fresh Cup Staff

Join 7,000+ coffee pros and get top stories, deals, and other industry goodies in your inbox each week.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.


Other Articles You May Like

What’s the Deal with Mushroom Coffee?

Many brands are launching new products pairing mushrooms and coffee. A look at science and history reveals what’s driving this pairing.
by Leah Bowman | September 20, 2023

What You Need to Know About Barista Certification Programs 

Barista certification programs promise to teach learners new skills and can help with career advancement. But do they fulfill that promise? 
by Valorie Clark | July 21, 2023

The Cup In Hand: How Shape and Design Affect Coffee Drinking

The shape, weight, and feel of a cup can have a significant impact on the way you experience the flavor of coffee.
by Mikey Rinaldo | March 22, 2023

The Challenges of Coffee Certifications Go Beyond The Retail Shelf

Coffee certifications can be a valuable tool for farmers and roasters—but can be cost-prohibitive and difficult to navigate. We explore the benefits and challenges of certification programs before a coffee ever reaches the shelf.
by Anne Mercer | February 24, 2023