Judges Calibration in the Middle East Elevates Coffee Competitions and Coffee Culture
In a significant move for the Middle East coffee scene, the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) recently conducted a Judges Calibration event. This calibration session aimed to officially certify new SCA judges, a crucial step for maintaining the integrity and high standards of upcoming coffee competitions in the region, including the Barista Championship, Brewers Cup, and Roasting Championships.
Judges must be certified to participate in a World Coffee Championship. WCC Judge Certifications are a two-day test-based certification that takes place around the world throughout the year.
The certification process was overseen by a distinguished certifying body comprising key figures in the global coffee community. The panel included James Draper, the World Judges Coordinator, Katarina Zizalo-Moczydlowska, the SCA Coordinator from Poland, and Lauro Fioretti, an expert in coffee education and part of the Knowledge & Education team at the Simonelli Group, serving as a World Coffee Events (WBC) judge.
Lauro Fioretti, with an impressive 21-year career in the coffee industry, played a pivotal role in ensuring the judges’ calibration met the highest standards. His passion for coffee has not only endured but flourished through extensive hands-on experience, continuous training, and certifications. Fioretti holds the esteemed title of an Authorized SCA Trainer and Certifier for nearly all modules of the Coffee Diploma.
For over a decade, the Simonelli Group has been a steadfast supporter of Barista competitions in the Middle East, marking their inaugural sponsorship back in 2011 in Dubai. Since then, their commitment to the region’s coffee community has only strengthened, with a focus on fostering knowledge, education, and interaction among coffee enthusiasts.
In addition to sponsoring prestigious barista competitions, the Simonelli Group continues to run community events and educational courses. One notable initiative is the upcoming Coffee Value Assessment organized by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) at the Victoria Arduino and Nuova Simonelli experience lab in Dubai. This event not only underscores Simonelli’s dedication to promoting excellence in coffee but also highlights their role as a driving force behind advancing coffee culture in the Middle East.
By providing platforms for learning, networking, and skill development, Simonelli Group is shaping a future where coffee culture thrives in the Middle East and beyond.
