Project Description
Panama
Benjamin Roque
Kotowa Coffee House
PanamaPlease tell us a little bit about yourself:
I was born and raised in Panama, in the province of Chiriqui. I’m 23 years old and since I was 18 I’ve been working as a Barista in Chiriquí. In 2017 I enrolled myself to compete at the Barista Competition in Panama and got 5th place. I moved to Panama City after that and started working as a trainer for Kotowa Coffee House. My favorite coffee are Natural processes.
What are you excited to do while you are in Amsterdam?:
To share knowledge with Baristas around the world.
Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:
2017 Panama Barista Competition – 5th Place
2017 Panama Brewers Competition
2018 Panama Barista Competition – 1st Place
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the WBC?:
I would like to give a special thanks to Ally Coffee who gave me the opportunity to prepare myself at their space in North Carolina.
How do you see the coffee industry changing in the future?:
Growing. Having more people interested in the industry with more new and advanced machines with which everyone has the chance to do more research.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?:
Having my own coffeeshop and participating in future competitions.
What are your interests outside of coffee?:
I like the business, playing soccer, and travelling.
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