Australia
Craig Simon
Veneziano Coffee Roasters

Please tell us a little bit about yourself:

Craig is a three-time Australian Barista Champion and leads Veneziano Coffee Roasters research and development programs as their Coffee Ambassador.

Craig’s interest in coffee goes far beyond the final cup. From farming and roasting, to brewing and service – Craig regularly travels to origin and has spent the last 10 years understanding how to improve the entire coffee production cycle.

Craig participated in the first Q Grade training course offered in Australia in 2011, since then, using his skills for sourcing and grading coffee, he has advanced as Australia’s first certified Q-Grade instructor. Craig runs regular Q Courses at Veneziano’s certified training school.

Craig’s dedication to coffee and his role as a mentor in the industry has gained him significant international acclaim and respect.

ACCREDITATIONS: Q-Grade Instructor, Barista Mentor, 4th 2014 World Barista Championship, Australian Barista Champion, 2012 & 2014, Victorian Barista Champion, 2012, 2014 & 2015, Victorian Cupping Champion, 2012 & 2015, Certified Q Grader, SCAA Lead Instructor

What are you excited to do while you are in Amsterdam?:

Make killer coffee

Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:

2018 Australia Barista Championship – 1st
2018 Southern Region Barista Championship – 1st
2015 Australian Barista Championship – 2nd
2015 Victorian Barista Championship – 1st
2014 World Barista Championship – 4th
2014 Australian Barista Championship – 1st
2014 Victorian Barista Championship – 1st
2013 Australian Barista Championship – 2nd
2013 Victorian Barista Championship – 4th
2012 World Barista Championship – 20th, Round One
2012 Australian Barista Championship – 1st
2012 Victorian Barista Championship – 1st
2011 Australian Barista Championship – 5th
2011 Victorian Barista Championship – 4th

Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the WBC?:

My Wife and Kids, Pete Licata, Holly Bastin, Maxwell Colonna-Dashwood, the entire Veneziano Team, Detpak, Pura Milk, AMC Roastery Supplies and Cafetto for their support over the many years.

How do you see the coffee industry changing in the future?:

The industry will continue to push the value of specialty coffee creating coffee drinking experiences for the customer that elevate and celebrate quality as taste experiences. I see the Barista sharing drinks like a sommelier does with wine and the functional coffee experiences will continue to be more and more automated.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?:

Sharing tasty coffee with people.

What are your interests outside of coffee?:

I build race cars and play music.

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