FROM TRACK TO CUP: EMBRACING THE THRILLING RACE OF FORMULA 1 AND SPECIALTY COFFEE COMPETITIONS

At Zest, we live and breathe specialty coffee. We are passionate about the pursuit of excellence. Fresh out of the recent season of coffee competition facilitated by the wonderful crew of the Australian Specialty Coffee Association, we can’t help reflecting on what we witnessed and experienced in the practice, pace and pressure that these competitions demand from competitors, support crews, officials, judges and volunteers alike.

During our debriefing session somebody exclaimed “It’s as challenging as Formula One!” and all of a sudden so many similarities fell into place.

In this article, we invite you to explore the thrilling similarities between the fast-paced world of Formula 1 racing and the captivating realm of specialty coffee competitions. Join us as we delve into the precision, innovation, passion, and teamwork that shape these remarkable domains.

PRECISION: WHERE EVERY DETAIL COUNTS

In both Formula 1 racing and specialty coffee competitions, precision reigns supreme. Formula 1 drivers navigate their powerful machines with jaw-dropping precision, conquering treacherous turns and straightaways to shave off vital fractions of a second. Similarly, our skilled baristas in specialty coffee competitions meticulously measure and weigh each ingredient, ensuring absolute accuracy to craft the perfect cup. Witness the unwavering commitment to flawlessly executing every minute detail, as the tiniest miscalculation can mean the difference between sweet victory and bitter defeat.

INNOVATION AND R&D: PUSHING BOUNDARIES FOR EXCELLENCE

Innovation and research and development are the lifeblood of both disciplines. From exploring new brewing methods and roasting techniques to pushing the boundaries of fermentation and processing techniques, coffee professionals are tireless in their pursuit of taste and quality. Similarly, Formula 1 teams and engineers continuously pioneer cutting-edge technologies and refine car designs to optimize speed, aerodynamics, and performance. At Zest we understand the shared passion for innovation that propels both realms forward to new levels of performance (and flavour in the cup!).

PASSION AND DISCIPLINE: THE JOURNEY OF MASTERY

The worlds of Formula 1 and specialty coffee competitions demand unwavering passion and discipline. Competitors in both arenas invest countless hours honing their skills, fine-tuning even the tiniest details, and preparing for the ultimate race or competition. Witness the journeys of World Champions like Diego Campos and Max Verstappen in F1, or Anthony Douglas who did Australia proud in winning the World Barista Championship in 2022. These are persons who have dedicated themselves to their craft before achieving the pinnacle of success. The discipline, mental composure, and untiring dedication that fuels their remarkable pursuits is truely inspirational.

TEAMWORK: DRIVING SUCCESS TOGETHER

In both disciplines, triumph is not a solitary endeavour but a symphony of collective effort. Formula 1 teams unite engineers, mechanics, strategists, and drivers in a harmonious ensemble to unleash the full potential of their cars. Similarly, specialty coffee competitions thrive on the expertise and synchronized collaboration of tasting specialists, meticulous detail enthusiasts, and score sheet connoisseurs. The symbiotic relationship between individual brilliance and cohesive teamwork is the foundation to awe-inspiring victories.

BRINGING THE SAME LEARNINGS AND PASSION TO YOUR CAFE

At Zest Specialty Coffee Roasters, we believe in sharing our learnings and insights to empower our cafe partners in their pursuit of success. Just as Formula 1 racing and specialty coffee competitions require precision, innovation, passion, and teamwork, we understand that these qualities are essential for our cafe partners to thrive in their own businesses. We bring the learnings from the world of high-performance racing and the captivating realm of specialty coffee competitions to help our partners elevate their coffee offerings.

We provide precise training and guidance to ensure that every detail, from brewing techniques to ingredient measurements, is executed flawlessly. We encourage innovation by sharing the latest industry trends and exploring new roasting and brewing methods that push the boundaries of taste and quality. Our passion for coffee drives us to continuously support and motivate our cafe partners, offering them the discipline and dedication needed to master their craft.

And, most importantly, we foster a spirit of teamwork and collaboration, working hand-in-hand with our partners to create exceptional coffee experiences that captivate their customers. With our shared knowledge and unwavering commitment, we aim to fuel the success of our cafe partners, helping them navigate the race towards their own triumphs in the competitive world of specialty coffee.

So as you indulge in the world of extraordinary flavours and sensory experiences with the team at Zest Specialty Coffee Roasters, take a moment to appreciate the fascinating parallels between the heart-pounding world of Formula 1 racing and the captivating realm of specialty coffee competitions. We embrace the precision, innovation, passion, and teamwork that unite these extraordinary domains. Join us on a journey where the pursuit of excellence knows no bounds and immerse yourself in the sheer joy of the track and the mesmerizing magic of the cup.

At Zest Specialty Coffee Roasters, we’re honoured to champion both the exhilarating race and the artistry in every sip.

Now keep your eyes on Athens 2023 World Coffee Competitions… Will Australia bring the trophies home again?