World Coffee Championships Judge Skills Program to debut in New Zealand – BeanScene

New Zealand coffee professionals will soon have the opportunity to gain first-hand insight into how coffee is judged at the highest level, with the World Coffee Championships Brewers Cup Judge Skills Program launching in the country for the first time.

The two-day workshop will be held in Auckland on 21–22 February 2026 at Machine Limited, co-hosted by the New Zealand Specialty Coffee Association (NZSCA). The program is designed as a professional development opportunity for judges, baristas, coaches, and coffee professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of quality evaluation at a world-class level.

“This is your chance to learn how coffee is judged at the highest level,” organisers said, describing the workshop as an opportunity to “open the doors to the judging table of the World Coffee Championships Brewers Cup”.

The program will be delivered by World Coffee Championships Representative and Judge Trainer David Huang, who will guide participants through the practical realities of Brewers Cup judging. According to organisers, the workshop focuses on applied learning rather than abstract theory, with participants working through real simulations using official standards and score sheets.

“It is professional development for people who want to sharpen their palate, decision-making, and understanding of quality at a world-class level,” the announcement said, adding that the course is designed for those looking to judge, compete, or simply strengthen their craft within the specialty coffee sector.

Across the two days, attendees will gain a clear understanding of how Brewers Cup scoring works in practice, how judges calibrate and communicate during competitions, and how decisions are made at championship level.

Organisers say participants will also leave with “confidence in reading and using official score sheets”, a solid foundation for WCC judge certification, and “sharper sensory skills that translate directly to your day-to-day work”.

Joining Huang is Australian coffee professional Danny Andrade. Fresh off winning the 2026 Australian Coffee Roasters Championship, he’s also a World Brewers Cup Judge, and co-creator of the Coffee Character Wheel.

Danny brings experience from both sides of the competition table, offering insight shaped by time spent judging and competing on the world stage.

Organisers emphasised that the program is aimed at coffee professionals who see personal development as an investment in their future. “No theory for theory’s sake,” the announcement said. “This is applied learning.”

Spaces are limited, secure your place here.