“The Brewers Cup celebrates the art of coffee brewing—just coffee, water, and creativity.

*Thomas Hutchins*

photo by Michael Burrows

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The specialty coffee community in New Zealand is buzzing with whispers about the possible return of the Brewers Cup Championship. While the event’s absence has left a void, conversations with coffee champions like Tom Hutchins from Australia provide hope and inspiration for rekindling this iconic competition.

A Brief History of New Zealand’s Brewers Cup

The Brewers Cup Championship began in 2013, hosted at Atomic Coffee Roasters in Auckland. With just seven competitors that year, the event steadily grew, peaking in 2017 with nine participants. Over its brief history, New Zealand saw talented champions like Guy McCracken, who ranked seventh globally in Melbourne, and Nara Lee, who proudly represented Aotearoa in Budapest during the event’s final year.

NZ Champion 2017 Nara Lee. Photo by Nick Keen

However, dwindling participant numbers, sponsorship challenges, and the financial strain of running the competition led to its hiatus after 2017. For a WCC-endorsed event, a minimum of six competitors is required alongside strong community and financial backing. Covering costs for venues, equipment, training, and champion representation can amount to over $40,000, making sponsorship indispensable.

Despite these challenges, the New Zealand Specialty Coffee Association (NZSCA) remains optimistic, envisioning a potential revival as early as November 2025. But how do we ensure this comeback is sustainable? Insights from Tom Hutchins, a celebrated coffee professional, offer valuable perspective.

Tom Hutchins: Competing on the World Stage

Tom Hutchins is no stranger to the Brewers Cup, having proudly represented Australia in both 2023 and 2024. In 2024, Thomas achieved an incredible milestone by placing fourth in the World Brewers Cup. His journey, characterized by meticulous preparation and collaboration, serves as an inspiration to aspiring competitors and organizers alike.

What inspired Tom to compete in the Brewers Cup?
“Competing has always been a long-term goal,” Tom shares. Working with specialty coffee roasters and immersing himself in the community provided the motivation to step onto the world stage. His background in theater and public presenting uniquely prepared him for the demands of competition, blending creativity with precision.

Memorable moments from the 2024 World Brewers Cup:
“Being announced in the top six was a highlight,” says Tom. “But the camaraderie backstage stood out. Connecting with champions like Martin Wölfl, Patrik Rolf, and Sherry Hsu was truly special. The global coffee community is what makes this event so unique.”

The challenges of competing internationally:
From logistical hurdles, such as adapting to power differences and sourcing equipment, to the emotional toll of long-distance travel, Tom’s journey underscores the need for robust planning. “Breaking preparation into monthly, weekly, and even hourly segments kept me on track,” he explains.

The Unique Allure of the Brewers Cup

Unlike other coffee competitions, the Brewers Cup highlights simplicity and skill. It features two rounds: the “open service” round, where competitors showcase their brewing technique with their chosen coffee, and the “compulsory” round, where everyone uses the same coffee, emphasizing technical precision.

Tom notes, “The Brewers Cup celebrates the art of coffee brewing—just coffee, water, and creativity. It’s a challenge that pushes competitors to innovate while staying grounded in simplicity.”

Reviving the Brewers Cup in New Zealand

Tom’s advice for reintroducing the Brewers Cup in New Zealand is clear:

Cultivate community: Engage local coffee professionals through mentorship and accessible training programs.
Secure sponsorship: Financial backing is essential. Tom emphasizes the mutually beneficial relationship between sponsors and competitors.
Encourage participation: Directly invite potential competitors and provide support to overcome barriers like cost and access to equipment

Why It Matters

National coffee competitions are more than just events; they’re a celebration of innovation and community. “Representation is vital,” Tom explains. “Smaller nations bring diverse voices and unique coffee practices to the global stage, enriching the specialty coffee industry.”

The Brewers Cup not only inspires excellence but also drives growth within the local coffee scene. By reigniting the competition, New Zealand has the opportunity to showcase its talent, strengthen its coffee culture, and connect with the global coffee community.

Join the Conversation

As we dream of the Brewers Cup’s return, let’s hear your thoughts! How can New Zealand overcome the challenges and reignite this event? Share your ideas and join the discussion on our Instagram in the comment section. If you or your organization would like to help reignite this beloved competition, please find more information here.

Want to dive deeper into Tom Hutchins’ inspiring journey to the World Brewers Cup stage? Read the full interview here, where he shares behind-the-scenes moments, challenges, and advice for aspiring competitors.

Let’s bring the Brewers Cup back to Aotearoa, one brew at a time!

Written by: Jana Kettnerova & Thomas Hutchins
Published on: 17.01.2025
Published by: Ffocee Coffee Roasters Blog
Location: Wanaka, New Zealand

Reigniting the Brewers Cup in New Zealand: A Conversation with Thomas Hutchins