New Zealand has selected its representatives for the upcoming world coffee competitions following the Aotearoa Barista and Latte Art Championships held on September 19-20. Alan Bruce was named the 2027 Aotearoa Barista Champion, while Daniel Woodhouse secured the national Latte Art title. Both will advance to represent New Zealand on the global stage next year.
In the barista competition, Alan Bruce of Acme Cup Co earned the top spot. A veteran of the competition circuit with 13 years of experience as both a competitor and judge, Bruce will now compete in the 2027 World Barista Championship in Tokyo. Heesun Lee from Atomic Coffee placed second, and Matt Ross of Kindred Coffee finished in third place.
The Aotearoa Latte Art Championship saw Daniel Woodhouse of Grey Roasting Co. named the winner. The victory sends him to the 2027 World Latte Art Championship in Lisbon. His colleague from Grey Roasting Co., Bryan Rajeyya, finished as the runner-up, with independent competitor Bill Zhang taking third place. The world barista finals are scheduled for April 28-May 1 in Tokyo, while the latte art finals will take place June 17-19 in Lisbon.