Editor’s note: As we approach the beginning of the 2014 World Barista Championship, which takes place in Rimini, Italy, June 9 “12, at the SCAE’s World of Coffee event, we would like to introduce you to the National Barista Champions who all worked incredibly hard to earn a position in this preeminent coffee contest. Profiles of all 54 competitors will appear on Barista Magazine’s blog between Monday, June 2, and Monday, June 9, and can all be accessed under the category header “WBC 2014 Rimini.”
BARISTA CHAMPION OF ITALY
Giacomo Vannelli
Pasticceria Vannelli
Coach: Andrea Lattuada
About you: I have been breathing the coffee atmosphere in the coffee family business since I was a little boy. I attended a lot of courses and I worked in Italy and in the London as a barista. I met the best baristas in the world and I realized how the coffee world is infinite. Being a barista is not only a job, it is an opportunity to communicate every day to ordinary people what coffee is about. For this reason I continue to discover this fantastic world through studing, experimenting, innovation, visiting farms, and roasting my own coffees. Coffee is my biggest passion. I’m so lucky to do what I love every day.
How many years have you worked with coffee or in the coffee industry?
Six years.
Before coffee, did you work in a different job or industry, or what did you study in school?
I have a linguistics diploma.
How did you get started in coffee?
Breathing the coffee atmosphere in the coffee family business since I was a little boy.
What was your first amazing experience with coffee?
When at 13 years old I made my first heart of latte art in a cappuccino.
Who has been your greatest influence in coffee? Why?
Although I met the best baristas in the world, it is thanks to my father that transmitted to me his passion for coffee.
What would you like to see change about the coffee industry/community?
I would like to see more interest for quality coffees and specialty coffees as well.
Name a barista you admire, and why:
Francesco Sanapo because he represents the new Italian coffee generation, and I work a lot for it.
Do you have a favorite customer? If so, tell us about him or her.
My favorite one is always the new one because I can tell him/her how beautiful the coffee world is.
Besides your own cafe, what cafe do you think everyone should visit?
The new coffee shop that my friend Francesco Sanapo has just opened in Florence.
Which coffee producing country you would like to visit, and why?
I have not a favorite country but I would like to visit all of them.
What are your interests outside of coffee?
Photography and traveling.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I do the best every day and I live my life day by day.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or who helped you prepare for the WBC?
All the guys of SCAE ITALIA, friends, my family, and especially Andrea Lattuada, my coach.
