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 PORTUGAL
David Coelho
PaniCoelho
About me: My name is David Coelho, I’m 31 years old, and I have a degree in Human Resources but my passion is coffee, as I [have been] living with it since [I was] 8 years old. I live in Sintra, a beautiful village considered World Heritage, close to Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, and close to the sea. I work everyday at PaniCoelho, a Portuguese Bakery/Coffee Shop where I have the pleasure to deal with coffee and consumers on a daily basis.
How many years have you worked with coffee or in the coffee industry?
15 years.
Before coffee, did you work in a different job or industry, or what did you study in school?
I graduated in Human Resources.
How did you get started in coffee?
By helping my father in his Bakery/Coffee Shop.
Who has been your greatest influence in coffee? Why?
My barista course teachers. Because they introduced me to the marvelous world of coffee.
Name a coffee luminary (famous person) you would like to meet, and why:
Pete Licata, because I admire his history and success.
Name a barista you admire, and why:
William Hernandez, El Salvador, because he didn’t speak English and last year he did a great job during his performance in English.
Besides your own cafe, what cafe do you think everyone should visit?
In Lisbon, my home town I would recommend Café Nicola, because of its history.
Which coffee producing country you would like to visit, and why?
Brazil, because it’s the world largest producer and also because we have historical links with Brazil and with their language and culture.
What are your interests outside of coffee?
Beach, soccer, and social life.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Traveling around the world to know better the world of coffee.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or who helped you prepare for the WBC?
My parents, for their patience and support and my coaches for all their dedication.
