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 UGANDA
Godfrey Batte
Africa Coffee Academy
Coach: Claire Rwakatogoro
About you: 5 Years of experience in the coffee value chain. Q and R Grader with coffee quality management skills. 2 time Uganda National Barista Champion and current Africa Barista Challenge Champion. Passionate about training and sharing knowledge with farmers. Currently working as the AG Executive Director of Africa Coffee Academy.
How many years have you worked with coffee or in the coffee industry?
5 years.
Before coffee, did you work in a different job or industry, or what did you study in school?
Business student with a Bachelor’s Degree in BA (Acc). Coffee was a better option.
What would you like to see change about the coffee industry/community?
Paying a better premium to the farmer i.e increasing his share per kilo of produce.
Name a barista you admire, and why:
Collin Harmon, my most inspirational barista. I like his great presentation skills.
Which coffee producing country you would like to visit, and why?
Yemen. Have been there and wish to be there again. Despite the little quantities produced (samples), they have a strong coffee history and amazing taste mocha profile of their coffees.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or who helped you prepare for the WBC?
My Trainers (Claire, Mannuel, Mark, Joseph, Jackie); my company, Africa Coffee Academy (taff for all the support), The Uganda Coffee Development Authority as a major sponsor of Barista activities in Uganda, my coffee sponsors, Great Lakes, Coffee Cartel
