WBC China and International Judge Training in Shanghai 2014

In early 2014, Shanghai became the first city in China to host both international and national-level judge training and qualification exams for the World Barista Championship (WBC). This marked a major step for Chinese coffee professionals, allowing them to train and test for global judging credentials without leaving the country.

In March 2014, two separate judge training and assessment events took place in Shanghai: one for WBC China-level judges and another for WBC international judges. Each had specific dates, costs, prerequisites, and application deadlines.

WBC China-Level Judge Training & Assessment

The WBC China judge training and assessment was held on March 27–28, 2014, at the Jinshang Boutique Hotel in Shanghai (1st Floor Ballroom, 551 Gaoke West Road, Pudong New Area; Tel: 021-58832000).

This two-day workshop was designed for participants already highly familiar with WBC rules, formats, and procedures, and who were committed to high-level professional coffee. It was open only to those seeking China-level WBC or Latte Art judge certification—current WBC competitors were not eligible.

The cost structure was tiered: 1200 RMB for first-time or previously registered but absent participants, 800 RMB for those who attended but did not pass the prior year, and 400 RMB for current China-level judges seeking renewal (not extendable to the following year).

Payment was collected on-site. A pre-screening process selected candidates from the first round of assessments for the full training. All who passed became certified WBC/Latte Art China-level judges for 2014, with certificates issued. From those, the organisers, together with examiners, would select judges for the national finals.

Participants had to submit a completed registration form by March 20, 2014, to Ms. Zhang Jieran (Tel: 021-3339 2246, Fax: 021-6115 4988*2246, Email: apple.zhang@ubmsinoexpo.com). A registration form was available for download.

WBC International Judge Training & Assessment

Also in March 2014, Shanghai hosted the inaugural WBC international judge training and assessment in China. This event enabled local judges to earn global WBC judging credentials without travelling abroad.

Held on March 29–30, 2014, at the same venue—the Jinshang Boutique Hotel (1st Floor Ballroom)—this two-day workshop’s details were sent to confirmed attendees.

The international program required a fee of either 8500 RMB or 1400 USD. Payment could only be made after application approval by the organising committee. Bank transfer details were as follows:

• Company: Shanghai UBM Sinoexpo Co., Ltd. (organiser of the event via parent company Shanghai Bohua International Exhibition Co., Ltd.)
• Address: 8th Floor, 218 South Xiangyang Road, Shanghai 200031
• Bank: China Merchants Bank Shanghai Huaihai Branch
• Bank Address: 1155 Middle Huaihai Road, Shanghai 200031
• Account Number: 212080353510001
• SWIFT Code: CMBCCNBS051
• Bank Code (CNAPS): 308290003239

To qualify, applicants needed at least two years of experience as a judge at regional WCE-sanctioned competitions, including China’s World Latte Art Championship, World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship, World Brewers Cup, and World Barista Championship. They also had to agree to follow the WCE Judges’ Code of Conduct.

As with the China-level event, completed registration forms had to be submitted to Ms. Zhang Jieran by March 20, 2014.

Venue & Contact Information

Both the WBC China and international judge training and assessment events took place at:

Jinshang Boutique Hotel
1st Floor Ballroom
551 Gaoke West Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai
Tel: 021-58832000

For the China-level event, contact:
Ms. Zhang Jieran
Tel: 021-3339 2246
Fax: 021-6115 4988*2246
Email: apple.zhang@ubmsinoexpo.com

Registration forms were available for download and had to be returned by March 20, 2014.

Frequently Asked Questions

What were the two judge training events in Shanghai in March 2014?

In March 2014, Shanghai hosted both a WBC China-level judge training (March 27–28) and a WBC international judge training (March 29–30), both at the Jinshang Boutique Hotel. These allowed participants to earn national or international WBC judge qualifications without leaving China.

Who could apply for the WBC China judge certification?

Applicants needed deep knowledge of WBC rules, procedures, and formats, and a commitment to professional coffee. The program was open to those seeking China-level WBC or Latte Art judge status, but current WBC competitors were not eligible.

How much did the China-level judge training cost?

The fees were 1200 RMB (first-time or previously registered but absent), 800 RMB (attended but did not pass last year), and 400 RMB (current judges renewing, not valid for next year). Payment was on-site.

What was the cost and payment process for the international judge training?

The international judge training cost 8500 RMB or 1400 USD. Payment was made by bank transfer only after application approval. The account was under Shanghai UBM Sinoexpo Co., Ltd. with specific banking details provided in the announcement.

What experience was required for the international judge training?

Applicants needed at least two years of judging experience at regional WCE competitions such as the World Latte Art Championship, World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship, World Brewers Cup, and World Barista Championship. They also had to agree to the WCE Judges’ Code of Conduct.

Recommended FrontStreet Coffees for Judges

For coffee judges honing their palates, FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera offers vibrant red berries and floral tones, while the Panama Humbera presents sweet citrus and honey-like sweetness with a heavy body. Both are single-origin espressos that highlight clarity and complexity—ideal for training or cupping sessions. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.