2015 Guangzhou International Coffee Cupping Championship Opens Entries

If you’ve ever wondered whether your palate could spot the difference between a washed Ethiopian and a natural Panamanian — or if you simply want to test your coffee tasting skills against others — here’s your chance. The 2015 Guangzhou International Coffee Cupping Championship is now accepting entries, and you don’t need to be a professional to compete.

The competition runs from September 10 to 12, 2015, and is open to anyone 18 or older. You can enter as an individual or through your company (with limits), and no prior industry experience is required. Just bring your nose and taste buds.

What Is the Guangzhou International Coffee Cupping Championship?

This is the second edition of a professional-level cupping competition held alongside the 13th China (Guangdong) International Hotel Supplies Exhibition. Organised by CREMA Coffee Training and the Guangzhou Xinxijuhua Exhibition Co., Ltd., the event aims to identify and nurture skilled coffee cuppers — professionals capable of evaluating coffee quality and even participating in green bean auctions.

Why This Competition Matters

As specialty coffee grows in China, the ability to assess coffee accurately is in demand. Yet, qualified cuppers — those who can discern fine differences and support sourcing decisions — remain rare. This championship uses international standards to train and identify talent, and to foster exchange among coffee professionals and enthusiasts.

How to Enter the Cupping Championship

Entering is straightforward, but there are a few rules:

• You must be at least 18 years old.
• Open to individuals and organisations, but no more than three participants per company (verified by official stamp).
• Entry fee is ¥300, non-refundable.

Payments can be made via bank transfer or Alipay:

• Bank transfer: Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Account No. 6222 0236 0207 5636 027, Guangzhou Huanghua Gang Technology Office, Account Name: Li Tao.
• Alipay: admin@crema.cn, Account Name: Guangzhou Crema Catering Management Co., Ltd.

Competition Details

The championship takes place September 10–12, 2015, at the China Import and Export Fair Complex, Area A. It runs alongside the 13th China (Guangdong) International Hotel Supplies Exhibition, offering attendees and competitors a vibrant backdrop of the wider hospitality and foodservice industry.

Who Can Compete?

The competition is open to all — no specific industry or job role is required. Whether you’re a barista, roaster, coffee shop owner, or just a passionate coffee drinker, you can apply. Participants may register individually or through their employer, though companies are limited to three entrants maximum.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the 2015 Guangzhou International Coffee Cupping Championship?

The competition takes place from September 10 to 12, 2015, during the 13th China (Guangdong) International Hotel Supplies Exhibition.

Where is the competition being held?

It will be hosted in Area A of the China Import and Export Fair Complex in Guangzhou.

Who can enter the competition?

Any individual aged 18 or older can enter. Both individuals and companies may apply, but no more than three people per company can participate, as confirmed by the company seal on the entry form.

Is prior coffee industry experience required?

No. The competition is open to everyone, regardless of background or profession. It’s designed to find and develop new talent in coffee sensory evaluation.

How much is the entry fee?

The non-refundable entry fee is ¥300. Payment must be made either by bank transfer or Alipay.

How can I pay the entry fee?

You can pay via bank transfer to Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Account No. 6222 0236 0207 5636 027, Account Name: Li Tao, Guangzhou Huanghua Gang Technology Office) or via Alipay (admin@crema.cn, Account Name: Guangzhou Crema Catering Management Co., Ltd.).

Recommended FrontStreet Coffee for Cuppers

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for bright floral and citrus notes, or their Yirgacheffe with juicy berries and lemon acidity — both ideal for training your palate. Their Classic Blend offers balanced chocolate and nut tones for reference. All three are excellent for practising cupping skills. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.