ASCA: Association on a mission

Australian Specialty Coffee Association

Newly elected ASCA President Bruno Maiolo shares his personal journey and Australian Specialty Coffee Associaiton’s plans moving forward.

While I’ve been lucky enough to meet many of you in the coffee community, let me reintroduce myself in my new role as President of the Australian Specialty Coffee Association, and the new Board’s plans.

Bruno Maiolo
Bruno Maiolo is President of the Australian Specialty Coffee Association.

Personally, I have been consistently active in the coffee industry for many years, and in ASCA since its inception. Coffee is all I know. I have worked (or rather, had fun) in the coffee industry all my life, meeting interesting people, travelling to origin to source green beans, importing into Australia, roasting, educating, consulting and operating business in both retail and wholesale sectors, sharing knowledge and great coffee.

Driven by a strong passion to make a positive difference in the lives of those less fortunate, I channel my energy and resources into grass roots social projects in healthcare, education, recycling, and sustainability.

Coffee is relationships – all the way from the workers at the farm to the end consumer. Unfortunately a lack of transparency, limited access to information and resources, and no recognition of the value added by all in the supply chain, has resulted in a system that is not positive, or sustainable. We must all work towards cultivating a more sustainable and equitable future.

Thanks to the generous financial support of sponsors, tireless efforts of our Board, a national army of volunteers, the support of our valued members – ASCA continues to evolve.

COMPETITION UPDATE
We have many passionate coffee competitors in Australia. Unfortunately, the ongoing impact of COVID-19 means that the World Coffee Championships are on hold for now, pending World Coffee Events announcements. Our Regional and National Championships will likely be commencing March/April 2022.

OUR MISSION
ASCA commits to becoming ever more inclusive in pursuit of its mission to grow and support the entire coffee industry throughout Australia. Seeking to raise standards across all sectors, demonstrating its core values to:

  • Show Leadership and advocate for our members. 
  • Champion Sustainability throughout the whole supply chain.
  • Drive more Connection across our entire coffee community.
  • Conduct ourselves Ethically and always work in the best interests of our industry.

ACTIVITY UPDATE
The sharing of knowledge and skills is critical to the specialty coffee industry moving forward. ASCA is establishing an Education Sub-Committee. Subscribe to our newsletter and social media for updates or reach out directly to education@aasca.com.

Local expertise and involvement is key to supporting ASCA with a renewed focus to establish regional Sub-Committees, connecting the association’s resources and initiatives within the local community.

ASCA’s other initiatives include the establishment of a new Café Membership, the development of a new website enabling smoother transactions and better access to information.

ASCA is a volunteer-led and powered association. Together with you, our members, we are strong and can continue to curate our specialty coffee culture. Help shape our industry for the benefit of all. Your involvement is critical to our success. 

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Subscribe to the ASCA newsletter at www.australianspecialtycoffee.com.au and connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for the latest news.

You can reach us at info@aasca.com. 

This article appears in the June 2021 edition of BeanScene. Subscribe HERE.

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