New Zealand has a new reason to celebrate its coffee culture.
Auckland barista Hiroko Hanna Teramoto from Mojo Coffee has been crowned the Grand Champion at the prestigious MONIN Coffee Creativity Cup finals held in Kuala Lumpur, after going head to head with competitors from 14 other countries across the region.
The MONIN Cup is a global competition that challenges young baristas and mixologists to push the boundaries of flavour, artistry, and imagination, with a shared vision that coffee can be more than just a drink. Hanna shares that vision, believing “coffee is more than a craft. It’s a language of memory and emotion”.
Hanna’s winning creation “Pink Alchemy”, embodies this idea as it was developed as a tribute to her father’s 80th birthday, celebrated under cherry blossoms. An occasion she couldn’t be present for, but holds dear to her heart. Using MONIN Rose and Cherry Blossom syrups, along other ingredients such as miso, kefir water and of course espresso, these memories were brought to life.
Barista Champion
Hanna’s journey this year has been one of strength, passion and dedication as she has also walked away as National Barista Champion at the NZ Specialty Coffee Association’s Barista Championships just 16 days prior to the MONIN Cup Finals. This left her little time to rest, recover and manage her practice schedule, and the reason why Hanna says she was “the most surprised person in the room” when her name was called out as Champion.
As a long-time partner of the hospitality industry, MONIN is proud to see New Zealand talent shine internationally. “The MONIN Cup is about inspiring the next generation,” says Lisa Walker, MONIN NZ Brand Manager. “We’re thrilled to see Hanna showcase her skills and passion to the world. This is a huge moment for both her and the NZ coffee community.”