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While the coffee and tea industries have tradition- The Fusion of Tea and Coffee level of care and attention, whether they are ordering and push the boundaries of what can be achieved with
ally evolved separately, their convergence offers a a cappuccino or a specialty tea blend. The influence of coffee and tea.”
promising frontier for innovation and growth. By em- Bernadine Tay’s journey into the tea industry is social media on the beverage industry cannot be un- These competitions play a crucial role in setting and
bracing collaboration, these industries can create a more deeply rooted in her Singaporean heritage, where tea was derstated, with platforms like Instagram and TikTok raising industry standards. By adhering to rigorous judg-
sustainable, inclusive, and dynamic future, enriching both an integral part of everyday life. Although her back- driving trends and encouraging continuous innovation ing criteria and encouraging innovation, they help estab-
the cultural heritage and the modern beverage landscape. ground is in Biomedical Science, her passion for culture, among beverage companies. Bernadine explains, “Social lish best practices that elevate the quality and consisten-
To understand more about the intersection of coffee travel, and wellness led her to the world of tea. Reflect- media has amplified the reach of new beverage trends, cy of coffee and tea products. This fosters a culture of
and tea, we spoke with Bernadine Tay, Tea Concepts ing on her path, she says, “My love for culture, travel, making it easier for consumers to find and share unique excellence, encouraging continuous improvement and
Hospitality Consultant and Founding Director at the and wellness really fuels my work in blending and de- tea and coffee experiences.” professional development. “Competitions set high stan-
European Speciality Tea Association; Arnaud Petitvallet, signing unique tea and botanical blends.” This blend of dards that everyone in the industry strives to meet,”
Founder of Wize Tea; Eric Rukwaya, Relationships Man- personal passion and professional expertise has unique- The Role of Competitions in Driving Inno- Bernadine adds. “They not only recognize the best talents
ager at Rwanda Farmers Coffee Company; Binny Var- ly positioned her within the industry, allowing her to vation but also inspire others to improve their skills and adopt
ghese, Coffee Consultant & Trainer; and Susmit Pratik, craft experiences that go beyond mere beverages. new techniques. This constant drive for excellence ben-
Managing Director at Ketlee. The contemporary beverage landscape is marked Competitions play a pivotal role in the coffee and tea in- efits the entire industry.”
by a fascinating trend towards fusion beverages, com- dustries, showcasing the exceptional skills of baristas and Reflecting on the broader implications, Bernadine notes,
bining elements of tea and coffee. Bernadine observes, tea sommeliers while driving innovation and elevating “What we see in competitions often sets the stage for
“As consumers share their discoveries and seek out new industry standards. These events provide a platform for future trends. The innovation that comes out of these
trends online, they are becoming more adventurous in professionals to demonstrate their expertise and creativity, events can lead to the development of new products and
their choices, demanding unique and high-quality offer- inspiring new trends and product developments. Barista flavor profiles that consumers haven’t experienced be-
ings. This heightened curiosity is complemented by an and tea sommelier competitions highlight the advanced fore. It’s a powerful driver of progress in the industry.”
expectation of exceptional quality both at home and out skills and techniques that professionals bring to the table. Looking ahead, Bernadine is optimistic about the future
of home, pushing brands to innovate continuously.” This Participants are challenged to push the boundaries of their of collaborative ventures and fusion beverages. She en-
trend reflects deeper shifts in consumer preferences craft through intricate latte art, precision brewing methods, visions a landscape where tea and coffee coexist more
towards personalized and high-quality offerings, with and the creation of unique tea blends. Events such as the harmoniously, each enhancing the other’s strengths.
drinks like Dirty Chai and Matcha Coffee exemplifying World Barista Championship and the International Tea “We’re just at the beginning of what’s possible,” she says.
the innovative blend of tea and coffee. Masters Cup attract top talent globally, showcasing excel- The potential for new, exciting, and health-conscious
Collaborative ventures between coffee and tea lence in coffee and tea preparation. beverages is vast, driven by ongoing collaboration and
companies are becoming increasingly common, driven Bernadine, who has attended several competitions, em- innovation within the industry. Competitions will con-
by shared values and market demands. Bernadine high- phasizes their importance: “Competitions are a fantastic tinue to play a crucial role in this evolution, fostering a
lights that these partnerships often succeed when both way for baristas and tea sommeliers to demonstrate their culture of excellence and creativity that benefits both
entities are committed to quality, sustainability, and skills and creativity. They bring out the best in people professionals and consumers.
exceptional customer experiences. “It’s about finding
common ground and leveraging each other’s strengths,”
she notes. Cross-promotion and co-branded products
allow companies to tap into each other’s customer bases,
fostering a broader appreciation for both beverages.
Baristas play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between
tea and coffee cultures. Their expertise and passion for
craft beverages are instrumental in introducing customers
to new experiences. Bernadine emphasizes, “The psychol-
ogy of coffee baristas underscores a profound passion for
craft, an aspect that could seamlessly translate into an
appreciation for well-crafted tea, thereby elevating the
beverage industry.” Baristas, renowned for their dedication
to mastering the intricate details of coffee preparation, view
their craft not just as a job but as an art form that demands
precision and creativity. This commitment to quality and
craftsmanship, along with their engagement with the com-
munity, positions them well to embrace and enhance the
world of well-crafted tea.
Training baristas to be knowledgeable about both
tea and coffee ensures that customers receive the same

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