August 2024 — KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), known for its robust coffee culture and one of the few provinces in South Africa where coffee beans are grown, is set to host a new and exciting coffee competition. The Coffee Colab, a group of local coffee aficionados, in partnership with sugar brand Selati, has announced the launch of The Battle of the Beans. This competition aims to identify the province’s top cappuccinos and single-shot espressos and ultimately create a guide to the best coffee spots for caffeine enthusiasts.
The initiative, inspired by coffee expert and renowned food critic Ingrid Shevlin, also known as The Quean Bean, began earlier this year. Shevlin, the founder of “Shrewd Food” on Facebook, rallied a group of coffee enthusiasts to form a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting their favorite beverage—coffee. Thus, the Coffee Colab was born, with a mission to seize every opportunity to celebrate coffee culture in KZN, starting with an annual competition to discover the region’s coffee royalty.
Reflecting on her journey, Shevlin recalls a conversation 20 years ago with Ralph Bronzin, then proprietor of the KZNSA Arts Café, about crafting the perfect cappuccino. This discussion sparked the creation of a coffee competition that elevated the standards of coffee-making in KZN and recognized the talents of baristas. Though the competition eventually ended, Shevlin, now retired, felt compelled to revive it post-COVID, acknowledging the importance of coffee culture in her home province.
“In KZN, coffee shops are the cornerstone of the hospitality industry, providing spaces for community connection and social engagement. They have survived and thrived, even when many other establishments did not. It’s time to celebrate their resilience and the vital role they play,” Shevlin explains. “Through this competition, we aim to judge both the ethos of coffee shops and the quality of the coffee they serve, while promoting the industry and honoring those who stayed the course.”
A Boost for Local Tourism and Business
Dennis Ngxongo, a fellow founder of the Coffee Colab and veteran of the original KZN coffee competition, highlights the broader impact of the Battle of the Beans. “This goes beyond enjoying a great cup of coffee,” he says. “Both local and international tourism are driving the growth of independent coffee shops and artisanal roasters, providing new opportunities for small businesses to flourish in a hospitality sector that has faced significant challenges.”
He adds, “Durban is on the brink of a much-needed revival, and this competition is our way of contributing to that effort. By showcasing the unique offerings of small coffee shops, we can highlight our entrepreneurs and boost the local economy.”
Coffee remains one of the world’s most popular beverages, with over 166 million 60-kilogram bags consumed globally in 2020/2021. The South African coffee market is expected to grow by 10.52% between 2024 and 2028, reaching an estimated value of R12 billion, according to Statista.
“We may not have exact figures for KZN, but we know this competition will provide local coffee businesses with exposure and recognition for their craft,” says Shirley le Guern, another originator of the Coffee Colab. “Often, small businesses lack the resources to promote themselves effectively. We aim to assist by creating an online guide to the best coffee spots in KZN and more.”
How the Battle Unfolds
The Battle of the Beans is poised to become an annual highlight in KZN. This year, the competition will focus on independent coffee shops—venues where patrons can enjoy coffee without the requirement of a meal—and emerging coffee carts and vans. Each participating venue must have an espresso machine and an active barista. Franchises and mainstream restaurants are excluded from this year’s competition.
A hand-picked panel of judges will visit various establishments incognito, scoring coffee shops across specific regions, including Berea, Central Durban, Durban North, Umhlanga, KwaMashu, the North Coast, Amanzimtoti, the Upper South Coast, Pietermaritzburg, and the KZN Midlands. Top performers in each region, along with the best three coffee shops across the province, will be honored at an awards ceremony later this year.
The coffee community in KZN is encouraged to share their experiences on social media, helping to ensure their favorite spots are considered by the judges. They will also have the opportunity to vote online for their preferred coffee venues.
For more information, please visit: www.thebattleofthebeans.co.za
Media Queries:
- Shirley le Guern: +27 83 301 2809
- Cindy Bottomley: +27 82 494 1220
- Email: whatsbrewing@battleofthebeans.co.za
