Vini’s Blog – AST Live
Vini Arruda (right), Coffee Development Manager Java Republic, with David Veal (left), SCAE Director, at AST Live in Dublin.
Authorised SCAE (Speciality Coffee Association of Europe) Trainer
First things first, what exactly is an AST? AST stands for an Authorised SCAE (Speciality Coffee Association of Europe) Trainer. Still confused? In short, it’s a coffee trainer who’s officially qualified to teach the SCAE Coffee Diploma System. And there aren’t many of us; in fact, in Ireland, there are only 4 qualified ASTs & globally there is a mere 750 people who have achieved the qualification.
Coffee Diploma System – SCAE
AST Live was the first time that the ASTs of Europe were invited to come together under one roof to talk all things coffee. Lectures were given from leading experts such as Graciano Cruz, on the importance of farmer education in Ethopia, & from Annemarie Tiemes who spoke about the new World Competitions Education Programme. We also partook in different modules based around the Professional levels of the Coffee Diploma System that is taught by the SCAE.
For me the highlight of the event was the brewing module because by getting hands on and making coffee with other ASTs we can learn together to develop and refine best practice in our industry.
To be part of the very first AST Live & the fact that it was held in Dublin only a year before World Barista Championships come here was hugely exciting but to also have the opportunity, with the team in Java Republic, to roast all of the coffee for the event was something really special.
AST Live really was all about coming together with like-minded coffee people from all around Europe to talk about what we are passionate about & I cannot wait for the next one. Long live AST Live!
Until next time,
Vini.
Vini is a SCAE qualified AST who was also the first qualified Q Grader in Ireland. He chairs the SCAE Ireland Education Committee as well as teaching many of the SCAE Education courses. In Java Republic, Vini’s role as Coffee Development Manager sees him ensuring that Java Republic remain at the cutting edge of what’s happening in the coffee industry as well as ensuring that the company maintain only the highest standards of coffee education.
