Adrian Berg
Norway
Dromedar
Please tell us a little about yourself:
I’m a 29 year old Norwegian coffee enthusiast. I’ve worked as a barista for seven years now and I’ve been competing for six. Every day I learn something new and my interest in coffee has never stopped growing. I discovered specialty coffee at a Best of Panama cupping at Prufrock in London in 2011. There was a naturally processed geisha from Panama on the table that blew my mind. After that there was no going back.
What are you excited to do in Boston?:
It’s my first time in Boston and I can’t wait to try out the coffee shops and restaurants. I also hope to get some sightseeing done and visit Bunker Hill. Competing in the WBC is a tremendous opportunity to meet my heroes in the coffee industry, so I hope to make a few friends during my stay in Boston as well.
Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:
2014 – 3rd Place Norwegian Brewers Cup
2017 – 3rd Place Norwegian Barista Championship
2019 – 1st Place Norwegian Barista Championship
These are the ones worth mentioning. The other times I did not make it to the finals.
How do you see the coffee industry changing in the future?:
There will be an increased focus on customer service and recruiting new coffee drinkers. The industry, at least in Norway, has grown exponentially, but the customer base has not. Specialty coffee will have to reach a wider audience and customer service and inclusiveness will play an important role.
Where do you see yourself in five years?:
I’d like to continue doing exactly what I’m doing now. Learning, brewing, roasting, having fun, and sharing everything I love about coffee with my customers.
What are your interests outside of coffee?:
Playing video games, reading books, and baking with sourdough. But really my life is 90 per cent coffee.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the WBC?:
My friend and colleague Erlend Wessel-Berg, who I competed alongside for the national championship and who became the Norwegian Brewers Cup Champion. I’d also like to thank my wife for the patience and support while I pursue my dreams.
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