Christopher Abrahams
South Africa
Ciro Beverage Solutions
Please tell us a little about yourself:
I am one of a twin. I’ve been in the coffee industry for 6 years now and it has been an amazing journey thus far. I currently work for a company called Ciro Beverage Solutions, as a Coffee Excellence Junior Sales Ambassador.
My passion for latte art all began from the first day I was exposed to it. It truly caused a rush of excitement within me and knew that this was something I’d love, being reasonably artistic myself. My interests are engineering, trucks and coffee!
How did you get started in coffee?:
I was a law student at the time and got a job opportunity to work for Ciro Beverage Solutions. This was the beginning of my coffee journey. I was fortunate enough to get a job within the company, which involved barista training. It is 6 years later and I find myself still working for the same company.
Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:
I have participated in regional and national competitions in South Africa. I have competed in both the Barista and Latte art competitions. I was the runner-up South African Latte Art Champion last year and this year I am lucky enough to be the current South African Latte Art Champion. This will be my first World Latte Art Championship, of which I am truly excited about!
What are you excited to do while you are in Brazil?:
It is truly going to be an exciting, as well an interesting time. I will be getting married a few days before the competition, so it’ll be the first time for me to travel as a married man. The trip to Brazil will therefore be a honeymoon, as well as an opportunity to compete at the World Latte Art Championship. We hope to explore the country and hopefully get to go on our first coffee farm visit.
What is the most unusual vessel you have poured latte art into?:
In a porta filter, using a blind basket.
What is your secret to making great latte art?:
To me it is all about using a suitable milk pitcher, to design certain patterns, along with hard work, dedication and a wild imagination!
What are your interests outside of coffee?:
My interests outside of coffee is engineering and trucks. I have always been fascinated with the world of engineering across all sectors, as I love learning about how things work. Trucks has been my interest since I’ve been a kid. The smell of diesel excites me and the feeling of driving a heavy vehicle, while the engine roars with power, is absolutely exhilarating!
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?:
In 5 years time, I truly hope to be the first South African Latte Artist to make the semi-finals or even the top 6. A personal goal of mine is also to represent South Africa at the world stage in another competition, either Barista, Cup Tasters, or Aeropress.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the competition?:
I’d like to thank Esther Maasdam for all her help and advice prior to the competition. She is an amazing inspiration and a true ambassador for the coffee industry. I’d also like to thank the previous South African Latte Art Champions for all their help. I’d like to thank Ciro Beverage Solutions for everything they have done as a company for me and lastlty, I’d like to thank my Wife to be, Shannon, for all her support throughout this process.
—
