Barista Seed to Cup 2024 – My Year in Review.
- Adeola Peter Akingbade
- Jan 18, 2025
- 5 min read
I entered 2024 with mixed emotions, wondering if the year would bring enough challenges to keep me on my toes. Over time, I’ve grown accustomed to challenges being the norm, fueling my growth and ambitions. When I didn’t see them immediately, I resolved to create my own through work, life, career goals, and the competition space. Looking back, it’s safe to say 2024 delivered, and here’s how.
January: A Promising Start
January is always special—it’s my birthday month and my time to start the year on a high note. Unlike holidays like Christmas or New Year, I don’t feel the need to celebrate extravagantly. Every day is a new day.
This January brought early success as I secured 2nd place in A Shot In The Dark 2023/2024 season for Laura Coffee. Competing against 28 roasters from five GCC countries, it was tough, but my team and I pulled off a great roast and earned a proud finish.
Shortly after, I competed in The Baristas League for the first time, where my team placed 4th. It was a fun experience with lessons learned.
February: Sweet Wins Amid Challenges
February saw another podium finish as I placed 2nd in the Marriot Downtown Abu Dhabi Latte Art Competition, competing against over 40 participants. The finals were tricky, but reaching the final felt like a win already. The No Pressure Vibe :)
However, not everything went smoothly. I was supposed to attend the Q Processing Level 2 course in Ethiopia, but visa issues dashed my plans. After flying to Addis Ababa and completing all requirements, I was still denied entry. It was disheartening, but I chose to see it as their loss, with hope to join the program in Rwanda in 2025.
March: A New Chapter
March was monumental for my family as we welcomed our second son, Oriola Leo Akingbade, born on 03/03/2024. His arrival brought immense joy, and his older brother, Oriola Sky Akingbade, was thrilled to meet him.
Coincidentally, the same day marked a professional milestone—our head barista won a Latte Art Throwdown, taking 2nd place. Meanwhile, with Leo still with mama at the hospital, Oriola Sky and I went to Dubai to compete in the UAE National Cup Tasters Championship. Though I correctly identified 7 out of 8 cups, the timing wasn’t enough to progress further. Still, I celebrated the experience and new lessons learned.
April: Trials and Triumphs
April was a whirlwind. During Ramadan, I juggled projects, roasting, and preparations for a potential trip to Italy. Though I had the documents to represent UAE as a Lavazza Barista Winner, this year’s invitations were limited to champions, unlike 2022/2023. While disappointed, I set my sights on future wins.
On the brighter side, I received an email from The Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) confirming my acceptance into their Assistant Instructor Program for Post-Harvest Processing (PHP) cohort. This recognition boosted my motivation.
May: Growth and Reflection
May marked a turning point for Laura Coffee as we expanded operations. For the first time, we received 5 bags of 60kg Uganda Natural Beans from the Kisiizi region. That same day, we welcomed a new team member, Fahrul from Indonesia, and began CQI Lecturer training. By mid-May, I officially became a CQI Lecturer in Post-Harvest Processing
Our Stronghold roasting machine began its journey from Korea, along with packaging materials from China. The month was filled with exciting developments, including customizing drip coffee bags for retail.
June: Learning and Competing
June was all about deep cleaning, preparation, and competition. We stripped down the ROEST machine for thorough cleaning, (Click here to read the full blog about ROEST cleaning), and hosted our first SCA Sensory Class at Laura Coffee, led by Mr. Samson the Slick Barista.
By June 5th, I was certified as a CQI Assistant Instructor in Post-Harvest Processing (PHP), in addition to being certified a Lecturer in PHP by mild May.
Early that month, I competed in The Ultimate Barista Challenge 2024, hosted by Cypher Urban Roastery. It was intense, with four rounds: Latte Art, Brewing, Speed Drill, and Cup Tasters. I ranked 3rd overall, dedicating the win to my 3-month-old son, Oriade Leo, born 3rd month of the year, turned 3 month and got a 3rd place trophy.
July: Expansion and Preparation
July welcomed our Stronghold S9x roasting machine, to activate our wholesale roasting line. This South Korean electric air roaster aligns perfectly with Laura Coffee’s brand values of sustainability and efficiency.
Meanwhile, preparations for the UAE National Brewers Cup were in full swing. Between managing operations and competitions, I stayed focused on curating my routines.
August: A Month of Wins
August brought a major win as I became the Champion of the UAE Aeropress Championship for Ajman Emirate, competitor was over 400 participants nationwide, highest world record so far. Though I didn’t win the National title, and winning the regional, and being the only African champion and finalist was a proud moment.
The month also saw growth for Laura Coffee, with roasting line activation, hiring, and family milestones. My son, Oriola Leo, received his Nigerian passport, ready for more adventures.
September: Lessons in Balance
September was overwhelming yet rewarding. We hired three new team members, installed the Stronghold S9x ventilation system, and secured a three-month Laura Coffee contract with ADNOC offices.
1.2 tons green received. Steady growth, marked by our largest coffee shipment yet: 20 bags of 60kg of Papua New Guinea Washed Coffee.
October: Operations and Refinement
October focused on operations, profiling on the Stronghold machine, and fine-tuning exhaust venting issues. I spent much of the month on the road, balancing competition prep with green bean sourcing and roasting production.
November: Pushing Limits
November was intense, with back-to-back competitions. I was proud to win 1st place at the Smara Barista Championship, showcasing my signature drink, the Smara Dragon. Though I faced challenges at the UAE National Brewers Cup, I valued the feedback on my beans—a Honduran Geisha and a Colombian Pink Bourbon, the blend delivered.
On a personal note, I completed my first public run during the Zayed Charity Run, guided by a friend, Bogdan.
December: Ending on a High Note
December brought reflection and new passions. I participated in the ADNOC Marathon, completing 5km run and ranking 46th out of over 4800 participants.
Excitingly, my team was selected for the UAE National Latte Art Competition 2025, and I confirmed my participation in the Abu Dhabi Gahwa Championship 2025.
Looking Ahead
2024 was a year of growth, challenges, and triumphs, setting the stage for an even better 2025. With gratitude for the lessons and wins, I’m ready to take on the next chapter.
Here’s to thriving in 2025! Thank you for stopping by, I’ll catch you up in the next blog, don’t forget to subscribe to my news letter so you get the notification on my next blog. If you are in the Emirates, feel free to pass by at Laura Coffee and enjoy your coffee with me. Bye and peace out.
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