Cole Torode
Canada
Rosso Coffee Roasters
Please tell us a little about yourself:
I’m 27 years old, born and raised in Calgary, Canada. I’ve been working in coffee for around 10 years now, and love the specialty coffee scene that’s developed in Calgary and overall in Canada. I currently work as a barista trainer, green coffee buyer, and Director of Coffee at Rosso Coffee Roasters.
What are you excited to do in Boston?:
I’ve never visited Boston, so I’m excited to just see the city. There’s so much history there that I’m excited to just walk around, seeing amazing architecture and getting lost on the streets. I’m also a fan of the NBA, so if the scheduling works out to see a Celtics game, that’d be really exciting. I of course have to visit the legendary George Howell and tour the coffee scene in Boston!
Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:
I’ve been competing in the Barista Competition since 2011. Most notably:
2019 – 1st Place
2018 – 1st Place
2017 – 3rd Place
2013 – 2nd Place
In 2018 I was a semi-finalist in Coffee Masters London, and a quarter-finalist in Coffee Masters NY.
How do you see the coffee industry changing in the future?:
I think we’re going to see a ton of changes in the near future. With the C-market price where it is right now, I know there are many people working on solutions, so hopefully a positive change comes there. I’d love to see a more connected producer-roaster/barista world.
On the barista side, I think story-telling and unique approaches to service are two ways we can bring more value backward to see positive change for producers. I think we’ll see a lot of outside-the-box ‘experience’ cafés open in the near future.
Where do you see yourself in five years?:
I’m hoping in 5 years I’ll still be doing what I am today. I’d love to play with a few different concepts for an outside-the-box café.
What are your interests outside of coffee?:
Outside of coffee, I love being outdoors, playing sports – mainly basketball, but I’m an avid fan of board games and/or card games, exploring the world of wine, beer, and spirits. I also really enjoy gardening, though I currently have no garden.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the WBC?:
My team at Rosso Coffee Roasters – Dave, Jess, Paul, Nelson, Steven, Taylor and more. The team at La Palma y El Tucan. Many friends globally who have helped push me to reach and prepare for this moment.
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