Re:co teams to debate: should we give customers what they want?

The New Zealand Specialty Coffee Association (NZSCA) and World Coffee Event’s Re:co will provide the platform for a heated specialty coffee debate in Auckland this November. On the first day of the symposium 18 November, Re:co will ask two teams to consider: We should give our customers what they want, not tell them what they want. James Hoffman the head of London’s iconic Square Mile Coffee Roasters and a former World Barista Champion will lead the debate team arguing the proposition. While, Nicholas Cho, the Co-founder of San Francisco’s Wrecking Ball Coffee Roasters will argue against the idea. “The debate will be arbitrated by a doyen of New Zealand specialty coffee, Chris Dillon,” said NZSCA. “This promises to be a highlight at Re:co – we can’t wait to see Hoffmann and Cho lock horns.” Re:co, or Regarding Coffee, which celebrates new ways of thinking and concepts for building a successful business, will see Coffee Supreme’s Al Keating lead proceedings in a Master of Ceremonies role. Fellow New Zealander, Lewis Road Creamery’s Peter Cullinane has been announced as a local speaker. Bennet Cross, the New Store Opening Specialist at Blue Bottle Coffee, which was founded in Oakland, California, will share his experiences working with one of the United States most well-known specialty coffee companies. James Hoffmann worked with Peter Giuliano, Senior Director of Symposium for the SCAA, to direct Re:co’s debut event in Gothenburg in June. “The point of the symposium is about bringing people together, sharing their ideas and generating some discussion,” said James. In keeping with the original concept, NZSCA said it wants to ensure the symposium promotes an open discussion and a meeting of minds. Attendees are invited to networking drinks on the first evening, and a dinner on the second, in conjunction with the two days of discussions. The NZSCA has sent out a reminder to the coffee community this week that early bird ticket prices ends on 15 October. Re:co NZ will be held at the Museum of Transport and Technology Aviation Hall in Auckland from 18 – 19 November.
  Pictured: Square Mile Roasters' James Hoffmann