In specialty coffee, some events become far more than competitions. They influence industry trends, shape reputations, and set new standards for quality across the global coffee community.
The Global Coffee Awards is one of those events.
This year, Alsu Karimova, Head Roaster at Shavi Coffee Roasters, joined the international judging panel—an achievement that marks an important milestone not only in her own career, but also for Shavi Coffee Roasters and the growing specialty coffee scene in Georgia.
Why the Global Coffee Awards Matter
The Global Coffee Awards brings together some of the world’s leading coffee professionals, including roasters, producers, green coffee buyers, educators, and sensory experts. The coffees evaluated here often become benchmarks for the industry, while the competition itself highlights producers, processing methods, and innovations that shape the future of specialty coffee.
Being invited to judge is a recognition of years of professional experience, sensory expertise, and the trust of the international coffee community. It reflects not only technical knowledge but also the ability to evaluate coffees objectively at the highest level.
For a representative of a Georgian coffee roastery to join this panel is both a personal achievement and an important moment for the region.
A Milestone for Georgia’s Coffee Industry
Over the past decade, Georgia has quietly become one of the most exciting emerging specialty coffee markets in the Caucasus. Yet representation from Georgian and other post-Soviet coffee professionals on global industry stages remains relatively rare.
Founded in Tbilisi, Shavi Coffee Roasters has built its reputation through careful sourcing, transparent relationships with producers, and an uncompromising approach to roasting quality.
Alsu’s appointment to the Global Coffee Awards judging panel reflects something much larger than an individual accomplishment. It signals that the expertise being developed within Georgia’s specialty coffee community is increasingly recognized by the international industry.
“It Reminded Me That I’m Doing Everything Right”
The opportunity came after the founders of Shavi Coffee Roasters had been in conversation with the Global Coffee Awards team, exploring ways to become involved with the project.
For Alsu, the invitation represented both excitement and validation.
“I’ve always enjoyed stepping outside my daily routine. Projects like this give my work more meaning. They allow me to travel, meet new people, exchange ideas, and stay inspired.”
She describes the invitation as an important reminder that years of dedication have been worthwhile.
“For me, it was recognition of the work I’ve been doing for all these years. The coffee community is incredibly supportive. Working alongside people who have spent decades in the industry—or who have built projects I’ve admired for years—brings me joy and gives me confidence that I’m moving in the right direction.”
Experience Comes Before Titles
Becoming a coffee judge is not something achieved after a few certification courses.
“The most important thing is experience. You need to taste constantly and keep practicing. There are no shortcuts.”
Formal judge training is limited because participants are already expected to possess a strong sensory foundation. Before evaluations begin, judges calibrate together, tasting and discussing coffees to align their sensory language and scoring standards.
“Our responsibility is to stay consistent and separate personal preferences from objective quality. Sometimes you’re evaluating coffees that you wouldn’t necessarily choose to drink every day, but your role is to respect the work behind each coffee and provide the fairest assessment possible.”
A New Chapter in the United States
When asked what moment in her career ultimately led to this opportunity, Alsu points to an unexpected answer.
“The biggest turning points in my career have always come through major life changes. One of those was moving to the United States.”
Today, she is helping develop Shavi Coffee Roasters’ presence in the U.S., a project she considers one of the most meaningful challenges of her career.
“Many of the things I’m working on now are completely new to me, and I’m happy that I’ve had the courage to take them on.”
Where Specialty Coffee Is Heading
From Alsu’s perspective, specialty coffee continues moving toward cleaner, brighter, and increasingly expressive flavor profiles.
“Experimental fermentations, unique varieties, and co-fermented coffees continue to attract attention. The specialty coffee market has responded very positively to this new wave of experimentation, and I think we’ll see even more exciting ideas from producers over the coming years.”
Bringing Global Experience Back to Shavi
International collaboration continues to influence the way Alsu approaches sourcing and roasting at Shavi Coffee Roasters.
“This experience has helped me better understand the kinds of coffees I want to source for Shavi. Every coffee we purchase—and every decision we make throughout the roasting process—contributes to the identity of our brand.”
Her philosophy remains centered on two principles: consistency and showcasing the unique characteristics of each coffee’s origin.
Becoming Part of a Global Community
Working between the United States and Georgia has strengthened Alsu’s sense of belonging to the international coffee community.
“Being part of the global coffee community means understanding what’s happening across different parts of the world. Trends—both large and small—emerge as responses to change, and I want to be part of that evolution.”
She also finds inspiration in projects led by women throughout the coffee industry.
“I’ve always been inspired by women-led projects—by the way they collaborate, support one another, and build communities. I hope to continue contributing to initiatives like these.”
For Shavi Coffee Roasters, this moment represents far more than another milestone.
It demonstrates that a story which began in Tbilisi now resonates on the international stage, and that the expertise emerging from the Caucasus is becoming part of the global conversation shaping the future of specialty coffee.
Written by Eleonora Tsiteladze, Brand Manager at Shavi Coffee Roasters.
