Charlotte Malaval – Freelance Barista

All CoLab: Antwerp 'coffeetalks' - by speakers such as Charlotte Malaval, Emma Sage and Stephen Morrissey - were produced by our content partner Tamper Tantrum. We'll be releasing the videos of these talks over the next months so we keep fuelling discussion and building an inventory of knowledge. Don't hesitate to share your comments, thoughts or any additional reading links.

It's time for us to release some of the inspirational talks from CoLab: Antwerp and what better way to start than with reigning French Barista Champion, Charlotte Malaval. Charlotte will represent her native country of France this week at the World Barista Championships in Dublin. Her second shot at the title for World Barista Champion will (fingers crossed!) see her at least match her 2015 position of sixth place. 

Malaval has come a long way in her short four-year period as a barista. Unlike many coffee professionals, she began her career as an independent barista – not identifying herself with any particular brand or business – a barista for hire! But like many she began her career with that one defining espresso that forever changes your perception of how coffee should taste. Creating a niche role for herself in France where the specialty coffee market was steadily growing, Charlotte made a strong foundation in the industry forming a new partnership with Italien Barista Champion, Francesco Sanapo. 

With advice on do's and don'ts, this talk is a must for baristas considering the option of freelance as a future career path.

We wish Charlotte all the best in Dublin this week. Bonne Chance!

Further Reading

Event LecturesSpecialty Coffee AssociationCoLab Antwerp, Tamper Tantrum, Talks, Dialogue