On 1 October, International Coffee Day, we celebrate one of the most beloved and iconic drinks in our everyday lives. A product that, behind a seemingly simple gesture, embodies research, technique, training and culture.
We discussed this with **Marco Randazzo, Sales Manager at Brazilcafé**, a long-established coffee roaster based in Vittoria, which for over fifty years has pursued its passion for coffee through tradition, experimentation and professional training. This year, the company will take part in **RHS – Ristora Hotel Sicilia** for the first time, bringing along its **“Jug Of Art”** competition, a challenge dedicated to cappuccino making and latte art, scheduled for **22 February in the Polifemo Area, Hall B2**.
An opportunity to talk about coffee, professional skills and a career that increasingly demands preparation and expertise, while also discovering what awaits participants in the competition.
**With over fifty years of experience in the industry, what does coffee represent for Brazilcafé today? Is it still simply a drink, or has it become something more?**
“Our vision is that coffee should once again become a moment of togetherness. The word ‘espresso’ suggests speed, whereas it should be an opportunity to share, spend time together and exchange new ideas. People are always in such a hurry nowadays, and we would like coffee to become an experience again, especially because consumers today are more attentive and aware of what they drink.”
**Brazilcafé was founded and grew in Vittoria, Sicily, and today has a long history behind it. Can you tell us more about your company and the philosophy that guides your production?**
“The company was founded in 1973, born from the dream of two friends – my grandfather’s brother and the father of my business partners, Alfredo and Giovanni. Like many American success stories, it started out in a basement and gradually expanded into a company employing many people and covering almost the entire Sicilian territory.
Our philosophy remains the same as it was back then: enhancing the quality of our raw materials, promoting greater awareness and building a network based on sharing. We don’t just want to sell coffee. We want bars, restaurants and coffee shops to become part of our world and share that experience with their customers.”
**In 2027, you will be taking part in RHS for the first time. What does exhibiting at an event that brings together so many Ho.Re.Ca. professionals mean for Brazilcafé?**
“Our aim is to increase our visibility. After a little initial hesitation, we are now ready to introduce ourselves to a wider audience. The company has been around for 50 years, but it is made up of many young, dynamic people who are eager to make things happen. We want to show that there is a Sicilian company that focuses not only on its products but also on meeting its customers’ needs.”
**At RHS, you will be presenting “Jug Of Art”, a competition dedicated to cappuccino making and latte art. How did this competition come about, and what is the idea behind its format?**
“This will be the second time we have organised this competition, which is based on the community-driven approach that our company promotes.
We invite anyone who wants to take up the challenge, from coffee lovers to industry professionals, to spin a kind of wheel of fortune and accept the task of preparing an excellent espresso and creating a cappuccino decoration. A jury of national latte art champions will assess each stage of the process and the techniques used before selecting the best cappuccino.
Our goal is to show that coffee shops should be judged not simply as venues, but also, and above all, by the people who bring them to life.”
**How can people register for the competition, and where can they find all the information they need to take part?**
“You can register by contacting us directly through our social media channels or by completing the form on our website.”
