Walcha Coffee has added another seven medals to its growing awards record after competing at Golden Bean Australasia 2026, one of the coffee industry’s largest competitions.
The regional New South Wales roastery secured two silver and five bronze medals from nine entries, competing against more than 750 coffees submitted by roasters from across Australasia.
The results continue a strong run of competition success for the Walcha-based business, with both established blends and specialty coffees recognised across multiple categories.
Walcha Coffee’s medal-winning coffees were:
Silver
- Milk-Based Espresso – Cameron Hayton
- Milk-Based Espresso – Jazz Hayton
Bronze
- Filter Coffee – Cameron Hayton (two medals)
- Milk-Based Espresso – Jazz Hayton (two medals)
- Super Automatic – Jazz Hayton
Founder and head roaster Cameron Hayton said the results were particularly pleasing given the calibre of entries.
“Golden Bean is one of the most respected coffee competitions in the world, and this year the standard was extraordinary. There were more than 750 coffees entered, and earning a medal in any category was a significant achievement.”
While seven coffees earned medals, Hayton said two non-medal-winning entries were among the team’s favourites.
For the first time, Walcha Coffee entered the Elite category with a filter coffee and also submitted a Costa Rican Azul coffee in the Espresso category.
“The Azul was probably one of the most delicious espressos I’ve ever roasted,” Hayton said.
“The elite category coffee was also one of the most expensive coffees we’ve ever purchased. The fact that coffees of that calibre didn’t achieve a medal really demonstrates just how incredibly tough this year’s competition was.”
The company said its Nat Buchanan and Thunderbolt blends again performed strongly in competition.
“Our Nat Buchanan and Thunderbolt blends performed strongly, as they have in previous competitions. They’re coffees we roast every week and they’re a big part of what our customers enjoy every day, so it’s rewarding to see them continue to stand up against the best coffees in the country.”
The awards were presented during a Viking-themed gala dinner attended by coffee professionals from across Australasia following the judging process.
Another highlight for the business was the performance of second-generation roaster Jazz Hayton, who collected three medals.
“Seeing Jazz achieve these results alongside some of the industry’s most experienced competitors is incredibly rewarding. It’s exciting to see the next generation developing their skills and making their mark.”
Walcha Coffee supplies cafés, retailers and consumers across Australia and has built a consistent record of success in coffee competitions over recent years.
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