Project Description
Ecuador
Mario Idrovo
Sweet & Coffee / Café del Ecuador
Please tell us a little bit about yourself:
I’m a coffee professional that loves to interact with everyone from seed to the final cup. I love spreading coffee culture and knowledge anywhere I go. My goal is to be a world renowned coffee professional and to dedicate my life to a better world through coffee.
What are you excited to do while you are in Seoul?:
Im excited to finally visit my favorite coffee shop in the world and try their best coffees sourced by long time friend Pil Hoon Seu of Coffee Libre.
Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:
Barista competitions I have participated in :
Ecuador Barista Championship 2014 (10th)
Ecuador Barista Championship 2015 (7th)
Ecuador Barista Championship 2016 (1st)
I have been a judge for various national cupping of quality coffee like: Taza Dorada Arabica Ecuador, Taza Dorada Robusta Ecuador, and Cata de Café de Quito.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize, or who helped you to prepare for the WBC?:
My family, Jaco, and coffee friends for their support throughout the years. And my sponsors which have helped me along my coffee journey. Main Sponsor: Sweet & Coffee Ecuador. Co Sponsor: Ernesto Illy Foundation. Equipment Sponsors: Cafecom SA Motta Metallurgica Acaia Coffee Scales, ACME Cups, Kruve Sifter.
How do you see the coffee industry changing in the future?:
I think the coffee industry will need to evolve and adapt. There are many things going against it and most people aren’t even aware. Climate change, unfair prices for producers, unsustainable practices , among other things are part of what us as coffee professionals must tackle and find a solution in order to continue thriving in this industry. I think by working together the coffee industry could set an unprecedented example in sustainability to the world in general. One of my main goals is to be a part of this change.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?:
I see myself working in coffee. Most likely in my country of Ecuador, helping farmers and promoting specialty coffee culture. I would love to be an exporter and have my own chain of specialty coffee shops. I would love to work with farmers in order to innovate and bring the best quality possible to the market. I see myself teaching barista courses, cupping courses, roasting courses and anything related to coffee to make this more interesting to emerging professionals.
What are your interests outside of coffee?:
My life circles around coffee but I’m also a Civil Engineer. I love to play drums, go to concerts, enjoy music, ride on my bike with my girlfriend with no destination. Travelling is also a passion of mine. I love meeting new people and inspiring them to follow their dreams as I have done following mine. I just finished a Masters Degree in Coffee Economics & Science in Italy so maybe my next step would be to get a PHD with a coffee thesis in mind.
