Project Description
Greece
Panagiotis Matziounis
Roasters Kolektiva
Please tell us a little bit about yourself:
Owner of Matziounis Coffee Roasting business est.1954, creator of the Roasters Kolektiva project, coffee lover and proud father of two. Coffee roasting for me is an artistic expression, and an activity that fascinates me more and more as I get deeper into the philosophy of coffee. Winning the 1st Hellenic Coffee Roasting Championship has been a dream come true, but also has rewarded the work of three generations, and our everyday effort to provide coffee of excellent quality. I feel honoured to represent Greece in this worldwide competition and wish the best to all of us.
How did you get started in coffee?
I became engaged in coffee from a young age, since my family owned a coffee roasting business. It was a family tradition that started back in 1954, when my grandfather bought his first roaster. I have always been studying and working on the philosophy of coffee. In 2007, I undertook the management of the company. Since then I’ve tried to combine 60 years experience with constant education and research, in order to develop my skills and create fresh and innovative concepts.
Please list the coffee competitions you have participated in, what year they took place, and your results:
Winner of the 1st Hellenic Roasting Championship, 2017.
What roaster do you currently roast on?
I decided to work with Greek companies, so I use a 30kg coffee roaster from ALECOS and a 15-18kg coffee roaster from Coffeetool.
How did you learn how to roast coffee?
I learnt roasting from my grandfather and father, but I am constantly educating myself through seminars, by exchanging opinions with roasting specialists, and by spending lots and lots of hours on coffee roasting!
What are your interests outside of coffee?
Coffee is not just a job but also a hobby. I try to divide my spare time between family activities and sports.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
My plan and wish is to improve myself and my coffee knowledge. I want to have access to the best coffees, and to develop Roasters Kolektiva into an international brand where I can share my passion and coffees of unique quality with coffee enthusiasts from all over the world.
Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognise, or who helped you to prepare for the WCRC?
First and foremost, my coach, Anastasios Kodellas, certified SCA Barista trainer, and my co-competitor in the Hellenic Roasting Championship, Giorgos Spithakis, for their support, guidance and valuable opinions. Moreover, the companies Coffeetool and Eurogat for providing the equipment and technical support. And of course, my family and my team in Roasters Kolektiva who have always been there for me in my every-day effort to reach excellence.
What are you excited to do while you are in Guangzhou?
I cannot wait to meet coffee roasting experts from all over the world, to exchange knowledge, to develop my self through them and to present my abilities. I am also thrilled to visit China, a county whose culture I have always admired, so I will try to manage my time as best possible in order to gain as many new experiences as possible.
