Durban — KwaZulu‑Natal’s independent coffee scene is in the spotlight again as the Battle of the Beans (BOB) 2026 enters its third year. The competition, organised by the Coffee Colab and sponsored by Selati Sugar, seeks to recognise the province’s best independent coffee shops, To‑Go outlets and baristas.
How the contest works
Organisers say the contest is built on regional judging and secret visits by a large panel of coffee specialists. A team of over 30 judges will travel across the province — from the North Coast and South Coast, through Durban and the Highway to the Midlands — conducting incognito assessments of coffee quality and the overall coffee‑drinking experience.
- Initial rounds: incognito visits to independent coffee shops and To‑Go outlets.
- Regional selection: top three coffee shops per region plus one To‑Go outlet and one regional barista.
- Provincial judging: regional winners are re‑assessed by a specialist team to determine the top three coffee shops, the best To‑Go outlet and the top barista in KZN.
Local value chain and skills spotlight
The Coffee Colab emphasises that KZN is one of only two South African provinces that process coffee from bean to brew. This vertical presence — from coastal farms to local roasters and baristas — gives KZN a unique role in the national coffee landscape, organisers say. The competition aims to boost visibility for small independent businesses while celebrating craftsmanship across the value chain.
“As one of only two provinces that process coffee from bean to brew, we believe that KZN has an important role to play in developing South Africa’s coffee culture,” said marketing guru and coffee judge Bongani Mthiyane.
The event is also overseen by Battle of the Beans founder Ingrid Shevlin, a food critic and long‑time coffee lover, who compiles an updated Guide to Good Coffee Drinking in KZN alongside the competition. The guide is intended to help consumers find quality independent coffee destinations across the province.
Practical implications for coffee businesses and consumers
For independent cafés and mobile outlets, participation offers exposure and benchmarked feedback from trained judges. For consumers, the competition and the published guide provide a curated list of places to visit, highlighting standards in beverage quality and customer experience.
Organisers expect the regional judging to produce a shortlist that will be reassessed by a specialist team to determine the provincial winners. The awards will include:
| Category | Recognition |
|---|---|
| Top Coffee Shops (per region) | Top three per region; provincial top three |
| To‑Go Outlet | One regional winner; one provincial winner |
| Barista | One regional barista winner; provincial top barista |
Who’s behind the competition
The competition is run by the Coffee Colab, a non‑profit collective of six coffee enthusiasts and media/marketing professionals who aim to elevate KZN’s coffee profile nationally. Sponsor Selati Sugar supports the event, which now reaches its third year.
What to expect next
Regional winners will be announced after the two judging rounds and will then face a specialist provincial panel for final ranking. The updated guide produced by Shevlin will accompany the competition, offering coffee lovers a refreshed resource for finding recommended spots across KZN.
For independent owners, this is both an opportunity and a test: the competition rewards consistency — from espresso shots to customer service. For residents and visitors to Durban, the North Coast, South Coast and Midlands, Battle of the Beans provides a snapshot of a maturing coffee culture rooted in local production and skilled brewing.
Coverage of the regional winners and the provincial ceremony will follow once organisers release the shortlist.
