Luca Croce, United Kingdom
Gold Box Roastery
Please tell us a little about yourself:
I'm Luca, a barista and brewer based in Newcastle, UK, and the current three-time national Brewers Cup Champion. I work at my family’s roastery, Gold Box, where I focus on brewing, training, and building a sense of community through coffee. I love learning and exploring the science in coffee—whether that’s through competition, innovating new brewing tools, or creating spaces where people can learn together. When I'm not brewing, I'm probably hosting a training session, experimenting with drinks , or putting together a ping pong championship at the café.
What are you excited to do while you are in Jakarta?
I've never been this far across the world before, so I’m really excited to experience Jakarta for the first time. I’m looking forward to exploring the city, trying new foods, and soaking in a completely different culture.
It’s great to also connect with coffee friends from around the world and meet new people too — outside of the competition, I can’t wait to just wander and see what surprises the city has to offer.
What are your interests outside of coffee?
Outside of coffee, I love being in nature—whether that's walking or heading out on a run. I’m really into staying active, so things like swimming, boxing, and generally being outdoors help keep me balanced. I also love getting stuck into creative projects, especially when it comes to designing new coffee gear. Anything that mixes curiosity, focus, and a bit of fun is right up my street.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
Absolutely—there are so many people I want to thank. First, my family and the team at Gold Box Roastery for always supporting me and giving me the space to experiment, train, and grow. A huge thank you to everyone who cupped coffees with me, gave honest feedback, and helped refine the routine. I also want to recognise the producers behind the coffee the Janson Family —none of this is possible without their dedication and craft. Pete for jumping in to the Wave project with me And finally, a big thanks to my coffee community in the UK and beyond—your encouragement means everything.
