Bluewater Powers Global Coffee Awards Judging with Precision-Built Brewing Water

CHARLESTON, S.C., June15, 2026 — Water quality is taking center stage at one of the coffee industry’s leading international roasting competitions as Swedish water technology company Bluewater partners with the Global Coffee Awards MENA, Africa & Asia 2026 to provide purified, mineral-balanced brewing water for judging.

The event, hosted June 15-17 at Balzac Brothers in Charleston, South Carolina, brings together coffees from leading roasters across the Middle East and North Africa, Africa, and Asia for blind evaluation by industry professionals.

While coffee competitions traditionally focus on origin, processing, roasting, and sensory performance, organizers and judges are increasingly recognizing water as a critical variable in achieving consistent and fair assessment.

Bluewater is supplying water produced through its proprietary SuperiorOsmosis™ purification technology and then remineralized using its LiquidRock™ system to create a controlled brewing standard throughout the competition.

“Coffee is more than 98 percent water, yet water quality is often overlooked when evaluating exceptional coffees,” said Niklas Ivarsson, President of Bluewater USA. “Our goal is to provide a clean, stable foundation that allows judges to experience each coffee as the roaster intended.”

According to Bluewater, its purification technology removes contaminants including PFAS, microplastics, heavy metals, and other substances that can affect flavor and extraction. The company then rebuilds mineral content to support balance, clarity, and consistency in the cup while helping protect brewing equipment from scale buildup.

The partnership reflects a broader trend across specialty coffee, where water chemistry is increasingly viewed as essential to extraction performance, sensory accuracy, equipment longevity, and sustainability.

"For competitors seeking international recognition, the objective is simple: ensure the coffee – not the water – determines the outcome", said Ivarsson..

For more information, please contact Niklas Ivarsson at niklas.ivarsson@bluewatergroup.com

About Bluewater
Founded in 2013 in Stockholm, Sweden, Bluewater aims to be the world’s most planet-friendly water purification and beverage company. The company designs hydration solutions for home, work and public settings, with products used by consumers, hospitality businesses, venues, events and educational institutions worldwide. Bluewater has received multiple international design and innovation awards, including two Fast Company World Changing Ideas Awards and a 2024 and 2025 GOOD DESIGN® Award.

Discover more about Bluewater here: https://www.bluewatergroup.com