Roosa Jalonen, United Kingdom

Forest Green Coffee

Tell us about yourself:

I work as the European Sales Director for Forest Green Coffee. My main areas of sales are UK and Nordics, but I also overlook the rest of the European Sales.

My first ever competition was in 2016 and I got to represent Finland (where I am originally from) in the Cup Tasters world championships in Brazil in 2018. In 2022 I coached my friend Claire Wallace for the WBC and we came 3rd in the world! For the past 14 years I have been living in the UK and I am so glad to be representing my "second home country" in the WBC.

I wanted to compete as I wish to be a role model for younger and other women in the industry to show that there is also a place for women in these competitions, despite they have been historically ruled by men. When I first got into the industry in 2011 there were so few women in the industry to look up to, or they were hard to find, but I believe competitions are a way to get my voice heard.

I got into the industry when studying in Helsinki University. Despite coffee being a huge part of my culture, I knew very little about it in 2011 when I started working as a barista for a specialty cafe. It was my second week working in the cafe when I learned about the plant, roasting and latte art and I think I was pretty much straight away hooked...

What are you excited to do while you visit Busan?

I am excited to meet some old friends from around the world but also to meet new friends! I looooove to visit all the cafes leading up to the competition and to just talk and get to know people :)

What are your interests outside of coffee?

Wine, baking, and CrossFit.

Is there anyone you would like to thank or recognize or who helped you to prepare for the WBC?

My coach Claire who helped me to win the UK.