Yunus Çakmak: Elevating Türkiye’s Coffee Culture Through Expertise and Mentorship

As a Coffee Specialist, Authorized SCA Trainer (AST), and a key figure in Türkiye’s coffee industry, Yunus Çakmak has dedicated over 20 years to the world of coffee. His journey began in 2005 at one of Turkey’s largest coffee chains, but his passion for learning took him beyond borders. He trained with some of the world’s finest baristas in Italy, the UK, the Netherlands, and Germany, continuously refining his skills.

Yunus Çakmak | photo by Yunus Çakmak doc.

Not only is Yunus an expert in coffee education, barista training, and coffee roasting, but he also plays a significant role in shaping the next generation of baristas. As the first Turkish judge in the Barista Championship, he has represented his country on an international stage. 

Today, he provides consulting services to major coffee brands, curates specialty coffee blends, and supports baristas preparing for competitions. 

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Beyond his professional work, Yunus is committed to social impact, offering barista training for orphans in collaboration with Türkiye’s Ministry of Family and Social Policies, helping them secure opportunities in the coffee industry.

In this exclusive interview with HUDES, Yunus shares his journey, insights into Türkiye’s evolving coffee scene, and his vision for the future of specialty coffee.

HUDES: It's a pleasure to do this interview with you. How did you start your journey in the coffee industry?

YUNUS ÇAKMAK: I began my journey in 2005 with the largest coffee chain that had entered Turkey at the time. Later, I worked as a barista for several companies. Eventually, I set a goal for myself and said, “Yunus, this is not enough; you need to learn more.” 

That's when I went to Italy. After returning, I still felt I wasn't competent enough, so I went to the Netherlands. Again, I realized I needed to learn even more. 

Then, I went to Germany. After Germany, I started connecting with world champions and coffee farmers. Finally, I established my own company. That's how my story began.

HUDES: How do you support baristas?

YUNUS ÇAKMAK: I struggled a lot in this field. I asked many people for help, but most did not support me. 

Now, whenever a barista wants to compete in a coffee championship, I mentor them. I coach them, connect them with world champions, and gather necessary information from farmers. In short, I do everything I can to help.

HUDES: You have participated in many coffee competitions. Do you plan to continue?

YUNUS ÇAKMAK: I have competed in many coffee championships, but I don't plan to participate for a while. 

I'm also not considering judging at the moment because next year, I will be preparing seven to eight people for the World Championship. I have some big surprises planned—but who knows, I might surprise everyone and compete myself!

HUDES: How do you see Türkiye’s coffee market evolving?

YUNUS ÇAKMAK: Türkiye’s coffee market is growing every day. How do I know this? Coffee machine suppliers from Europe and coffee farmers from all over the world tell me. As a country, we love coffee; we are a consumer society. 

There are serious specialty coffee enthusiasts in Türkiye, but the industry is still developing. Türkiye’s presence in the market is expanding daily, but we need to improve Turkish coffee. If we refine it, it will benefit both me and other coffee lovers.

Due to the current global coffee crisis, prices in Türkiye have risen significantly. As a coffee seller with my own coffee factory, I can't set monthly prices for my customers—I have to update prices weekly or even daily, which is challenging.

HUDES: Can you find high-quality specialty coffee in Türkiye?

YUNUS ÇAKMAK: Yes, there are coffee shops in Türkiye that serve properly brewed specialty coffee. But I've seen similar situations worldwide. Some shops claim to be specialty coffee shops but sell low-quality coffee, like Brazil's Rio Minas beans. Just because a café has a Hario V60, it doesn't mean they serve good coffee.

HUDES: How does Türkiye’s coffee industry compare to Europe and the U.S.?

YUNUS ÇAKMAK: The coffee industry is growing significantly in Türkiye. The U.S. is a very different market—it has 350 million people who consume a massive amount of coffee. 

Europe is also a strong market, but Türkiye is growing very fast. When you visit Türkiye, you'll see it for yourself. Almost every city now has at least one specialty coffee shop.

HUDES: What are the current trends in specialty coffee?

YUNUS ÇAKMAK: Right now, fermented coffees are trending. However, many people are trying fermentation without proper training, leading to inconsistent results. 

Some coffees smell amazing but leave a musty taste in the mouth. Education on fermentation is lacking in the industry.

Another issue is easy access to coffee education. I've visited 13 coffee-producing countries and over 350 farms, but I never claim to know everything—I learn something new every day.

HUDES: If you could change one thing in the coffee industry, what would it be?

YUNUS ÇAKMAK: I would establish a proper quality control system. Just like Michelin stars in the restaurant industry, I'd love to see a similar system for specialty coffee shops.

HUDES: What advice would you give to those entering the coffee industry?

YUNUS ÇAKMAK: Don't waste your money and time—invest in learning from the right people. Visit coffee farms, touch the coffee fruit, and study its journey firsthand.

HUDES: What do you think the future holds for the global coffee industry?

YUNUS ÇAKMAK: The industry is evolving rapidly. I recommend staying updated with innovations. Even I struggle to keep up sometimes! Prices will continue to rise, and direct access to farmers will increase. 

However, before partnering with a farmer, people should research thoroughly to avoid being misled. Personally, I never source coffee from farmers I haven't visited in person. I spend time with them and learn their stories because every coffee I buy has a story behind it.