Passing the torch

Through Campari Academy, Creative Director Monica Berg is set on a mission to unify and diversify the global bar scene with “the old generation’s wisdom”
 
Earlier on 29 March, 250 bartenders in Thailand were treated to an inspiring, eye-opening session at the official launch of Campari Academy Asia at Paragon Cineplex, Siam Paragon, where a team of drinks industry experts, led by renowned bartender and mentor, Monica Berg, came out to share their insights, experience and knowledge to the bartending community. 

Simone Massaro, Global Trade Advocacy Director

What started off as a local academy in Italy 12 years ago became a global community that unifies bartenders from all the world and inspires each of them to move forward in their career. And who’s better to lead, mentor and motivate them than Monica Berg, the veteran figure that has been active in the bar scene for more than 20 years.
 

Monica Barg, Campari Academy Creative Director

 “At this point in my career, I’m lucky to be someone that opens the door for the new generations, because I have more experience that many of them from my 20-plus years of working as a bartender,” says Berg, Norwegian-born, London-based bar owner and digital innovator. “As an older generation of industry, we can still have a function in the sense that we can be there to remember what happened and teach the next generation what they need to know. If we don’t teach the next generation bartenders the value of being able to articulate what you need to the people that decide what you get, then there’s no point. You need to be present in the room, at the table where the power is because otherwise other people will always decide your destiny.”
 
According to Berg, the bartending world is getting bigger, and ironically, smaller at same time, and both budding and established bartenders have something to learn, though in a different light.

Left to right, Noppasate Hirunwathit, Thanamon Suthon – Thailand Brand Ambassador, Symphony Loo - On Premise Channel Manager SEA, Tamaryn Cooper, Symphony Loo

“When you are young in your journey, you have the opportunity to be selfish and only think about yourself. Instincts will also guide you better than anyone else, however you should always also ask the people around you for advice. Go out and explore, and then you should come back as a more empathic and open-minded person. Take all those lessons and let them define your life. There’s no shortcut, ever, only hard work. Decide for yourself if this is the life you want and know that to be really good at something you have to be willing to sacrifice.

Giulia Vedelago, Global Campari Academy Manager

“It’s comfortable to stay in your comfort zone, doing what you know. But when the world changes, you will have to change as well. If you continue to do the same thing, eventually you will become outdated. There will be less and less room for you as a professional as well as an individual. If you can take all that negative experience, especially during the past two years, and make it a story to share with a purpose for others to learn.”
 
It’s the joint force between the prolific and adept, as well as the passionate and daring that will drive the industry forward, with refreshing diversity, stronger identity, streamlined operation and specialized skills on the horizon. And Berg is excited about the near future of the bartending scene and the bar industry. 

“There is less and less cookie cutter perception of what a bar and a bartender should be. Bars in Bangkok will be Bangkok bars. Bars in Taipei will be Taipei bars. A bar is going to be the fastest way for you to understand the dynamic or the culture of the city you’re visiting. Bars, drinking and drinks are much more complex than just getting drunk and having fun. The progressive, boundary-pushing 5% will keep venturing into the new frontier and raise the overall standard of the whole industry. From now, you will have better quality products and drinks, even in the most common bars you could find.”