Media release : March 26, 2012
It's All In The Shot, Says New Zealand Barista Finalist
________________________________________

Wellington barista Nicole Moses knows what it takes to make the perfect coffee - and now she's got the title to prove it.

Moses has been crowned the 2012 New Zealand Muffin Break Barista Finalist following a gruelling competition pitting the best baristas from Muffin Breaks across New Zealand against each other.

More than 35 baristas entered this year's competition, which began with regional heats before four finalists battled it out to win a place in the Grand Final at the Bean Alliance in Melbourne.

At the finals, the best baristas from each region across Australia and New Zealand will be put through their paces to test their knowledge of coffee culture and their ability to turn out outstanding coffees under pressure.

Moses says she is thrilled to be in the final following almost ten years of being a barista.

"I thought the second round of the competition was really good, I came in with a great frame of mind and it worked out for me," says Moses.

"I'm really excited to travel to Melbourne because I've never been there before. I'm looking forward to competing there and making coffee in front of four judges!"

If Moses wins the Grand Final she will take home an iPad, a state-of-the-art coffee machine and grinder, and a $1000 Visa gift card.

The annual event, now in its sixth year, is aimed at recognising quality and excellence in coffee preparation and service and rewarding the best Foodco baristas on both sides of the Tasman.

Judged by industry experts, including Foodco operations manager David Drury, this year's competition has been one of the toughest yet.

Drury travelled all over New Zealand to judge the heats and finals, and says there was an extremely high standard of contestants this year.

"I was very impressed with the quality of coffee that was being produced throughout the competition from Muffin Breaks all over New Zealand," says Drury.

"This competition not only highlights our incredibly talented and well-trained staff, it shows our customers that we're just as passionate about serving great coffee along with our delicious muffins and treats," he says.

"And of course, congratulations must go to Nicole Moses and the rest of the finalists, who have proven that there's much more to making a wonderful coffee than meets the eye."

For more information, visit www.muffinbreak.co.nz.

About Muffin Break:
Encompassing over 200 sweet and savoury muffin recipes, Muffin Break is renowned for their freshly baked goods prepared daily onsite, providing an irresistible range of baked products as well as Muffin Break's distinctive blend of espresso coffee.
Muffin Break first launched in 1989 and has since grown to approximately 250 across New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom. The Foodco Group Pty Ltd owns the well-known Muffin Break, Jamaica Blue™, and Dreamy Donuts™ brands.

© Scoop Media