Upper North Island Baristas Flaunt Espresso Talent

Upper North Island Baristas Flaunt Espresso Talent

Over 30 competitors from around the Upper North Island will today compete at SkyCity Convention Centre in the hope to crowned New Zealand’s National Barista Champion for 2006. Now in its sixth year, the National Barista Awards brought to you by Robert Harris will today find the last two finalists to compete for the national title. The first six finalists of the competition have already been found in Christchurch, Wellington and Napier.

Each of today’s competitors will be tested on all areas of their barista talent. A panel of seven expert judges will determine which two competitors will then go on to compete at the National Final at the Wild Bean Café Coffee Festival and Awards in Auckland in November. The National Barista of the Year will qualify to enter the World Competition in Tokyo, Japan in 2007.

Within the competition time of 15 minutes each barista is required to make four espressos, four cappuccinos and four signature beverages. 2006 is the first year that the signature beverage component has been added to each regional competition and requires baristas to make a unique espresso based beverage, sure to prove to be an exciting new challenge for many.

The New Zealand National Barista Awards are only made possible through sponsorship and industry support. Robert Harris has been the major sponsor of the event since 2000 and invest over $100,000 each year in the competition. Not only this Robert Harris offers the priceless support and help of their team throughout the search for the Barista Champion.

A majority of coffee drinkers in New Zealand would claim a good cup of coffee requires great milk; Anchor has been an Associate sponsor of the event showing their proud and consistent support of the industry since the event began six years ago.

Today’s competition starts at 11am at SkyCity Convention City. The event is open to the public free-of-charge. Each competitor is on stage for 12 minutes setup, 15 minutes competition time and 7 minutes cleanup.

For further information visit www.nationalbaristaawards.co.nz

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