Search Begins for the Best Baristas in New Zealand

28 April 2005

News Release

Search Begins for the Best Baristas in New Zealand
Wild Bean Cafe Baristas To Measure Talents Against NZ’s Best

BP Connect announced today details of the 2005 Wild Bean Cafe Regional Barista Awards, which will showcase – and test - the coffee-making skill and artistry of Wild Bean Cafe Baristas across the country.

The competition will see 90 Baristas, representing each of BP Connect’s 45 Wild Bean Cafe locations, vie for the Wild Bean Cafe National Barista crown, as well as the opportunity to enter the 2005 Robert Harris National Barista Awards.

Wild Bean Cafe has distinguished itself in the convenience category on the strength of its quality, Barista-made coffee since BP Connect introduced its cafe offering to the New Zealand market in 2001.

Chris Moltzer, Wild Bean Category Manager, explains the Wild Bean Barista Awards exemplifies Wild Bean Cafe’s commitment to professional Barista training, and to the quality and consistency of the coffee made on site.

“Our Baristas are superbly trained and our customers know it. More than that, they demand it. They are confident they will get the same professionally made coffee made by a trained Barista - and the same enjoyment from their daily coffee indulgence - at any of our 45 sites across New Zealand,” said Moltzer.

“We invite customers who frequent high street cafes to come to Wild Bean Cafe and compare the coffee. We know they’ll enjoy the experience, and we’re equally confident they’ll find it easier to park!”

Guest coffee judge at the Wild Bean Barista Awards Finals, Michael Guy of Café Magazine, believes the offering at Wild Bean Cafe might surprise discerning coffee drinkers.

“I don’t think most people would expect to be served quality coffee by trained baristas at a service station,” said Guy. “But, there’s no such thing as push-button ‘mock-a-cinno’s at Wild Bean. Their Baristas get good training, and it shows in the coffee. I look forward to enjoying some great coffee during my judging duties.”

Barista Competition Series Schedule

Nominees Selected
Each site will nominate 2 Baristas to participate in a regional knockout Competition

Wild Bean Cafe Barista Awards - Regionals

Wellington 16 - 17 May 2005
Queenstown 30 May 2005
Dunedin 31 May 2005
Christchurch 2 June 2005
Auckland 7 - 9 June 2005
North Auckland 13 - 14 June 2005
Taupo 16 June 2005

Wild Bean Cafe Barista Awards - Finals
At the Finals, 4 national winners will be announced. The winners will move on to the 2005 Robert Harris National Barista Awards– Regionals

Auckland 28 June

2005 Robert Harris National Barista Awards– Regionals
Baristas from across the country, representing a range of cafes and restaurants, will compete for an opportunity to attend the 2005 Robert Harris National Barista Awards Finals.

Christchurch 18 July
Wellington 1 August
Napier 8 August
Auckland 23 August

2005 Robert Harris National Barista Awards - Finals
The Finals of the Regional competitions – the crowning of the best New Zealand Barista!

Taupo 23 September

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