Barista Puts NZ On The Map At ‘Coffee Olympics'

21 June 2004

Kiwi Barista Puts New Zealand On The Map At ‘Coffee Olympics’

Kiwi contender Carl Sara has placed sixth out of 37 competitors at the 2004 World Barista Championships, held in Trieste, Italy.

Christchurch-based Carl, from Muffin Break, qualified for a place in the top six and the opportunity to compete in the grand final, which finished this morning (New Zealand time).

Competitors prepared four espresso, four cappuccinos and four ‘signature’ espresso based drinks for six internationally recognised judges. The baristi also designed a fully commentated routine. Marks were awarded for assessed on presentation, work flow and rate, flair, understanding of process, consistency and overall quality.

Carl ensured New Zealand was well represented at the competition, using displays incorporating New Zealand landscape imagery as well as the silver fern logo. The judges were also impressed by Carl’s signature drink, featuring a hint of kiwifruit for a full ‘kiwi coffee experience’.

According to Foodco General Manager and support team member, Garry Croft, the standards demonstrated at the World competition were exceptionally high. “All the competitors presented extremely polished performances and Carl’s achievement in making the final is highly commendable.

“We are particularly delighted that Carl has been able to help us dispel the myth that great coffee can only be found in specialty coffee shops.”

COMPETITION RESULTS: 1st: Tim Wendelboe, Norway 2nd: Salvatore Piccolo, Canada 3rd: Klaus Thomsen, Denmark 4th: Njáll Björgvisson, Iceland 5th: Joseph El Khoury, Lebanon 6th: Carl Sara, New Zealand

ENDS

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