Napier Ready To Host Central NI Barista Comp. Heat

MEDIA RELEASE
17th July 2006

NAPIER READY TO HOST CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND
NATIONAL BARISTA COMPETITION HEAT

The National Barista Awards brought to you by Robert Harris are back in Napier next Monday July 24th at East Pier after being added as a regional heat last year. Over 30 top coffee makers from the central North Island will be vying for a place in the National Finals in Auckland in November. The New Zealand champion will compete at the World Barista Championships in Tokyo, Japan in 2007

For the first time, in 2006, each regional contestant will be required to put their espresso skills to the ultimate test by creating four signature beverages during the competition. A signature beverage is an original espresso-based creation. Within the 15minute competition time each competitor will make four espressos, four cappuccinos and four signature beverages. A panel of seven judges will determine the best two baristas at each regional based on all areas of coffee making expertise.

Now in its sixth year, the National Barista Awards have a proud history of supporting the professional development of New Zealand baristas. The National Barista Awards are the only world-recognised competition in New Zealand and have seen each of our representative’s place within the top ten globally since day one.

Robert Harris has been the major sponsor of the National Barista Awards since they began in 2000. Their consistent support of the Awards demonstrates their on-going commitment to supporting the New Zealand coffee industry. Nic McClean, New Zealand Food Service Manager at Cerebos Gregg’s, says “Robert Harris simply wants to ensure that this professional development of baristas is nurtured and New Zealanders continue to enjoy great coffee!”

The competition can only continue with the ongoing support of the key sponsors. Anchor has been loyal sponsor of the National Barista Awards since 2000 showing their commitment to the industry and acknowledging that the majority of New Zealand coffee drinkers prefer their daily fix with milk!

Four finalists have already been found in Christchurch and Wellington they are Carl Sara from Muffin Break, Christchurch, Rob Dempsey of Muffin Break Northlands, Andy Norman of Vivace Espresso Wellington and Andrew Feldon of Streetwise Café Palmerston North. Carl, Rob, Andy and Andrew will join the top two from next week’s heat at the finals.

There are four regional heats in 2006; Christchurch was held on June 26th, Wellington was on July10th, Napier this coming Monday July 24 and Auckland (August 14). The top two (and possibly a wildcard entry at the judges’ discretion) will go on to compete at the National Finals staged at the Wildbean Café Coffee Festival and Awards in Auckland on November 11th.

The Napier competition starts at 11am at East Pier. The Awards are open to the public free-of-charge and promise to bring you a new level of appreciation for the baristas fuelling your morning caffeine fix!

For further information visit http://www.nationalbaristaawards.co.nz

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