28 August 2007

Baristas Battle it out......

The nation's best baristas are preparing to stir up a sensation as they vie for gold at this year's HospitalityNZ Show.

More than 20 talented young baristas from across the country will compete for gold medals at the Junior Barista competitions at the hospitality industry's premier trade event the HospitalityNZ Show 2 - 4 September.

Hotly contended, the competition is sponsored by Robert Harris and predominantly draws large crowds of spectators. A panel of judges presiding over all decisions at the HospitalityNZ's Culinary Fare Junior Barista event will decide who the best barista's are.

Competitors will be tested on a variety of skills and have a total of five minutes to check an espresso machine and set up any additional equipment required. It's then a race against the clock to prepare and present two each of the following beverages: a single espresso, a double shot latte and a single flat white in less than five minutes.

Each competitor will begin the competition with a total of 100 points and have marks deducted for non compliance during the event. Those with a score higher than 90 points will be awarded a gold medal. Quite fittingly, the winner with the highest mark will take away a Domestic Espresso Machine, sponsored by Robert Harris.

"The barista competitions at the Culinary Fare are always a highlight and particularly relevant as this year's show is all about 'The Great New Zealand Coffee Experience' and will feature a huge variety of acclaimed coffees within a specially designated area at the show for the first time," says Michele Harrod, DMG Group Manager HospitalityNZ.

"We've developed this entire new section specifically to focus on the rapidly growing coffee industry which is now a major part of the hospitality scene. There's no better place to see what's really driving this vibrant thriving industry than at our national premier event HospitalityNZ. This is where you'll see the people, products and services that are all fuelling growth under one roof at one time", says Michele.

HospitalityNZ is the most comprehensive gathering of hospitality industry suppliers and customers in New Zealand. Now in its 16th year, the 2007 show will feature the largest collection of hospitality-related exhibitors in the country. It is a major forum where hospitality trade visitors can sample the latest foods, flavours, appliances, apparel, equipment and furniture.

The Junior Barista competition is an event within the Culinary Fare and will be held on Monday 3rd September from 11am onwards. Prizegiving will take place from 3pm onwards. Public are welcome to attend.

ENDS