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Australasian Specialty Coffee Association - Coffee in Good Spirits 2009
Melbourne’s Cafenatics win the
Coffee Chain Challenge
For the first time at Café Biz 09, franchises and coffee chains took centre stage to compete against each other in the Coffee Chain Challenge. Previously run in Adelaide this event has proved popular with coffee chains and spectators alike with its fast paced format designed to reproduce the pressure of what happens in great espresso bars around the world. Under time pressure, baristas must co-operate as a team continually juggling whether it is better to gain or lose artistic points, in order to gain or lose bonus speed points. Teams have 15 minutes to knock out 10 piccolo lattes, 10 regular café lattes and 10 designer lattes. Points are scored on taste, artistry and speed.
Each team had different tactics to take to the competition. Michel’s had the need for speed setting the fastest time in under eight and a half minutes. Bracegirdles had their art down pat with their signature “B” marking their cups. Cibos were consistent pumping the coffees out at a steady pace and Cafénatics tactics worked on artistry, consistency and speed.
Judges Zoe Delany, Emma Markland-Webster and Graeme McCormack sampled the coffees at random checking each batch for temperature and volume.
With Michel’s Espresso and Cafénatics through to the grand final there was serious but friendly competition. Michel’s shaved off another 7 seconds. With Cafenatics working fluidly and closing the gap they finally took out the first placing.
Congratulations to Cafénatics!
The Coffee Chain Challenge provides opportunities for baristas from chain stores and franchises to become involved with the coffee industry on another level. It is a chance to talk to other baristas working in similar environments, to network and learn move about their chosen craft and rub shoulders with some of Australia’s most successful baristas who also attend Café Biz to participate and judge.
Thanks to all the teams who represented their stores on centre stage. It is obvious through competition such as the Coffee Chain Challenge that Australia is moving forward in the persuit of coffee excellence.
