Caffe Culture 2010

The world’s largest coffee event is about to take place in the UK . The best baristas from more than 50 countries will compete in the finals of the World Barista Championship. In its 11th year, this exciting event, is being hosted by the annual Caffe Culture event at Olympia Exhibition Centre in London from June 23-25.

Coffee Education Network will be there exhibiting the 10 Perfect Espresso publications. Make your way to stand E136 to say hello to Christine and Paul, and if you are an Aussie, wave the flag for Scott Callaghan, the Australian barista champion and the team of other Aussie competitors. Yes we will have little flags there for you to collect.

It has been 5 years since we drank coffee in London and we are both looking forward to seeing big changes – and more places to enjoy a great espresso coffee.  We have it on good authority, it all happens in the East End. Keep your eye on future blogs where we will have a great London coffee itinerary planned for you.

Read more about the World Barista Championship …..

The World Barista Championship (WBC) was founded by the Speciality Coffee Association of Europe and the Specialty Coffee Association of America and it focuses on promoting excellence in coffee and advancing the barista profession.

The final event is held in a different country each year and is the culmination of local and regional events around the globe. More than 50 national champions will each prepare 4 espressos, 4 cappuccinos, and 4 original signature drinks to exacting standards in a 15-minute performance set to music – in front of a massive audience. 10,000 visitors are expected at the event this year.

WBC-certified judges from around the world evaluate each performance on various sensory and technical criteria. The ever-popular signature beverage allows baristas to stretch their imagination and the judges’ palates to incorporate a wealth of coffee knowledge into an expression of their individual tastes and experiences.

In a 3 day event, the top 12 champions from the first round advance to a semi-final round to choose the top 6 champions for the finals round… from which one is named World Barista Champion!

Where the champions have come from over the last 10 years is quite interesting, with Scandinavia scooping most of the awards, Great Britain a close second and Australia winning once.