Mike Phillips of Intelligentsia Coffee in Chicago Named United States Barista Champion

Phillips Wins Title After Four Days of Competition Among the Best Baristas in
America
LONG BEACH, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
The best baristas in the United States battled for the title of United States
Barista Champion and Mike Phillips from Intelligentsia Coffee in Chicago emerged
the victor. The 2009 United States Barista Championship (USBC), presented by the
Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) and hosted by DaVinci Gourmet
(www.davincigourmet.com), was held March 5-8 in Portland, OR at the Oregon
Convention Center.

Nick Griffith of Intelligentsia Coffee in Los Angeles, CA, placed second and
Scott Lucey of Alterra Coffee in Milwaukee, WI, placed third.

Phillips, who has been working at Intelligentsia Coffee
(www.intelligentsiacoffee.com) in Chicago for three years, two as a barista,
said, "Winning in a field of competitors at this high of a caliber is one of the
most humbling experiences of my life. It is truly an honor."

As the reigning United States Barista Champion, Phillips will go on to represent
the United States in the World Barista Championship (WBC) in Atlanta, Georgia,
April 16-19, 2009, hosted by the SCAA in conjunction with its annual exposition,
which is the largest gathering of coffee professionals in the world. Photos of
the new U.S. Barista Champion can be downloaded at http://twitchy.org/usbc2009/.

Like the USBC, the WBC (www.worldbaristachampionship.com) recognizes excellence
in the art and skill of espresso drink preparation. In both competitions the
baristas are required to make 12 beverages, including four espressos, four
cappuccinos and four original signature drinks of their own creation within 15
minutes in front of a panel of accomplished industry judges. Competitors are
judged on taste, beverage presentation, technical skills, station cleanliness
and overall impression. Seven USBC-certified judges, including one head judge,
two technical judges and four sensory judges, carefully evaluate and score each
of the baristas.

In addition to Official Host & Travel Sponsor: DaVinci Gourmet; the USBC is made
possible by Official Espresso Machine Sponsor: Nuova Simonelli
(www.nuovasimonelliusa.com) and Official Grinder Sponsor: Mahlkoenig
(www.mahlkoenig.com).

About DaVinci Gourmet®

DaVinci Gourmet® prides itself on supporting the barista through quality
products, industry support and value added programs. Whether serving as the
premiere sponsor for the USBC & WBC competitions or offering training and
menuing assistance, we take our dedication to the barista community very
seriously. Historically, support to the barista community has been a part of
DaVinci Gourmet`s mission statement; today though we consider it as essential to
our continued, shared success. DaVinci Gourmet provides a variety of products
created for the specialty coffee industry, including classic, sugar-free and
all-natural flavored syrups, gourmet sauces, and tea concentrates. Booth 1329
(WBC)

About NUOVA SIMONELLI

Nuova Simonelli is an industry leader in the production of high quality
commercial espresso machines and related equipment. Nuova Simonelli has been
manufacturing espresso machines in Belforte del Chienti, Italy since 1936, and
today has a worldwide reputation for reliability and innovation. In addition to
commercial espresso machines, Nuova Simonelli manufactures grinders, and home
and office espresso machines. Nuova Distribution USA is the Nuova Simonelli
North American distribution and technical services office, based in Washington
state. It is a direct contact point for American and Canadian clients, and
guarantees North American customers both technical assistance and daily
deliveries. The Aurelia espresso machine from Nuova Simonelli is the official
machine of the USBC and WBC. It is the only espresso machine designed using
computed theoretical models to achieve temperature stability.

About MAHLKÖNIG USA, Inc.

For more than 80 years MAHLKÖNIG has been the leading brand for high quality,
professional grinders. All products are developed by MAHLKÖNIG engineers and
manufactured by hand in order to fulfill individual customer`s needs and
requirements. The continuously growing MAHLKÖNIG production is based in Hamburg,
Germany. Significant investments in production and quality processes ensure the
high quality expected from all MAHLKÖNIG products. The development in recent
years has focused on grind-on-demand espresso grinders. MAHLKÖNIG is the only
company which builds a grinder that communicates with the espresso machine to
adjust fineness and dosing quantity. MAHLKÖNIG is still the only company that
can offer extremely long lasting Tungsten carbide burrs.

About the SCAA

The SCAA is the world`s largest coffee trade association dedicated to creating a
vibrant specialty coffee community. We recognize, develop and promote specialty
coffee by setting and maintaining quality standards for the industry; conducting
research on coffee, equipment and perfection of craft; and providing education,
training, resources and business services for members. Celebrating 26 years of
success, the strength of our organization is reflective of our members who
represent more than forty countries and every segment of the Specialty Coffee
industry, from coffee growers to coffee roasters and retailers. Together, we
ensure our industry continues to thrive. Visit www.scaa.org.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available:
http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=5913624&lang=en

Specialty Coffee Association of America
Marcus Boni
773-301-8512
mboni@scaa.org

Copyright Business Wire 2009