Krups Hosts the Specialty Coffee Association of America's 2008
United States Barista Championship, May 2 - 5 in Minneapolis, Minn.
LONG BEACH, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
The most skilled and professional baristas from around the country
are preparing to battle for the coveted title of the Specialty Coffee
Association of America's (SCAA) 2008 United States Barista
Championship (USBC), hosted by Krups. The heated four-day competition
begins on May 2 in Minneapolis, Minn. and concludes with a final round
and champion's ceremony on May 5 at the Minneapolis Convention Center.
SCAA is the world's largest coffee trade association, and Krups, the
title sponsor of the event, is a leading manufacturer of premium home
espresso and coffee machines. The event takes place in conjunction
with SCAA's 20th Annual Specialty Coffee Conference & Exhibition, also
May 2 - 5.
As the industry's most hotly anticipated contest for coffeehouse
professionals, the USBC encourages and recognizes achievement in the
art and skill of espresso drink preparation and service. During the
competition, the nation's best baristas create some of the world's
finest coffee concoctions. Challengers prepare and serve 12
orders--four espressos, four cappuccinos and four original signature
drinks of their own creation--all within a 15-minute timeframe. As
they ready their coffee beverages, contestants engage the audience,
explaining their actions and selections, while expertly working the
competition's official espresso machine, a three-group La Marzocco
Seven USBC-certified judges, including one head judge, two
technical judges and four sensory judges, carefully evaluate and score
each of the contenders. Judges focus on station cleanliness, taste,
beverage presentation, technical skills and total impression.
Last year, Heather Perry of the Coffee Klatch in San Dimas,
Calif., took the top spot in the USBC. Perry also went on to represent
the United States in the World Barista Championship, where she took
second place.
The new 2008 United States Barista Champion receives the highest
national honor for a barista, a trophy, $1,000 in cash, and an
all-expenses paid trip from his or her hometown to the 2008 World
Barista Championship in Copenhagen, Denmark, June 19 - 22, 2008,
hosted by the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe and held at its
"Wonderful Coffee" event.
USBC Schedule of Events:
Friday, May 2 - Round One, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Saturday, May 3 - Round One continues, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sunday, May 4 - Semi-Finals, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Monday, May 5 - Finals, 12 - 2:30 p.m.; Awards ceremony, 3 - 3:30
p.m.
The 2008 United States Barista Championship is just one of the
many highlights at SCAA's 20th Annual Conference & Exhibition. As the
industry's premier coffee event, the conference features in-depth
educational sessions, hundreds of exhibit booths, a keynote
presentation from Michael Shuman, author of "The Small-Mart
Revolution," and the Coffee of the Year Competition.
Complete details for SCAA's 20th Annual Conference & Exhibition
are available at http://conference.scaa.org/. For a copy of the
conference brochure, call 562-624-4100 or e-mail coffee@scaa.org.
About the SCAA
Celebrating 26 years of success, SCAA is the world's largest
coffee trade association. SCAA members are located in more than 40
countries and represent every segment of the specialty coffee
industry, from coffee growers to coffee roasters and retailers. The
SCAA's mission is to be the recognized authority on specialty coffee,
providing a common forum for the development and promotion of coffee
excellence and sustainability. The SCAA's dedication to excellence in
coffee is realized through the setting of quality standards for the
industry; conducting research on coffee, equipment and perfection of
craft; and providing education, training, resources and business
services for members. The SCAA's annual conference is held in a
different U.S. city each year and is the coffee industry's largest
gathering and exhibition.
About Krups
Manufacturer of a wide spectrum of premium home espresso and
coffee machines, Krups is present in more than 100 countries and
millions of kitchens around the world. The Krups heritage of precise
German engineered small appliances provides bold European design at
the highest level of technical perfection and performance. The US
leader in home espresso machines, Krups offers a range of machines
suitable for all coffee consumers - the beginner, the keen enthusiast
as well as the confirmed expert. All Krups products, which include
coffee machines, burr grinders, and kitchen electrics, are designed
with three key attributes in mind: Passion, Precision, and Perfection.
Note to Editor:
-- Press may register for the SCAA's 20th Annual Conference &
Exhibition at USBC online at: http://conference.scaa.org/.
Questions? Call Rick Havacko at 562-624-4100 or e-mail
rhavacko@scaa.org.
-- Interviews with baristas and coffee experts are available
before, during and after the 2008 United States Barista
Championship.
-- Photos of the USBC are available upon request.
Krups
Jennifer Gear, 781-937-3489
jennifer@cogentpr.com
or
Specialty Coffee Association of America
Rick Havacko, 562-624-4100
rhavacko@scaa.org
Copyright Business Wire 2008
