- Business Wire -
Taking a "shot" at the national title, masters of the espresso machine will compete in the Specialty Coffee Association of America\'s (SCAA) 2007 United States Barista Championship (USBC), hosted by Krups. Round One of the intense four-day competition will begin on May 4 in Long Beach, Calif. at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center. The event will conclude with a final round featuring the top baristas in the nation, followed by a winners\' ceremony, both on May 7. Taking a "shot" at the national title, masters of the espresso machine will compete in the Specialty Coffee Association of America's (SCAA) 2007 United States Barista Championship (USBC), hosted by Krups. Round One of the intense four-day competition will begin on May 4 in Long Beach, Calif. at the Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center. The event will conclude with a final round featuring the top baristas in the nation, followed by a winners' ceremony, both on May 7. The USBC encourages and recognizes professional achievement in the art and skill of espresso beverage preparation and service. SCAA is the world's largest coffee trade association with over 2,700 member companies from over 40 countries. Krups, a leading manufacturer of premium home espresso and coffee machines, will return for its fourth year as title sponsor of the event.
The most skilled and adventurous baristas from around the country will gather in the hometown of the Specialty Coffee Association of America---Long Beach---to battle for the coveted title. Competitors will demonstrate the art of espresso, creating some of the world's finest coffee concoctions. Challengers will race through a maze of judges and photographers while maintaining composure as they prepare and serve 12 coffee drinks--four espressos, four cappuccinos and four original signature drinks of their own creation--all within a 15-minute timeframe. The official espresso machine used by competitors in the 2007 United States Barista Championship is a 3-Group La Marzocco.
Seven USBC-certified judges, including one head judge, two technical judges and four sensory judges, will evaluate each of the contenders. Judges will focus on station cleanliness, taste, beverage presentation, technical skills and total impression. The 2006 U.S. Barista Champion Matt Riddle, of Intelligentsia Coffee in Chicago, will compete again. Last year, Riddle went on to represent the U.S. in the World Barista Championship, where he took third place.
The new 2007 U.S. Barista Champion will receive 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 World Barista Championship in Tokyo, Japan, July 31 - Aug. 2, 2007, hosted by the Specialty Coffee Association of Japan. All USBC participants will also receive the Krups XP4030 Espresso Machine, valued at $200.
USBC Schedule of Events:
-- Friday, May 4 - Round One, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.
-- Saturday, May 5 - Round One cont., 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Semi-Finalists announced, 7 - 7:30 p.m.
-- Sunday, May 6 - Semi-Finals, 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Finalists Announced, 7 - 7:30 p.m.
-- Monday, May 7 - Finals, 12 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.; Champion Award Ceremony, 3 - 3:30 p.m.
The event is free and open to the public during the finals and Champion Award Ceremony, both Monday, May 7. For additional information, please contact Michelle Campbell, SCAA director of community and events, at 562-624-4100 or mcampbell@scaa.org.
About the SCAA
Founded in 1982, SCAA is the world's largest coffee trade association with over 2,700 member companies. SCAA members are located in over 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.