SCASA, CIRO Regional Barista Competitions

SCASA, CIRO Regional Barista Competitions

SCASA, CIRO Regional Barista Competitions

SCASA Regional Barista competitions promote excellence in the coffee profession

BRAND ACTIVITY

Nov 30th 2011, 11:22

Baristas from Ciro Beverage Solutions (Ciro) recently competed in the regional stages of the South African Barista competition, hosted by the Speciality Coffee Association of Southern Africa (SCASA), the World Barista Championship licensed body in South Africa. The competitions focus on promoting excellence in coffee preparation and advancing the barista profession in South Africa.

Ciro’s Coffee Academy provides world-class training to ensure baristas consistently produce quality coffees. Ciro baristas are equipped with the skills to transform coffee into art and the competition provides a platform where coffee artists can showcase their craft through coffee preparation and learning from one another. Baristas who have graduated from Ciro’s Coffee Academy and since been placed in permanent positions elsewhere, are invited to compete among the country's trained professionals for the national and international titles.

Russ Sidelsky, marketing manager at Ciro Beverage Solutions comments, “This competition serves as an annual platform for our industry's professionals to demonstrate their acquired skills and expertise in the coffee industry while competing for recognition. The overall aim promotes creativity, innovation and artistry in the coffee profession, and subsequently raises the bar of barista skills in our industry.”

The judging is based on the preparation of four espressos, four cappuccinos and four signature drinks made to exact standards and within a 15 minute performance. Judges determine their scores on each of the beverages’ taste, cleanliness, creativity, technical skill and overall presentation as well as how each contestant illustrated their understanding and knowledge of coffee throughout their preparation and presentation of their signature drinks.

The top six finalists from the Eastern Cape, KwaZulu Natal, Gauteng, and the Western Cape will advance to the national competition taking place in March 2012 where they will compete for the title of 2012 South African Barista Champion. The winner of the national competition will be sent by SCASA to represent South Africa at the World Barista Championships in Australia. Click here for more information on Ciro