Espressotec Welcomes the Canadian Barista Competition Western Qualifiers

(Newswire.net — February 2, 2018) Vancouver, BC — A source of caffeine, a social connection, a hot (in many senses) commodity — coffee is all of these things. But to a growing number of enthusiasts, it represents so much more. It’s not just how they get up in the morning, but why. And it’s why the top baristas in Western Canada will be assembling in Vancouver next month for the 2018 Canadian Barista Competition Western Qualifiers.

Beginning at 11 a.m. on February 6^th, Performance Works on Granville Island will be buzzing as competitors brew their best espresso, milk, and signature drinks for a panel of judges. Points will be awarded for technical skill and professionalism as well as taste, functionality and presentation of beverages created. Winners will proceed to the National Barista Competition in Toronto the following May, where they will compete for a chance to represent Canada at the World Barista Championship in June.

“It’s thanks to these earnest aficionados that Canada’s coffee scene advances by leaps and bounds every year,” says Alison Ensworth, Marketing and Communications coordinator at Espressotec Sales & Service and prospective judge for the Western Qualifiers. “They’re training to compete on a world stage, and their devotion — not to mention their talent — shows up in the coffees they serve their customers, too. They’re pushing our local coffee scene forward, and educating consumers as they do it.”

Hosted by World Coffee Events, the World Barista Championship has engaged coffee-lovers and industry professionals worldwide since 2000 in an annual competition of coffee excellence. So far, Canada has never won first place, but the formation of the Canadian chapter of the Specialty Coffee Association (Canada SCA) last year has greatly brightened our prospects. Having hosted several latte art competitions and other coffee events, Espressotec is excited to participate in the Western Qualifiers and to support Canada SCA as it develops.

“Events are the best way to bring a community together and cultivate collective growth,” Ensworth says. “Supporting our baristas in their mission to excel and compete does immeasurable good for our local and national coffee scene.”