In a showcase of exceptionally talented Barista’s, the 2011 Zarraffa’s Coffee Barista Competition will see the company’s best go head-to-head for honours at The Marine Village Sanctuary Cove on Sunday 11th September, 2011.

The annual Zarraffa’s Barista Competition is the ultimate regional stage for Barista skill and competition, testing every element that is required to produce “…an individually perfect cup of coffee – every time”.

The competition is open to all Zarraffa’s Coffee employees and the final will be held Sunday 11th September from noon until 3pm at The Marine Village Sanctuary Cove. Located on the edge of a tranquil harbour and marina, the location provides a truly unique setting for the exciting event.

CEO Kenton Campbell believes this year’s event will provide a fun-filled but competitive field of barista flair and know-how.

“We have some of the best Barista’s in the business and their passion, knowledge and skill in making outstanding coffee will be taken to a whole new level at the competition.”

“It’s for personal pride and store renown; with each entrant wanting to deliver their best by displaying their personal touch and ultimately winning for their store.”

With qualification to the Queensland State Barista Championships held in Brisbane at stake, each entrant will be judged on technique, coffee knowledge and personal presentation to beverage quality and taste.

“It doesn’t all rest on delivering one drink; each contestant must nail the coffee ‘standards’ – one cappuccino, one espresso (short black) – plus one signature drink. These can be made in any order the competing Baristas choose”, said Mr Campbell.

“Over the years we have had some superior flavours and presentation in the signature drink section and some have gone on to secure their Barista recognition at the regional and national levels.”

The Barista competition gives staff across all 46 Zarraffa’s Coffee stores throughout south-east Queensland the chance to enter and showcase their talents and skills at a very high level with the contest rules based on World Barista Competition standards.

The competition will be hosted in the Village Theatre, a venue that first made The Marine Village its home in 1988. An integral part of the Sanctuary Cove community, the Village Theatre is referred to as ‘the place to meet’ and has been the perfect venue for the many events to grace Sanctuary Cove.

Major sponsors supporting the event include Zarraffa’s Roastery, National Foods, Australian Beverage Corporation, Nova Press, Flexible Technologies Pty Ltd and DaVinci Gourmet.

“The competition is great entertainment and our Barista’s have fans from around the Coast. We encourage all coffee and competition lovers to come and witness these skilled professionals in action at this year’s event to see if their local store takes out the title”, said Mr Campbell.