‘Barista Smackdown’ set to heat up Fine Food NZ 2014

Calling all baristas! If you claim to make the best coffee in town, prove you are the cream of the crop by taking on the competition at Fine Food New Zealand this June 22-24 in the Restaurant Association’s ‘Barista Smackdown’ sponsored by Tiger Coffee and IncaFé.

The head-to-head knockout event will pit up to 96 competitors against one another over three days of action until a barista from one lucky establishment is crowned Smackdown champion.

Adapted from a successful international format, the Barista Smackdown will be the first competition of its kind to take place in Auckland and the biggest the country has seen to date.

Competitors will have 90 seconds to make a randomly selected coffee and present the brew to the panel of industry experts judging the event.

Heats will take place in the morning and afternoon of June 22 and 23 with the last barista on the machine at the end of each heat qualifying for the final on June 24.

There will be a cash prize for the winning barista, a prize for their café or restaurant, and plenty of spot prizes available throughout the competition.

The Restaurant Association of New Zealand CEO Marisa Bidois says the Barista Smackdown will be a fast-paced, high-adrenaline and interactive competition that is not worth missing out on.

“The Restaurant Association is delighted to be presenting such a vibrant and exciting event that will bring together the finest and most creative baristas,” she says.

“Not only will the competition be incredibly fun and draw a wide audience, it is also a fantastic opportunity for cafés and restaurants to become the inaugural winners of an event that we hope to continue for many years to come.”

Sponsors Tiger Coffee and IncaFé say competitions like the Barista Smackdown have thrilled audiences around the world and have really allowed baristas to showcase their amazing talents.

“We are proud to be supporting such an exciting and innovative event, and know the three days will be packed with plenty of drama and action.

We cannot wait to see what skills each barista brings to the table and, as well as being entertained, we hope to learn a lot from everyone involved."

Exclusive product sponsors Meadow Fresh will be providing milk throughout the competition.

Fine Food New Zealand is the country’s foremost international food, drink and equipment exhibition, servicing the retail, foodservice and hospitality industries.

Registrations for the Barista Smackdown open on April 1 and close on May 29. Spaces are limited so reserve your spot and receive more details by contacting Emily Harrison from the Restaurant Association at emily@restaurantnz.co.nz.

Entry fees and terms and conditions apply.