Annual Barista Competition hugely successful

Media Release Thursday 12th November: The third annual Barista Vanuatu international competition this year  November 11 &12 has attracted record entries and international judges from Australia and USA. The winning prizes, including an international airfare and three night’s accommodation in Wellington, New Zealand to view some of the coffee making techniques of our pacific neighbour will be announced this afternoon at the close of the competition around 3pm. Ms Christele Boudier representing Air Vanuatu and Mr Pablo Kang the Australian High Commissioner will be present for the afternoon announcements today. The event has become an international fixture on coffee lover’s calendars and has attracted attention worldwide. Celebrity coffee specialist, Matt Milletto from Oregon USA has come to Vanuatu especially to support the event and has been active on the judging panel together with our local Vanuatu experts. 

Matt runs several internet blog sites: www.mattbellissimo.net , www.coffeeshcool.org , and www.baristaexchange.com . Last year’s winner, Ms Phillipa Aru was so enthralled and impacted by her winning experience, she was also asked to judge this year. All competitors are asked to make three types of coffee for a panel of four judges, the perfect espresso, a cappuccino and their own signature cup. 

Each competitor has to perform under the stop watch and under the watchful eye of the judges so there are plenty of nerves and lots of laughter and relief after the session has been completed. After the competition ends, there will be a fun informal event called “Gun Barista” performed down on the grass next to La Tentation  this Friday afternoon and Saturday morning. All welcome!!

Barista Vanuatu is an initiative by the Vanuatu Hotels and Resorts Association that in fact reaches much further a field into the whole hospitality industry including students, the restaurateurs and includes anyone working in a cafe. 

The happy outcome is great coffee in Vanuatu and a fantastic 2 day event with great prizes. Many thanks to all the key sponsors including Air Vanuatu, VHRA, Tanna Coffee and a BIG thanks to international judges Matt Milletto, Rob Forsyth and all concerned.