12 finalists to be selected from regional competitions; National champion to represent India at WBC at Seattle in April 2015

Coffee Board of India will organise the National Barista Championship (NBC) in Bangalore on February 27. Twelve finalists selected from the preliminary rounds from regional championships will compete for NBC. For the first time, Coffee Board of India organised two regional competitions for selection of finalists for the NBC. The first preliminary round of the NBC 2015 was conducted on February 12 and 13 at Delhi Institute of Hotel Management in New Delhi for participants from North and Western India. From 20 contestants, six were shortlisted for the NBC 2015 by jury. The preliminary round for the South and Eastern region will be held on 25th and 26th in Bangalore, one day prior to the National Barista Championship. The national champion will represent India at the World Barista Championship (WBC) happening at Seattle on April 9, 2015.

Coffee Board of India has taken the onus of organizing the NBC since last year. Prior to that the annual event was organised by Speciality Coffee Association of India (SCAI). India has been sending representative to the global event since 2003. Speaking on the occasion, Dr VR Gudde Gowda, Dy Director, Coffee Board of India said that the objective of the competition was to promote coffee culture and also to identify technically skilled Baristas. The competitions are conducted as per the guidelines and rules and regulations of WBC.

The participating Baristas has to prepare four espressos, four cappuccinos and four signature drinks within 15 minutes to four savoury judges. The competitions are judged upon four criteria – taste evaluation, beverage presentation, barista technique and personal presentation.

source: http://www.hospitalitybizindia.com / Hospitality Biz India / Home> News Track / by HBI Staff, New Delhi / Monday – February 16th, 2015