The Hindu Business Line : Speciality coffee assn to hold barista competition

THE Speciality Coffee Association of India is organising a barista competition in India on February 7 and 8 as a run up to the World Barista Championship in Boston in April, sponsored by the Speciality Coffee Association of America (SCAA). The barista who wins the event will represent India at the global competition in Boston.

A barista, who prepares coffee in a coffee bar, is as much part of the speciality movement in coffee as the grower who takes special care to grow quality beans, said Mr Ashok Kuriyan, President, Speciality Coffee Association of India.Baristas as judged for their ability to blend coffee, their cleanliness, style, creativity and presentation. The event has got support from the Coffee Board and the industry including retail outlets, equipment manufacturers, and roasters. Jurors from the Speciality Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE) will judge at the competition.

The industry is currently readying itself for the Boston event, where India has been named "portrait country". There is a speaker from India at almost every session and a larger-than-usual contingent of around 50 grower delegates are expected to participate. The event is expected to give the country's coffee a great deal of exposure in the US market.

There are around 18-20 suppliers of speciality coffee in the country today. Last year, there was an increase in the volume of speciality coffee exports, according to the Coffee Board. However, the premium that they enjoy over ordinary coffee is still a little uncertain. According to the industry, speciality coffee was contracted for a premium amount and three months later, the market went up and other coffees demanded the same price. In effect, they did not really earn a premium, say sources. Growers on the other hand believe they would get the same prices even if the market went down, and that they say is the real test of premium rates.

This season, exporters and growers are expected to start using the newly launched logos, both for Indian coffee, as well as from the areas where they are grown.

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