AUSTRALIA. Brisbane Airport Corporation recently held its Barista Champion competition, with Katie Selwood from Airport Retail Group (ARG) unit The Coffee Club at the International Terminal emerging on top.
Six finalists from 25 entrants across airport F&B outlets were selected for this year’s competition. Selwood was awarded A$2,500 (US$1,700) in prizes.
Runners-up Danni Redmond from The Common (Airport Retail Enterprises) at the Domestic Terminal and Phoebe O’Sullivan from Windmill & Co (ARG) at the Domestic Terminal also won A$1,000 (US$700) and A$500 (US$340), respectively.
The finalists were required to submit their own coffee creations including two espresso coffees, two milk-based coffees and their best latte art.
Brisbane coffee connoisseurs Peter Wolff and Aaron Leck of Wolff Coffee Roasters were the judges. They also provided an initial 25 baristas extensive training and ran the heats and theory test in the lead up to competition day.
Passengers also had the chance to witness the live competition.
According to the airport company, more than three million coffees are sold each year from its two dozen retailers. It is the most consumed beverage in-terminal, surpassing water, soft drink and alcohol sales.
Brisbane Airport Corporation Executive General Manager Commercial Martin Ryan said: “The airport is a truly unique environment, servicing millions of passengers annually. The Barista Competition is our chance to reward and recognise the exceptional work our retailers put in, 365 days a year.
“Through programmes like the Barista Competition, we can provide a space for retailers to hone their specialty coffee skills, while working with some of the country’s leading barista trainers.”
New coffee options now available at Brisbane Airport include Belissimo coffee at Bound, Merlo coffee at Merlo Espresso and Wolff coffee at New Farm Confectionery. ✈
Registration is open for the Airport Food & Beverage (FAB) + Hospitality Conference & Awards, which take place on 12-13 September in Bangkok. Please click on the image above for more details.
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Note: The Moodie Davitt Report publishes the FAB Newsletter, which features highlights of openings, events and campaigns from around the world of airport and travel dining. Please email Kristyn@MoodieDavittReport.com to subscribe.
