INTERNATIONAL. A Swedish barista at Stockholm Central Station has come out top in a competition run by food & beverage concessionaire SSP’s Caffè Ritazza brand.
Louise Olsson came through with the £1,000 (US$1,578) prize after being tested on her ability in preparing four espressos and four cappuccinos, alongside a signature drink inspired by the raspberry lemonade her grandmother used to make.
Olsson said: “This is what I’ve been working for over the past three years since I started competing in the Caffè Ritazza competition, as well as the Swedish national barista championships. It’s great to have won.”
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Winner Louise Olsson (above) and the top three finalists |
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Matteo Pavoni from Caffè Ritazza in Euston Station was runner up while Kate Crozier, who works at Belfast International Airport, came third.
Miko Au from Hong Kong was the winner of the signature drink element of the competition and won a trip to syrup maker Monin’s headquarters in Bourges, France. Meanwhile, Christodoulous Christodoulou from Cyprus topped the poll in a separate latte art competition, taking home a selection of coffee making equipment.
Caffè Ritazza International Operations Director Stuart Coombes said: “This is the fifth time we have held this competition and throughout the event’s history we have seen a steady rise in the skills of those taking part.
“Every year there is improvement in terms of the delivery of the drinks, coffee knowledge and the creativity that goes into producing the signature drinks. This is testament to the dedication and enthusiasm of our teams, as well as Caffè Ritazza’s commitment to quality training for its baristas at all stages of their careers.”
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The competition’s judges put a barista’s efforts to the test |
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