Coffee Olympics

Coffee Olympics - means the only Championships of Coffee Shop Chains in Poland. In 2010, it will be organised for the third time already. This time during Gastro Trendy International Trade Fair of Catering scheduled for 13-16 September in Poznań.

Trade fair environment ensures the presence of both industry professionals (baristas, cafe representatives, manufacturers of coffee equipment and coffee distributors) and wide trade fair public: coffee enthusiasts.

During the Olympics (13 and 14 September), baristas will make, try, taste and test this aromatic drink, all in order to prove that they are the best among coffee shop chains operating on the Polish market.

The organisation, terms and conditions and agenda of the championships: Apro Trade Sp. z o.o. - Coordinator of SCAE (Speciality Coffee Association of Europe) and WBC (World Barista Championships) in Poland.

Coffee Olympics, 13-14 September 2010, Polagra, Poznan

a) Olympics' task:
demonstrating knowledge and skills of the Barista profession in four disciplines. Form awarding the best, young baristas from the chain as well as a spectacle, science and good fun!

b) Participation:

Two-person baristas team representing the café chain. The condition is a steady work in a café as a barista. We want to give chance to young baristas so only those who did not participate in any Polish competition can take part in the Olympics. Coaches, managers can not take part in competition.

c) Olympics' Rules:
each discipline will be evaluated by accredited judges. The chain, which receives the biggest amount of points in total, wins.

d) Disciplines / regulations:

1. „Latte and macchiato art"

Preparing and serving two identical latte and macchiato coffees within the maximum time of 6 minutes. We evaluate the correct handling of the grinder, coffee maker, appearance, sameness, smell, taste and the time. We add points for: the shortest time = + 3 points, second = + 2 points, third = + 1 point. We take away points for exceeding the time: 1 -30 seconds = - 1 point, from 31 to 60 seconds = - 2 points, over 60 seconds = - 5 points.

2. "Coffee in good spirits"

Preparing and serving, within a maximum of eight minutes, two Irish coffees and two "signature" espresso and alcohol-based drinks. We evaluate the correct handling of the grinder, coffee maker, correctness in the preparation (Irish coffee), appearance, smell, taste and the time.  We add points for: the shortest time = + 3 points, second = + 2 points, third = + 1 point. We take away points for exceeding the time: 1 -30 seconds = - 1 point, from 31 to 60 seconds = - 2 points, over 60 seconds = - 5 points.

3. "Espresso on time"

Preparing and serving as many espressos as possible within the time of 6 minutes. We evaluate the quantity, the accuracy of the preparation technique and the appearance and smell. The minimal infusion volume = 25 ml, maximal volume = 35 ml. The minimal extraction time = 20 seconds, the maximal extraction time = 30 seconds 1 point for correctly prepared espresso (accepted by the judges)

4. „Cup tasting"

8 sets of 3 cups where in the two is the same sort of coffee and in the third different. Maximum 8 minutes for choosing the cups of coffee which are different from the two other cups. The combination of 10 kinds of coffee / identical  combinations for each competitor. We evaluate the number of correctly selected cups and time. We add points for: the shortest time = + 3 points, second = + 2 points, third = + 1 point.

e) The organization, principles and program of competition - Apro Trade Sp z o.o

f) sponsors: MTP, Strauss Cafe Poland / MK Cafe

Programme:

Monday 13.09
10.30 - 11.00 meeting with competitors and judges / Olympics rules
11.00 - 13.00 "latte and macchiato art"
13.00 - 14.00 break
14.00 - 16.00 "coffee in good spirits"

Tuesday 14.09
10.00 - 13.00 „espresso on time"
13.00 - 14.00 break
14.00 -  16.00 „cup tasting"
16.15 - Awards and closing the event