TOP BARISTA TEAM CROWNED

After months of intense competition, the winners of this year’s Zarraffa’s Coffee Barista Team Challenge (ZBTC) have been announced – Chloe Sprangers and Georgia Schmike, from the Zarraffa’s Coffee Beenleigh store.

The barista competition is held annually to pit skilled baristas against each other to vie for the title of Barista of the Year.

Founder and Managing Director of Zarraffa’s, Kenton Campbell, explained teams are required to pull flawless espresso shots and create perfect lattes using Zarraffa’s Coffee signature bean blends, all within an action-packed 15-minute time allowance.

“The final delivery is a test of skill and flair with the creation of their signature beverage, and we’ve also changed things up this year with the inclusion of a latte art section, where contestants can showcase their creative abilities.”

Ultimate winners Chloe and Georgia’s (A.K.A Team Been) winning signature beverage was borne of a love of Iced Mochas.

“We absolutely adore them, and we wanted our signature drink to represent us, so adapted an ice mocha that contained milk chocolate, an orange infused ice cube and a hazelnut cream,“ said Georgia.

“When constructing our beverage, we wanted to create a drink that we love, but one that also complements the flavours of the Zarraffa’s Mexican coffee bean, and we named it the ‘MexiCo-ld.’

To foster teamwork and collaboration, the Zarraffa’s Barista Team Challenge (ZBTC) is staged annually on the Gold Coast, where baristas from Zarraffa’s Coffee stores around the country showcase their ability to nail exceptional coffee making craft in front of a panel of experienced judges.

“It’s a truly great event, where the best of the best of our barista team mix it up in a competitive but friendly way,” said Kenton. “Ultimately it’s about bragging rights for the next year…and of course great coffee!”

Full list of finalists who contested the ZBTC this year: