Auckland Barista to Take Talent Across the Tasman

28 May 2013

He's been dubbed the latte 'artist of Albany' by Auckland coffee lovers and now Muffin Break barista Vishal Dhiman is set to take his unique skills further afield.

As a grand finalist in the 2013 Foodco Annual Barista Competition, Dhiman will be gunning for the glory of being crowned Australasia's best barista in Sydney next month.

To secure his spot as a finalist, Dhiman, of Muffin Break Albany in Westfield Mall, triumphed over the best baristas from Muffin Break stores across New Zealand.

Baristas from each of Muffin Break's 37 New Zealand stores entered this year's competition, which began with regional heats before four finalists battled it out to win a place in the Grand Final in Sydney.

At the finals, the best baristas from Australia and New Zealand will be put through their paces to test their ability to produce outstanding coffees under pressure.

Dhiman says he is thrilled to have the chance to take his love for latte art overseas.

"I want to make my mark at the Sydney final and take my barista skills to the next level. Having the opportunity to make a name for myself really means a lot to me," Dhiman says.

"I'm really excited to travel to Sydney because I've never been to Australia before, and I've always wanted to go. I'm looking forward to competing there and making coffee in front of the judges - I can't wait to show them my elephant latte art. It took me months to master!"

If Dhiman wins the Grand Final, he will take home a LA Spaziale S1 Coffee Machine and Grinder and an iPad Mini (valued at $3,000).

The annual event, now in its seventh year, is aimed at recognising quality and excellence in coffee preparation as well as service, rewarding the best Foodco baristas on both sides of the Tasman.

The National Operations Manager for Muffin Break New Zealand, David Drury, says he is looking forward to seeing what the finalists produce at this year's competition.

"I feel such pride in our baristas' high standard of coffee making in Australia and New Zealand. It is a true testament to their creativity and effective training while also proving that, as a company, we're equally as passionate about making a great coffee as we are about delivering freshly baked products."

The Barista Competition finals, to be judged by nine industry experts, will be held at Foodco's Head Office Training Centre in Double Bay, Sydney on June 4th and 5th.

For more information, visit www.muffinbreak.co.nz.