Top honours for Waihi barista

Natasha Lane from Waihi was crowned Supreme Barista of the Year at the 12th annual Retail Excellence Awards.

The nationwide coffee making competition saw 21 baristas from Wild Bean Cafes around the country come to Auckland to showcase their coffee making skills.


Natasha Lane preparing a coffee for the judges.

After a frantic morning-long barista battle, the judges, including renowned coffee expert Scott Pepler, selected the top baristas across three categories.

As well as Natasha winningRookie Barista, Gina Bowman from Auckland won Supreme Barista of the Year,and Shannon Radcliffe from Dallington took out Manager Barista of the Year.

'I started making coffee straight out of school, and I've learnt so much about how to make a good coffee during this time,” says Natasha.

'Even though I was nervous, I didn't let it show, and I think I made some pretty good coffees for the judges.”

During the competition the finalists worked against the clock to make as many coffees as they could, according to the judge's orders, just like in a typical cafe.

Finalists were judged on process (the technical elements of how they made the milk and coffee), customer service (customising the coffee to the customer's wishes), and presentation (how the coffee looks once it is made and how quick it came out).

Scott says Natasha is a natural on the coffee machine, 'making you feel like you're at home”.

'Even though it was a competition, she kept it together and showed no sign of panic – the epitome of what you want in a barista.”

Frank van Hattum, Director of Retail for BP Connect, is thrilled with the outcome of the competition, and would like to acknowledge all the finalists who made judging particularly difficult.

'Our baristas are masters at what they do, and this competition proves it yet again, that they all know how to make a really good coffee and serve it with a smile.

'These baristas are working on the frontline at cafes up and down the country. They all do a great job making quality, made to-order coffee that delights coffee connoisseurs and motorists alike,” says Frank.

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