Los Angeles Boasts 2008 United States Barista Champion

Business Wire,  May 7, 2008  

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MINNEAPOLIS -- The nation's top espresso-makers battled it out Monday to be called best-of-the-best, but it was Kyle Glanville of Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea who took home top honors. Glanville won the Specialty Coffee Association of America's (SCAA) highly competitive 2008 United States Barista Championship (USBC), hosted by Krups. The heated competition took place at SCAA's 20th Annual Conference & Exhibition, May 2 - 5 in Minneapolis, Minn. SCAA is the world's largest coffee trade association, and Krups, the title sponsor of the event, is a leading manufacturer of premium home espresso and coffee machines.

2008 United States Barista Championship results:
1. Kyle Glanville, Intelligentsia Coffee, Los Angeles, Calif.
2. Pete Licata, PT's Coffee Roasting Company, Overland Park, Kan.
3. Heather Perry, Coffee Klatch, San Dimas, Calif.
4. Chris Baca, Ritual Coffee Roasters, San Francisco, Calif.
5. Nick Griffith, Intelligentsia Coffee & Tea, Los Angeles, Calif.
6. Drew Cattlin, Ritual Coffee Roasters, San Francisco, Calif.

As the industry's most watched contest for coffeehouse professionals, the USBC encourages and recognizes achievement in the art and skill of espresso-drink preparation and service.

During the competition, the nation's best baristas created some of the world's finest coffee concoctions. Challengers prepared and served 12 orders--four espressos, four cappuccinos and four original signature drinks of their own creation--all within a 15-minute timeframe. As they readied their coffee beverages, contestants engaged the audience and explained their actions and selections while expertly working the competition's official espresso machine, a three-group La Marzocco.

Seven USBC-certified judges, including one head judge, two technical judges and four sensory judges, carefully evaluated and scored each of the contenders. Judges focused on station cleanliness, taste, beverage presentation, technical skills and total impression.

As the 2008 United States Barista Champion, Glanville received the highest national honor for a barista, a trophy, $1,000 in cash, and an all-expenses paid trip to the 2008 World Barista Championship in Copenhagen, Denmark, June 19 - 22, 2008, hosted by the Specialty Coffee Association of Europe and held at its "Wonderful Coffee" event.

About the SCAA

Celebrating 26 years of success, SCAA is the world's largest coffee trade association. SCAA members are located in more than 40 countries and represent every segment of the specialty coffee industry, from coffee growers to coffee roasters and retailers. The SCAA's mission is to be the recognized authority on specialty coffee, providing a common forum for the development and promotion of coffee excellence and sustainability. The SCAA's dedication to excellence in coffee is realized through the setting of quality standards for the industry; conducting research on coffee, equipment and perfection of craft; and providing education, training, resources and business services for members. The SCAA's annual conference is held in a different U.S. city each year and is the coffee industry's largest gathering and exhibition.

About Krups

Manufacturer of a wide spectrum of premium home espresso and coffee machines, Krups is present in more than 100 countries and millions of kitchens around the world. The Krups heritage of precise German engineered small appliances provides bold European design at the highest level of technical perfection and performance. The US leader in home espresso machines, Krups offers a range of machines suitable for all coffee consumers - the beginner, the keen enthusiast as well as the confirmed expert. All Krups products, which include coffee machines, burr grinders, and kitchen electrics, are designed with three key attributes in mind: Passion, Precision, and Perfection.

Note to Editor: Photos and interviews of Kyle Glanville and other USBC competitors are available upon request.

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