Ally Strachan was fourth in the Cape Town individual competition and Durban's Pauline Leschinsky came second and received the award for best signature beverage for the KwaZulu-Natal region. Wayne Burrows and Casper Mncube from Gauteng, were placed second and fourth respectively with Burrows winning Best Total Impression and Mncube, who had entered the competition for the first time, winning Best Cappuccino.
The judging was based on the preparation of four espressos, four cappuccinos and four signature drinks to exacting standards and within 15-minutes. Judges based their scores on the beverage taste, cleanliness, creativity, technical skill and overall presentation as well as how the competitors expressed their individuality through their presentation of signature drinks.
Burrows is currently the 2010 All African Barista champion and together with Mncube, Leschinsky and Strachan, as part of the top six finalists of the regional South African Barista competitions, will advance to the National Competition taking place in March 2011 where they will compete for the title of 2011 South African Barista Champion.
The winner of the national competition will represent South Africa at the World Barista Championships taking place in Bogata, Colombia in June 2011. This global competition focuses on promoting excellence in coffee preparation and advancing the Barista profession.
Cebo Sithathu and Fano Hlongwane, the first two graduates of the Ciro Barista Upliftment programme, also competed in the Gauteng regional competition and were able to get a first hand taste of what is expected from a Barista at competition level. Since graduating Fano has taken up a position at Caffe Fresco and Cebo has moved on to Nino's.
Ciro also invests in its clients by advancing chosen trainees to competition training levels. Baxton Nxahe and Freedom Nxahe from Lattelicious, took part in this programme and have had the opportunity to significantly hone their skills by taking part in competitions of this stature.
