Nuova Simonelli, official sponsor of the 2013 and 2014 Italian Barista Championships, looked after the technical organisation of Coffee Excellence, an event that took place from 30 November to 1 December at the Maison Massena in Turin. The Turin event acted as the Piedmont competition round for eligibility in the finals of the Italian Barista Championship and Italian Latte Art Championship. Three Aurelia II T3 Competition model machines were made available to all baristas competing in Torino Coffee Excellence. The intense two days saw 20 professional baristas from all over Italy demonstrate their coffee skills in preparing drinks of the highest quality. The competitors were observed by a team of international judges, specialist journalists and experts from the sector, including the North Italy Area Manager for Nuova Simonelli, Massimo Colombo. The Piedmont selection, organised by the Italian Barista Championship and the Speciality Coffee Association of Europe (with the support of Costadoro Coffee and 9bar), was an opportunity for baristas to increase their knowledge and skills. The winners will go on to compete at the country finals, that will take place at the Sigep trade fair in Rimini from 19 to 21 January 2013. The national Barista Champion will go on to represent Italy at the World Barista Championship in Melbourne, Australia from 23 to 26 May 2013.
Surging coffee prices raise concerns for producers, says Fairtrade
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