The Speciality Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE) UK Chapter and Allegra Events Ltd., organisers of The London Coffee Festival, announced plans for the SCAE 2013 UK events calendar.
In addition to hosting the UK Barista Championships (UKBC) and Brewers Cup for the second year running, The London Coffee Festival will also add the Latte Art, Coffee in Good Spirits, Ibrik and Cupping competitions to its event program.
“We are thrilled that the SCAE has decided to return to The London Coffee Festival in 2013, bringing with them a host of exciting new competitions,” said Jeffrey Young, Managing Director, Allegra Group, in a statement. “London is an inspiring playground for coffee and coffee culture and we are proud to host such a dynamic group of events that showcase the skills and determination of the nation’s best Baristas.”
Lynsey Harley, UK National Coordinator, SCAE UK Chapter, said that The London Coffee Festival is an excellent platform to showcase their events to both consumers and industry professionals alike, as well as offer some great exposure for sponsors. “We were overwhelmed by the interest shown in the UKBC and Brewers Cup at this year’s festival and are thrilled to be returning for a second year in 2013,” she said.
The London Coffee Festival, which is due to take place on 25 – 28 April 2013, is expected to attract more than 15,000 visitors with organisers adding an additional industry day to the event.
The UKBC is considered the hardest of the SCAE UK competitions, testing coffee knowledge, presentation, preparation and all round barista ability. At this year’s festival Maxwell Colonna-Dashwood was crowned winner of the UKBC 2012 beating more than 70 entrants and 20 semi-finalists to claim the prestigious title. Colonna-Dashwood then represented the UK at the World Barista Championships in Vienna in June 2012, where he was placed sixth.
