The winner of the third UAE Barista Championship is all set to display his skills at the three-day World Barista Championship that opens tomorrow (June 12) in Vienna.

Matt Toogood was crowned UAE champion last year after he beat 21 of the UAE’s top baristas during the UAE Barista Championship that was held as part of the 2011 Middle East Coffee & Tea Convention, the only dedicated event for the coffee and tea industry in the Arab World.

Last year saw a new class of competitors from across the UAE come together to battle for the coveted title.

Ryan Godinho, national co-coordinator and the organiser of the Middle East Coffee & Tea Convention, said: “We are really excited about Matt Toogood’s prospects in Vienna. We had the opportunity to closely watch his skills and determination at the UAE Barista Championship last year when he certainly raised the bar for other contestants."

“The UAE was placed 46th in the last two editions of the world championship but this year we are confident of a better showing with the talented Toogood representing UAE at the event.”

This will be the third year that the UAE is being represented at the prestigious championship.

The UAE Barista Championship will once again be a major highlight of the International Coffee & Tea Festival that will be held from October 30 to November 2 at the Meydan Grandstand and Convention Centre, Dubai.

Over 30 of the UAE’s best baristas will display their coffee making and service skills on stage, in front of an audience comprising of coffee enthusiasts and professionals from across the region and the world. – TradeArabia News Service