IBC- INDIA BARISTA CHAMPIONSHIP The finals of the India Barista championship (IBC) 2003, organized by the Speciality Coffee Association of India (SCAI),were held in Bangalore on Februay 8,2003.

Vikram Khurana of Café Coffee Day was declared the champion (seen in the photo left receiving the platinum award form Ms. Lakshmi Venkatachalam, Chairperson, Coffee Board). Khurana will represent India at the World Barista Championship to be held alongside the 15th Annual SCAA Conference & Exhibition scheduled at Boston, USA during April 26 - 28, 2003. This is a singular achievement for Khurana,who did

Congratulations go out to all the baristi who participated, turning in a wonderful performance. SCAI was overwhelmed with the response and thanked all the sponsor-cafes for sending in their best baristi and letting them work their magic, making IBC 2003 a grand success.

FOR COFFEE NEWS

Cheers to the Barista taking Indian Coffee to the World ('s) Cup!

Have you ever heard of Barista Championship? 'Not yet', or 'Yes', but for sure, not in 'India? Yes, Bangaloreans had the rare opportunity to witness this unique event, India Barista Championship 2003 (IBC). www.CommodityIndia.com also had good time covering the event, enjoying every sip of it.

IBC 2003 was organized by the Speciality Coffee Association of India (Scai) in Bangalore, the Capital City of Karnataka, form where 70% of coffee of India comes from. Speaking to www.CommodityIndia.com,Mr.D.M.Purnesh, Chairman, IBC 2003 Committee, Scai and Mr. S.Venkatesh, Co-ordinator of Scai said that the Association drew inspiration from the Worlds Barista Championship (WBC) in which a few of its members took part last years. "An Indian winning the third price at the international event motivated us to organize one such event at the National level in India" they exulted.

Organisers said that the purpose was to bring pride to the profession of Barista, who can make or mar a good coffee. " Café culture is growing in India, Baristi community needs to be given the due respect and encouragement - after all they are the backbone of a café" said Mr.Purnesh.

The Jury at IBC 2003 included well known professionals in coffee industry, both from India and abroad. The National Jury was represented by Mrs. Sunalini Menon, Dr. Basavaraj, Mr.Mansingh, Mrs. Renuka Gangadhar and Mrs. Pushpa Murthy. International Jury was represented by- Ms. Synoeve Pedersen, Ms.Jannike Hildal, Mr. Eystein Veflingstad, Mr. Arne Wangberg, Mr. Anders Bjerke, Mr. Flavio Urizzi, Mr. Steinar Paulsrud and Mr. John Sherwood. President of SCAE (Speciality Coffee Association of Europe), Mr. Trygve Klingenberg was the Head Judge.

Eight Companies sent 22 contestants for IBC 2003. Café Coffee Day, Barista Coffee Co. Ltd., Qwikys, Doddamane Coffee Co., Espresso Philia, Kaapi Corner, Chitanyaa Coffee and Guru Coffee Works were the Companies that participated in the mega events as 'Contenders' for the Championship, the first of its kind in India.

The preliminary rounds were held on the 5th Feb. 2003 when 12 Baristi were selected for Semifinal rounds at Taj West End on the 7th Feb. 2003. Six contestants made it to the finals held on 8th Feb 2003.

www.CommodityIndia.com spoke to Mr. P.J. Suresh Babu of Chaithanyaa Coffee, who was one among the contending participants. Mr. Suresh Babu, besides being the co-sponsor of the event, also participated in the event in his capacity as Barista. Mr. Babu hails from a traditional coffee business family with 26 years of experience in coffee as a trader, manufacturer of coffee powder and distributor of coffee, besides tea and chicory. Chaithanyaa Coffee's popular brands include Chaithanyaa, trinetraa, Star and Eat Coffee. As a participant of IBC 2003 he said-"I am feeling very exited and happy with my role as Barista for the first time. I have prepared 4 espressos and 4 cappuccinos and presented to the Jury within the given time. Out of 22 participants, about 5 participants are individuals while the rest are from the leading Café running Corporate viz. Café Coffee Day, Barista Coffee Co. Ltd., Qwikys. It is a great experience for me to participate in the even5t, interacting and competing with experienced Baristi. I would like to participate in similar kind of events in the years to come. I am really thrilled to see new espresso machines, which have entered Indian markets (earlier I had seen espresso machines in USA, European countries, Australia and Far East and never thought that these machines will make entry into Indian markets so early)."

When asked to share his experience as a co-sponsor of the event, he said- "The event is special in its own way. Being part of the coffee industry, I felt that I need to encourage such events, which would encourage the Baristi to serve good coffee. I feel that the coffee industry in India can grow by serving pure coffee to the coffee lovers as well as the youngsters using the modern espresso and vending machines. This would result in increased consumption of coffee within the country, which is what the industry wants too. Further my sponsorship served the purpose of 'advertising' my coffee brands".

"I feel very proud to contest alongside with Baristi from big outlets. It is nice that recognition is being given to our profession and such events will definitely enhance the quality of coffee", said another contestant, Mr. Gautam K.S. of Espresso Philia. Gautam who is working as Barista and consultant with Espresso Philia, is a pass out from Coffee Board's 1st Batch of P.G. Diploma in Coffee Quality Management. The young man did not forget to tell that he would be more willing to participate in such events in the days to come with enhanced competency in making the best cup of coffee.

On the final rounds, the following contenders emerged as the winners of IBC 2003, though the immense compliments go to all the 22 contended Baristi of this Special event-

Vikram Khurana-Delhi,16 months with Café Coffee day,Hotel Management graduate from Bangalore,25 years old. Last year, he represented India at Oslo for WBC and won the third prize. Signature coffee-COORG SUNSET-Ingredients: Orange flavour, espresso, cream, A triple layered drink.

Sanjeev Kumar-Mumbai, 12 months with café Coffee day, graduate in Hotel Management, 22 years old. Signature Coffee-HIMALAYA MOKSHA-egg yolk, cream
&espresso.

Thomson Baby-Bangalore, 2.5 years with Café Coffee day. Hotel management graduate from Bangalore,24 years old. Signature Coffee-PANCHENDREYA-Ginger, nutmeg, coconut, espresso & milk.

Kaushik Aich-Hyderabad,2.5 years with Café Coffee day. Hotel Management graduate from Bangalore. Signature Coffee-KERA CREMO &#8211-Cream,espresso & coconut Flavour.

Shouvik Paul-Delhi,1 year at Café Coffee day, Hotel Management graduate from Durgapur. Signature Coffee-MADHUMATI-honey, cashew, vanilla ice-cream & espresso

Courtesy:Indian Coffee