BeanScene Magazine

This was much more than just another competition. It was a celebration and a promotion of coffee chain culture and a showcasing of just how important this aspect of Australia’s coffee industry is. A highlight of the Royal Melbourne show, the competition brought together some of the country’s best known chains to entertain the crowds with their skills, talent and passion.

With strong support from industry heavyweights and an impressive selection of sponsors, the l Australian Coffee Chain championship promises to quickly become a regular highlight of this iconic Melbourne event.

The action was breakneck, the crowds huge, the coffees divine.

The teams were put through their paces over three days, with local boutique espresso chain, Cafenatics, narrowly taking out first prize, an ASTORIA espresso machine and grinder package compliments of University Food Group in what is easily the biggest prize pool offered to competitors nationally for an event of this type.

With five of the nation’s best coffee chains represented, teams came from Hudsons Coffee, Michel’s Patisserie, Palace Cinemas, NASHI and the final winners cafenatics. Owner, Joseph Haddad, commented that “all the teams were great and with this sort of event, coffee and the consumer are the ultimate winner.”

The action was breakneck, the crowds huge, the coffees divine. It was a celebration of individual and team proficiency, with teams being judged on speed, accuracy and both personal and team skills. It was a fast and furious affair with industry heavyweights, Gary Try, Maria Paoli and Maurizio Marcocci on hand to judge and assess the teams’ performances.

There was a special guest appearance by World Latte Art Champion, Con Haralambopoulos, of Gridlock Coffee, who wowed the crowds with his display of latte art and pouring skills.