Meg Loudon from Coffee Brothers in Mona Vale, New South Wales is the 2016 International Grand Latte Art Champion.
Hosted by Danes Specialty Coffee, Meg took out the top spot on Friday 19 August in front of a packed house at Chatswood‘s Victoria Bar and Grill.
Zhao Ting Wu of Cote Terra was runner up and Andy Wong of Harvest Blend placed third, both from Victoria.
“When my name was announced as the winner I’m not sure what I felt. Disbelief? Overwhelmed? Ecstatic? Excited? Maybe everything at once. I honestly couldn’t believe I had made it to the end and then take out the title was incredible,” Meg said. “I didn’t think my art was at that level. Through the final round my friends were very encouraging but I didn’t expect to be good enough for first so it was a beautiful surprise.”
The event saw the region’s top baristas showcasing their artistic flair and competing for the title of top latte artist.
Riverina Fresh milk and SanRemo Australia sponsored the competition, which featured a prize pool worth more than $10,000.
Meg beat out a highly experienced field of 54 latte artists to take out the title, winning herself a giant cheque for $3500. Zhao won $1500 and Andy won $500.
The 2016 International Grand Latte Art Championship consisted of three rounds of competition beginning with one knockout, elimination round that sees competitors create one latte art creation from an e-wheel. Winners from round one proceeded onto Round Two where the format saw each competitor create two creations, one from the wheel, and one signature latte art creation.
The Final Round saw the last four artists standing from the round two Preliminary Finals face off with their signature latte art creation.
Meg says her strategy was all about slowing done and not letting her nerves get the better of her.
“I knew there were some crazy people competing but I tried not to think about it. I just focused on my pour and producing the best cup I could,” she said.
For the first time, the contest was available via a live stream on the danes.com.au website.
A $250 Spectator’s Choice award where the audience voted for their favourite design from the final four was awarded to runner up Zhao Ting Wu.
The event also helped raise $3000 for charity Hope Global.
For more information visit www.danes.com.au
Images: courtesy of Danes Specialty Coffee
