LONG BEACH, CA – The Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) has confirmed that an official US Latte Art Championship will be developed and launched at the SCAA Event in Seattle, WA in 2014.
After a successful latte art exhibition grassroots effort supported by Dalla Corte U.S.A at the 2013 Event, the SCAA has decided to include an official championship to its existing lineup of US Coffee Championships held annually at the SCAA exposition, The Event.
The Specialty Coffee Association of America is the governing body of the United States Latte Art Championship (USLAC) – the Licensed National Body for WCE (World Coffee Events).
Dalla Corte will continue their support of this event through their contribution as the Official Machine Sponsor and they will be joined by the Official Porcelain Sponsor, Espresso Parts.
“Based on participation rates in 2013, it became clear that the barista community was excited about the possibility of an officially sanctioned US Latte Art Championship being added to the SCAA lineup,” stated SCAA Sr. Events Manager Lara Gallagher, “The US Coffee Championships are the premier national stage for excellence in coffee preparation and we’re thrilled to be able to offer yet another opportunity for coffee professionals to showcase their skill and craftsmanship.”
The US Latte Art Championship will bring together artistic baristas from across the country to create championship quality lattes for 2 visual judges, 1 head judge, and 1 technical judge.
In Round 1 competitors will make 2 free pour lattes and 2 designer lattes on stage for their judges in a 6 minute presentation as well as creating a unique and artistic design off stage in the Art Bar portion of this round.
Free pouring, etching, and use of dyes on the surface of the latte are allowed in the Art Bar, which allows for an opportunity for competitors to express their creativity through patterns.
The 6 top competitors from Round 1 will move on to finals where they will make 2 macchiatos, 2 free pour lattes, and 2 designer lattes for judges in an 8 minute performance. In both rounds, competitors are judged on their foam quality, difficulty of design, ability to reproduce their design, and creativity.
The winner of the 2014 US Latte Art Championship will move on to compete at the World Latte Art Championship. US Latte Art registration was opened in conjunction with registration for the 2014 SCAA Event on November 15, 2013 at www.scaaevent.org.
SCAA’s United States Coffee Championships, through their focus on excellence, encourage and recognize professional achievement in the art and skill of espresso beverage preparation and service.
Registration will be available on a first come, first serve basis for BGA Level 2 certified baristas.
For more information on the US Coffee Championships or the US Latte Art Championship visit the new US Coffee Championships website at www.uscoffeechampionships.org or contact competitions@scaa.org.
