Pret A Manger’s Post

Coffee competitions have grown to be a dominant force for how professionals and consumers alike view the role of a barista, the industry, and coffee itself. Mindsets, businesses, and the supply chain itself has been shaped by the influence of competitions and today, understanding this world is critical to understanding coffee. To talk about this today we are joined by one of the most respected, prolific, and knowledgable WCE Competition head judges out there, Scott Conary! As Owner of award-winning Caffe Driade, Perennial & Open Eye Cafe in Chapel Hill, NC; along with Wholesale Roastery Carrboro Coffee Roasters; Scott Conary has had many opportunities to travel, teach and learn about coffee production, harvest, selection, blends and trends for the last 25+ years. He is an active educator in the Industry in most all disciplines and consults for companies, restaurants, and cafes nationally & around the world while also serving as a World Coffee Events Representative and Certified Head Judge for the WORLD BARISTA CHAMPIONSHIP since 2005. He has been a head Judge & Instructor for the Cup of Excellence / Alliance for Coffee Excellence, Inc. (ACE) program since 2015. Scott trains Barista’s and coffee professionals as a consultant, in the U.S. and around the world, for skill, knowledge and competition. In this episode we get to discuss competitions, judging, what makes a “good” barista, and the role these things have played and continue to play (both good and bad) in shaping the environment we operate in. We cover: 🔑 The Mentorship Aspect of Competitions 🔑 The Evolution of Competitions and the Role of Judges 🔑 The Influence of Baristas and competitions on the Supply Chain and Public Perception of Coffee 🔑 The Universal Takeaways from Competitions 🔑 Defining a “Good #Barista” 🔑 The Importance of Connection and Care 🔑 Technical #innovation and Connecting with Customers 🔑 Utilizing Innovation and Making a Connection 🔑 Expanding Beyond Barista Competition 🔑 Aligning with Organizations and Seeking #Transparency 🔑 Celebrating #Coffee and Affecting Change 🔑 Progress through Relationships and Collaboration Thanks to our sponsors Ground Control Brewer and Pacific Foods Barista Series

Could Omasake transform the #specialtycoffee industry? "Baristas have a responsibility to tell the story behind the coffee, but until now, there has been a limit as to how traditional coffee shops can do this. “Omakase-style experience allows baristas to serve customers like they are judges at competitions," shares Eiichi Kunitomo. Thomas Wensma speaks to Eiichi Kunitomo , founder of Koffee Mameya Kakeru, and Mikael Jasin, 2024 World Barista Champion and founder of Omakafe to learn more about how coffee shops can improve customer service and entrust the entire experience to experienced baristas. https://lnkd.in/gUXrJszC

My go to spirit lately! So versatile and fresh. Looking forward to see other bars adapting this flavour. #DrinksIndustry #BeverageConsulting #BeverageConsulting #DrinksConsulting #DrinksInnovation #ontrade #drinksbusiness #DrinksSustainability #BeverageMarketing #BeverageStrategy 

#3 Nadya's adulting story Since 2022, my life partner Valentin SPOUTIL 李萬龍, and his business partner Simon Habran have been importing Belgian Beer in Taiwan, Brewery Bertinchamps. Getting to witness all of this up close — discussing small or big matters with Valentin (though what about an opinion from a 25 years old right..... 😅), delivering beers from bar to bar, and labeling countless bottles of beer. Now, most of our weekend drinking involves introducing Bertinchamps. (I have never worked in sales before, a significant percentage of the restaurants we approach convert to sales has given me a taste of the exhilarating rush of selling). I wasn't initially a fan of beer, but this whole journey has raised me to become someone that would enjoy a bottle of Legére 12pm on a Sunday, and a Triple on a cold Saturday night. (I'm not sure it's a good thing but well, anything with moderation, let's say?) It was fun and enriching, like enrolling in a business course for free. (Or for my labor in exchange? 🤔) Over the past two years, this Taipei Wine Show is a good indicator on how much they have grown. 2022, they started with a free booth supported by a partner, in exchange, all sales revenue went to the partner. 2023, they shared a small-size booth with the same partner. 2024, they are now confident to take a full booth themselves. Also in 2024, they expanded, bringing more brands of Belgium beer, not only Bertinchamps, like from Omer Vander Ghinste, etc, hence the name beer-square.tw. With this significant exponential growth, they want to continue bringing more selection of good beers in Taiwan. And each time I joined them for this kind of exhibition, it has been incredibly enjoyable. Getting to meet fellow people in the F&B industry and beer enthusiast. It's never just about selling beers, but all the chats and knowledge exchanging. Sometimes when my social battery ran out, I'll be hiding at the back labelling their cups or something, observing the bustling crowd, enjoying the ambience. So if this post reaches those in need of enriching their beer selection in the menu, or those like us who enjoy a good beer after their 9-5, please stop by this weekend. Love, Nadya, Polly Wu, Simon Habran, Valentin SPOUTIL 李萬龍

Cocktails are the backbone of any successful bar. Maximize them in yours with this week's blog below!

Struggling to Launch Your Cocktail & Mocktail Bar? Let Us Help! At Aasvaa, we specialize in overcoming these obstacles and more. Let's elevate your cocktail and mocktail bar venture together! . . . #aasvaa #RestaurantTips #RestaurantGrowth #RestaurantBusiness #RestaurantManagement #OptimizeYourRestaurant #RestaurantSolutions #IncreaseRestaurantRevenue #RestaurantConsulting #HospitalityIndustry #FoodAndBeverage ️ #RestaurantMarketing #AasvaaUniversal

Pisco, the new spirit on the block. Exploring the London cocktail scene with Barfly’s own resident bartender and mixologist, Michael Andre Allingag, reveals a notable shift – Pisco is emerging as a preferred choice among bartenders. Barfly's UK Bartender panel recognizes its versatility and distinctive characteristics, offering a contemporary twist to classic cocktails. As we witness this trend gain momentum, it's crucial for on-trade establishments to consider the diverse possibilities Pisco brings to the table. Its unique attributes, coupled with the distinct production methods of Chilean and Peruvian varieties, provide an opportunity for bartenders to innovate and meet evolving consumer preferences. In the realm of spirits, Pisco is poised to be a significant player, offering a fresh and enticing alternative. Listen to how one of our bartenders is using it to freshen up drinks. #DrinksIndustry #BeverageConsulting #BeverageConsulting #DrinksConsulting #DrinksInnovation #ontrade #drinksbusiness #DrinksSustainability #BeverageMarketing #BeverageStrategy

Unleash the secrets of the world of baristas! Ever wondered what being a barista truly entails? It's not just about brewing coffee - it's an intricate art that blends skills, precision, and a love for coffee. Dive into the realm of baristas where they masterfully craft coffee and enlighten us on coffee culture. #BaristaLife ☕ Want to know more about the fascinating profession of baristas and the intricate world of coffee? Discover the skills, techniques, and insights that make a great barista at https://lnkd.in/eWPECazR. ☕✨ Here are some insights about baristas and coffee: - Baristas are not just coffee brewers - they are the guardians of coffee culture. - Their expertise includes maintaining equipment, managing stock, and mastering brewing techniques. - Understanding the nuances of coffee beans and roasting can transform the coffee experience. - Brewing techniques such as espresso and pour-over require precision and expertise. - Delve into the art of latte art and discover the skills that elevate coffee presentation. 🎨 Unleash your inner barista and elevate your coffee journey! Explore more at https://lnkd.in/eWPECazR. ☕🌟

Our Courses: Intermediate Barista Skills Our Intermediate Barista Skills course builds on the comprehensive foundation established by our Introduction to Barista Skills course. It is highly recommended that you attend the Introduction course before enrolling for the intermediate course. During this course, we will validate and refresh your knowledge of espresso making. #heavenlycoffees #heavenlycoffeescourses #coffee #coffeelover #courses #barista #baristatraining

Coffee should be easy. But is it? 🤔 Wise2Coffee understands the complexity behind the bean and is here to help your company, café, restaurant or any hospitality offer introduce coffee that not only delivers big on taste but also supports the coffee producers via the Reverse Trade movement. Let us work with you to make coffee easy and ethical. ☕ Drop us a DM or contact us at sales@Wise2Coffee.com or contactme@Wise2Coffee.com to learn more about how we can help. 💻 #Playfair #Reversetrade #Thefarmerfirst