Britton Wins World Barista Championship

April 20, 2009

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April 20, 2009

After three jittery days of competition, the 10th Annual World Barista Championship selected its winner on Sunday. Baristas from 52 countries vied to make the best espresso, cappuccino and a signature drink. The winner is Gwilym Davies of the United Kingdom.

RENEE MONTAGNE, host:

And our last word in business today is caffeine creations. After three jittery days of competition, the 10th Annual World Barista Championship selected its winner yesterday. Baristas from 52 countries vied to make the best espresso, cappuccino and a signature drink. The winner is Gwilym Davies of the United Kingdom. He was presented with his title by last year's champion, Stephen Morrissey.

Mr. STEPHEN MORRISSEY (Former World Barista Champion): You are the new World Barista Champion. How do you feel?

Mr. GWILYM DAVIES (World Barista Champion): I'm - I'm puzzled. I'm waiting, I'm waiting to just wake up.

MONTAGNE: Davies, decked out in a tweed vest and a traditional British cap, caffeinates his customers from a small roadside cart in East London.

Mr. DAVIES: I built a good relationship with the local roaster and enjoy the interaction with the customers. Now, part of that's just the fun, part of it's to help educate, push this specialty coffee industry forward, and pouring in front of them is a great tool.

MONTAGNE: Gwilym Davies, while pouring cappuccinos for the judges. He'll have a chance to perfect his art with prizes that include a new espresso machine and a new coffee grinder.

And that's the business news on MORNING EDITION from NPR News. I'm Renee Montagne.

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