Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation crowned Michael Jordon Onyot of Cebu, Philippines 2013 Krispy Kreme World Barista Champion at its annual International Franchise Conference. During an intense three-day competition in Cancun, Mexico, an international panel of beverage experts, including World Barista Champion (2011), Alejandro Mendrez, awarded Mr. Onyot the grand prize based on palate, presentation, and technical execution of Krispy Kreme espressos and “specialty drinks”.

 

The first of its kind Krispy Kreme championship competition was a comprehensive, multi-round event sponsored by Nuova Simonelli. Baristas from 13 countries competed for the title of Krispy Kreme World Barista Champion, with all competitors having previously won a local Krispy Kreme competition in their respective country to compete for the title.

 

“Coffee, espresso and specialty drinks are a key part of our beverage program, particularly in our international markets where Krispy Kreme customers are drawn to the unique café design and experience at our shops,” explains Jeff Welch, Krispy Kreme president—International. “The Krispy Kreme World Barista competition underscores our ongoing commitment to providing our guests with the same high quality and premium taste and presentation with our beverages that they enjoy with our signature treats.”

 

The finals took place in Cancun, Mexico in front of an audience of hundreds of Krispy Kreme franchise partners and executives attending the Company’s 2013 International Franchise Conference. During the finals, each competitor made and served a set of identical espresso, cappuccino, and specialty beverages to the panel of judges. Each set of beverages was then evaluated for palate, presentation, and technical execution by judges who observed the contestants in their work areas as they executed the drinks.

 

Michael Jordon Onyot, 24 years old, is a team member at the Krispy Kreme CEBU IT Park location in Cebu, Philippines. As the first place winner, Mr. Onyot won $1,000, a Nuova Simonelli Espresso Machine, and a grand prize trophy. As his host country, Krispy Kreme Philippines also received two group commercial Nuova Simonelli espresso machines.

 

The Krispy Kreme World Barista Competition judges included:

  • Maurizio Dubbini- regional director, Nuova Simonelli (Italy)

  • Sergio Cullar- Café Dilletto, Roaster, and Café Chain, a strategic partner of Krispy Kreme Mexico (Mexico/USA)

  • Branan Wagaman, beverage operations, Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation (USA)

  • Timothy Heatherly- training specialist, Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corporation (USA)

     

“It has been a real pleasure supporting Krispy Kreme and judging the first Krispy Kreme World Barista competition,” explains Maurizio Dubbini, regional director, Nuova Simonelli. “We are grateful to Krispy Kreme for its continued commitment to training and motivating baristas in its shops around the world.”

 

Additional prizes were awarded to the following finalists:

  • 2nd Place:  Ara Jo  (South Korea). Awarded $250 and a trophy

  • 3rd Place: Roberto Rosado (Puerto Rico). Awarded $100 and a trophy

     

All semi-finalists and finalists received recognition and certificates for their participation.

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