Celeste Norris crowned Australia's barista of choice marking the first National Barista Day
Celeste Norris, from Good 2 Go café on Melbourne’s Hosier Lane, has been crowned Australia’s ‘Barista of Choice’ on the inaugural National Barista Day, taking place today, Friday 1st March.
Created by www.BaristasforBaristas.com and Almond Breeze Barista Blend, the day has been designed especially to recognise and shout out the people who are keeping Australia’s coffee scene thriving.
The Australian Barista Census research released today to mark the industry celebration confirms that 82% of Australian baristas own or work in an independent café*, and 75% of Australians enjoy at least one cup of coffee per day**, reinforcing the need to officially honour the 30,000+ baristas in Australia.
After finding out the news, Celeste, who is a key member of the coffee community in Melbourne, commented: “To be crowned Australia’s first ‘Barista of Choice’ is just incredible. Being a barista is more than a job for me as it enables me to use my passion to teach people valuable skills to improve their lives,” she said.
National Barista Day received more than 2,000 nominations recognising outstanding baristas from all over the country, including Darwin in Australia’s Northern Territory, Henley Beach in South Australia, Wanneroo in Western Australia and Hobart, Tasmania. The following nomination was received for Celeste, which helped secure her win: “Celeste is not only a brilliant coffee barista, making some of the best coffees in Melbourne, but she is an outstanding member of the community. Working with the vulnerable population of Melbourne, both young and old, to support them at all aspects of life. She also teaches them the important life skill of making a delicious coffee at the Good 2 Go café.”
As Australia’s ‘Barista of Choice’, Celeste goes home with $5,000 cash to help push her career forward, plus secured a one on one masterclass with current World Barista Champion from Poland, Aga Rojewska. Nine superstar baristas also received special commendations today and will receive $1,000 cash to supercharge their careers.
Australia and New Zealand Country Manager of Almond Breeze Barista Blend Michael McNulty was thrilled with the first event of its kind, he commented: “Celebrating the people in Australia’s 10th fastest growing job was a natural fit for us and we’re so proud to be bringing together the coffee community like this.”
He continued: “This process has really highlighted how pivotal the barista is to the community and people’s lives. Barista schools are important, but some of the stories about the amazing customer service and friendship our baristas provide can’t be taught. This demonstrates what an incredible coffee scene we have in Australia.”
“Huge congratulations to Celeste from Good 2 Go, she is the deserving winner. The response to National Barista Day has been phenomenal and we can’t wait to do it all again next year,” Michael finished.
To coincide with National Barista Day, Almond Breeze Barista Blend has also released the first ever Australian Barista Census, with the full e-Book available to download at www.BaristasforBaristas.com.
Almond Breeze Barista Blend, 1st March 2019
