3 International Ultimate Baristi Battle It Out With Local Chinese Baristi At The 2009 Fhc Shanghai

Shanghai, China / Portland, Oregon, USA - The 2009 Ultimate Barista Challenge China held from 18 - 20 November in Pudong at the Shanghai New International Exhibition Center created two new Ultimate Baristi from China! The FHC China, organized by China International Exhibitions, hosts the UBC China annually in the Coffee & Tea Zone. This years' attendees eclipsed the previous 3 years!

Ultimate Baristi from USA, Korea and China faced 37 local baristi in "dueling challenges" of Latte Art, Espresso Frappe and Espresso Cocktail Challenges. Barista Challengers from local cafes in and around Shanghai prepared espresso based drinks battling it out in Qualifying Challenges earning prizes, medallions, certificates and the right to challenge the worlds top "Ultimate Barista". If the challenger defeats the selected Ultimate Barista, they become the next Ultimate Barista China in that category! A barista must win each category challenge to become the Ultimate Barista. This no holds barred espresso coffee competition is like no other coffee competition in the world where taste, talent and speed earn high marks with certified UBC Tasting and Technical judges.

Newly appointed Ultimate Barista Korea Mr. Young min Lee, states, "The UBC China is in the best place to introduce Specialty Coffee to the Foodservice/Restaurant businesses at the world renowned FHC Shanghai" Ultimate Barista CHINA Kelvin Huang, Ultimate Barista USA Mike Love, and Ultimate Barista KOREA Young min Lee represented their nation's top talent in coffee and espresso excellence. Ultimate Barista USA Mike Love with his New York attitude was challenged not once or twice but in all Final UBC Challenges!

Huge Crowds gathered as Ultimate Barista CHINA Mr. Kelvin Huang demonstrated his techniques for dramatic latte art & Ultimate Barista KOREA Mr. Young min Lee demonstrated their skills in Latte Art & Espresso Cocktail drinks as they prepared their creative tasty coffee concoctions! These demonstrations educate the Culinary audience & FHC attendees and feature UBC China Sponsor products and equipment. Following demonstrations, audience members crowded the stage to taste the drinks!

UBC Winners in qualifying category: James Lv of Milan Gold placed first in Espresso Frappe, Mr. Hu Sai of Hope Star placed first in Espresso Cocktail and Mr. Tan Yu Hai also of Hope Star won the qualifying round in the Latte Art Challenge. All winning Baristi chose Mr. Mike Love, the Ultimate Barista USA to challenge, hence the "Ultimate Barista Challenge" name. Mr. Hu Sai of Hope Star and Mr. James Lv of Milan Gold won their respective categories in the UBC China Championship Rounds earning them the title of Ultimate Barista China Espresso Cocktail and Ultimate Barista China Espresso Frappe. Ultimate Barista Mike Love also won the Overall Points Championship for this 3 day event and the Latte Art Championship. Congratulations to all participants!

Sherri Johns, Managing Director Ultimate Barista Challenge exclaims, "FHC is a hugely successful show for us. We have incredible participation from local baritsi and the show organizers are top notch." "Companies interested in developing a market in China need to be here without a doubt."

UBC China Sponsors: La Cimbali M39 Classic C2 Espresso Machines & Magnum Grinders, Jespresso: mainland China distributors of quality coffee equipment, Drink Magazine; Media Sponsor and Sirman; UBC Product Sponsored Blenders.

About the Ultimate Barista Challenge�.
The Ultimate Barista Challenge� is owned and produced by WholeCup Coffee Consulting, LLC, with 35 years experience in Specialty Coffee and 10 years experience in barista competitions. The Ultimate Barista Challenge (UBC) is an open competition. Barista enter one to four tasty bouts of