Ubc � China At Food And Hospitality China In Shanghai Sets New Records

Shanghai, China / Portland, Oregon, USA - Coffee was HOT at the 2008 Ultimate Barista Challenge China held from December 4 - 6 in Pudong at the Shanghai New International Exhibition Center. FHC China, organized by China International Exhibitions, hosts the UBC China annually in the Coffee & Tea Pavilion and verified show attendance at 20,441, higher than any previous years.

Ultimate Baristi from USA, Korea and China faced local baristi in "dueling challenges" of Latte Art, Espresso Frappe, Espresso Cocktail and Best of Brew Challenges. Barista, someone who expertly prepares espresso, battle 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 in that category! A barista must win each category Final Challenge to become the Ultimate Barista. This no holds barred espresso & brewed 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.

Ultimate Barista USA, Mike Love, states, "FHC is a phenomenal show, an amazing UBC, and the Chinese baristi were incredible." Ultimate Barista CHINA Kelvin Huang, Ultimate Barista USA Mike Love, and Ultimate Barista KOREA Um Tae Jin represented their nation's top talent in coffee and espresso excellence. Latte Art Qualifying winner, Miss Kelly Qian of Milan Gold impressed judges to score her top barista in Latte Art Challenge earning her the title of Ultimate Barista Latte Art China. Her drink, "Tomorrow" served in a teacup with beautiful latte art of a sunrise and sweetly balanced flavor of espresso and textured milk combined "traditions of East and West", as Judge Arnuad Dupius, General Manager of Brasilia, noted.

Huge Crowds gathered as USA Ultimate Barista Mike Love demonstrated his Espresso Frappe recipe, called, Tiramisu Frappe. Vanilla and coffee infused gelato from Fabbri were combined with mascarpone cheese, Uganda vanilla, perfectly brewed espresso garnished with lady fingers served in a stylish cocktail glass. UBC Sponsor's products and equipment were featured for audience members to enjoy and to witness the Ultimate Barista prepare their creative tasty coffee concoctions. Ultimate Barista China, Kelvin Huang demonstrated his techniques for dramatic Latte Art as audience members crowded the stage, sample tasting the drinks, snapping dozens of photos and movies. Coffee drinks should not only look great but taste great too!

UBC Winners in each Qualifying Challenge Category: David Wang of Milan Gold placed first in Best of Brew. Kelly Qian of Milan Gold placed first in Latte Art and Espresso Frappe and Hu Sai of Hope Star won qualifying round of Espresso Cocktail. Winning Baristi chose one Ultimate Barista to challenge, hence the Ultimate Barista Challenge. Miss Kelly Qian was the only challenger to win the UBC championship round earning her the well deserved title, 2008 Ultimate Barista Latte Art China and Ultimate Barista Espresso Frappe China. Ultimate Barista USA Mike Love successfully defended the Challenge from David Wang in the Best of Brew event and Ultimate Barista Korea Mr.Um tae Jin fended off a Final Challenge from Mr. Hu Sai in the Espresso Cocktail Challenge. Congratulations to all participants.

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

About the Ultimate Barista Challenge�.
The Ultimate Barista Challenge� is owned and p