Layla Osberg of Blenz Coffee Pours Ahead of the Competition

Layla Osberg of Blenz Coffee Pours Ahead of the Competition Blenz Coffee Training Manager, Layla Osberg, receives her second championship title at the Millrock International Free Pour Latte Art Competition in Seattle Washington.

November 2007 – Vancouver BC – Vancouver was well represented at the Millrock International Free Pour Latte Art Competition November 9th and 10th in Seattle Washington, with two of the top three spots going to Vancouver Baristas. But, the big news coming from Coffee Fest Seattle, is that Layla Osberg of Blenz Coffee has repeated her first place performance; Layla also won the Millrock Latte Art Competition in Atlanta this past June.

Coffee Fest is quickly becoming one of the premier food and beverage shows in North America with over 11,000 exhibitors and attendees. As the name implies, it's dedicated to the growth and proliferation of the specialty coffee, gourmet tea and alternative beverage industries featuring a trade show, educational programming, and of course, the crowd and industry favorite, Free-Pour Latte Art Competition.

The two-day Free Pour Latte Art competition, which awarded cash prizes of $5000 for first, $1000 for second and $500 for third as well as bragging rights, attracted 50 Baristas from as far away as Japan to compete for top honours. In the end, Vancouver's thriving coffee culture came out on top with Layla Osberg of Blenz Coffee and Colter Jones of Café Artigiano, both out of Vancouver, taking first and second place respectively, and Justin Tiesl of Alterra Coffee from Milwaukee, Wisconsin finishing third overall.

Ms. Osberg was surprised by her repeat victory. “I was really taken back when I won my first Latte Art Competition in Atlanta. There were lots of amazing Baristas. Winning for the second time feels surreal.” When asked about her secret to winning she had only one response, “I didn't let my nerves get the best of me. Most people get really nervous before competing, but I don't mind being in front of a crowd.” Layla started her career nine years ago with Blenz Coffee and now, after a career of being a top-notch Barista and managing various coffee shops across BC, she has come full circle and returned to Blenz as the Manager of Training for Blenz Coffee Academy.

“Layla nailed it on her first cup in the Seattle Millrock Finals Round. The cup was so arresting that all three judges just stopped and stared when it was placed on the judge's table. We did not see another cup with comparable definition. The composition's balance was excellent, as was the color contrast of crema and milk froth. We also accorded creativity points for the layers of hearts she embedded in the design. Just outstanding.” said Henry Patterson, one of the latte art judges.

About Blenz The Canadian Coffee Company Ltd™
Blenz The Canadian Coffee Company Ltd is a premium retailer of coffee, tea and other innovative and delicious specialty beverages. All of Blenz' beverages are made in-store from only the highest quality ingredients available. Blenz’ commitment to serving a great cup of coffee, providing an excellent customer experience, and providing world-class staff training, has fueled Blenz' growth from its inception. Blenz operates a network of over 85 franchise locations in British Columbia, Japan, China, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait and the Philippines.
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For information about Blenz The Canadian Coffee Company Ltd., contact:
George Moen
President
Blenz Coffee Ltd.
Telephone: (604) 682-2995
press@blenz.com