Compass Group UK & Ireland, the UK’s largest food and support services firm, is to launch its first Barista Academy – a group consisting of the most highly skilled baristas in the business.

The application process is now open to all baristas in the company and will give them the opportunity to prove their coffee credentials.

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A focus on technical skill, consistency and quality will help decide which baristas make it through the testing trials. Those that make it to the last stage will undergo judging by a panel of esteemed external experts, who will decide who makes the final cut to earn the title of Master Barista.

All Master Baristas will receive the highest standard of training, working towards a Speciality Coffee Association Diploma in Coffee. This will enable Master Baristas to share best practice across the business and inspire other colleagues to enhance quality.

Louise Pilkington, marketing director, Compass Group UK & Ireland said: “Starting the process of launching our first ever Barista Academy is an important step for us in continuing our coffee journey. Establishing this group of hugely talented and skilled individuals, we will be able to spread their knowledge around the business, further raising the standard and profile of our baristas and our coffee offers. It’s a great opportunity to bring together all the great work we’re doing in the hot beverage category and show off some of our talented people that take our coffee credentials to the next level.”

Stephen Lovegrove, head of business excellence – Central Marketing, Compass Group UK & Ireland added: “We have some fantastic baristas in this business, who complement the quality of our coffee offers. The launch of our Barista Academy brings this work together and celebrates this talent – we can’t wait for the trials to begin to decide our Master Baristas.”

In December 2017, Compass Group UK & Ireland further enhanced its hot beverage offer, with the launch of Peak St. and Crackle & Hum. Two distinctive coffee concepts, targeting value and premium segments within the coffee market, they are currently being rolled-out at Compass client sites, across sectors such as business and industry, healthcare and leisure.

Sponsoring the Barista Academy are: UCC Coffee, Nouva Simonelli, Victoria Arduino, Yew Tree Dairy, West Country Milk, Alpro UK Ltd., Brita, Hydracs, Teapigs, Continental Chef Supplies and Speciality Coffee Association.