It takes real skill to make art out of espresso, but like any talent, there are some who rise above the rest. The International Free-Pour Latte Art Competition in Seattle last week brought together 50 international baristas to compete to create the best designs out of steamed milk and espresso.
The best barista in the world? Layla Obsberg, 29, a training manager at Blenz coffee in Vancouver.
The design that took the cake? "It's called a signature pour and it's quite stunning to see, a perfect, layered heart," Osberg told The Province.
She started practicing art when she was only 16. "I taught myself by pouring simple hearts on lattes," Osberg said. "Then I went to Europe at 19 and saw the traditional Italian technique, which opened my eyes to possibilities."
So, what drink would the world's best barista recommend?
"I recommend an espresso macchiato and a hazelnut chocolate florentine to nibble on," from Blenz, of course!
Check out some more incredible foam and espresso art:
Latte Art Championships
World's Best Barista
Trend Themes
1. Latte Art - Opportunity for businesses to create innovative products and services related to latte art, such as specialized tools and equipment, or latte art classes and workshops.
2. Barista Competitions - Potential for businesses to organize and sponsor barista competitions, providing a platform for talented baristas to showcase their skills and for coffee enthusiasts to discover new talent.
3. Coffee Culture - Growing demand for unique coffee experiences presents an opportunity for businesses to create immersive coffee tasting events, coffee-themed travel experiences, or specialty coffee subscriptions.
Industry Implications
1. Food and Beverage - Innovative food and beverage companies can leverage the growing interest in latte art and coffee culture by introducing new products and experiences that cater to this market.
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3. Art and Design - Artists and designers can explore the intersection of coffee and art by creating unique coffee-related artwork, collaborating with coffee shops for installations, or designing custom latte art stencils and patterns for baristas.