The Nordic Cup - The future of coffee shops

During the day the teams presented their vision of ‘the future coffee shop’ including ‘Spot’ from Iceland and Café Avec from Finland, who rather cruelly got fined some of their valuable barista dollars for not having all members of the team on stage – harsh. The amount of work each of the teams had gone to for these presentations was apparent and this was only day one. Many of the teams’ visions revolved around a greater appreciation of coffee from the general public. To the extent that someone would go into a coffee shop, choose their green beans, watch them roasted and then be served their coffee. We couldn’t help but wonder if this is a little idealistic – although wonderful - and how realistic it would be in practice as many people enjoying their coffee on the run these days, however we guess that’s why it’s supposed to the future!

The value of the dollar

Throughout the competition the teams were awarded ‘barista’ dollars to help fund their coffee shops. The event was won by the team with the most hard earned cash. Some controversy arose when one team (no names here) were enterprising enough to ask the banker for a loan, just at the right time i.e. after a few beers. We’re wondering if the dollars we still have will be good for next year in Helsinki – and what they will be worth?!

Bad Chocolate?

Day two saw one of our favorite events; chocolate tasting, and one of the most anticipated; Nordic Roaster of the Year. Søren Sylvest from Chokolade Compagniet in Denmark gave an insightful talk into understanding chocolate, where it comes from, how it is processed and how to tell a good chocolate from bad (we’re not sure there is any such thing as bad chocolate, but we’re not going to argue with a professional). If you would like to learn these trade secrets, then download the chocolate tasting guide here.

After lunch and a collection for the event charity program in Nicaragua we were given a talk by Per Bengston, winner of the 2007 White Guide in Service. He talked about ‘Why customers return’. Studies show that only 40% of a customers remembered experience relates to the coffee, ambiance and cleanliness. The other 60% is all about your staff – whether they are cheerful, helpful and friendly. Bear this in mind next time you visit somewhere with miserable staff, would you be so keen to return? Per also highlighted the very important fact that first impressions are made within 90 seconds (90 seconds of silence is the most people can bear before feeling uncomfortable!). To relate this to customer service, this shows how important it is to ensure your staff greet or at least acknowledge customers as they arrive. In a coffee shop with hands busy with portafilters and cups it may not be possible, (or appropriate…!) to shake hands and formally greet each customers, but a quick ‘hello’ or even just making eye contact is vitally important. Think about the times you’re been waiting to be served while the staff carry on what they are doing without acknowledging you – not a great first impression as Per would agree.

All white now

On the evening of the second day the event marquee was transformed from top to bottom in a matter of hours into a fantastic white wonderland, complete with balloons, dry ice and flamingos!

Having seen there was a ‘white party’ on the agenda we were feeling fairly organized as we turned up in our snappy white trilbies and black and white themed attire, little did we know how strict the rules were, and we were instructed to slip on some rather fetching white boiler suits over our clothes on arrival – white means white it seemed, and we, along with many other attendees had failed to meet the grade!

Welcome Joe Public

In the true sharing nature of the barista culture day three of the cup was open to the public, who were offered the chance to change up some kronor for barista dollars, to be spent in the café of their choice. On arriving it was amazing to see the effort each country had gone to. They not only offered their best coffee but had also somehow managed to rustle up pastries, sandwiches and all manner of treats to tempt in those dollars. All the money raised on the day, and throughout the event, went to an elementary school in Nicaragua, where the winning team will be traveling to as part of their prize.

It was nice to see so many of Gothenburg’s Saturday shoppers taking time out to visit the event, and shows how much the Nordic countries do take their coffee seriously. Having been involved in a few barista events in the UK, it would be nice to get the same level of interest here, definitely something to aim for!
The day also saw the teams taking part in what was billed as a ‘World record attempt with Nespresso’. This entailed the teams having to make as many espressos and cappuccinos as possible in 15 minutes., With the event judges on hand to pass or refuse the drinks the quanities of successful drinks ranged from 4 to 17 – with Imma from Iceland showing why she is there current Barista Champion by making quality drink after drink.

And the winner is……

After three days of coffee discussion, learning, sharing, little sleep and lots of hard work for the teams the all important results were announced at the Gala dinner on the final night. Having won the last two years Norway were still looking likely to take the title throughout the competition, but the Nordic Cup winners of 2007 were from the host country of Sweden. The team were thoroughly pleased with the announcement, splashing champagne around the stage and partying the night away. Congratulations to the Swedish team for all their hard work, and good luck for 2008. If you would like more information about the event, or would like to attend next years cup in Helsinki, visit www.nordicbaristacup.com for full details – we’ll see you there.