Competitors are full of beans

Carla Clendon, 17, was named Northland's top up-and-coming barista at an event celebrating the region's increasingly sophisticated coffee scene. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Coconut infusions, Turkish delight blends and twists on the traditional chai latte - Northland's coffee pros have been putting their best beans to the grind this week for a shot at being named the region's top barista.

Thirty contestants were frothing for a chance at the title of Northland Barista Champion, giving them automatic entry into the national grand finals.

Competition co-ordinator Rob Tadman, of Northland Hospitality, said some competitors chose their own beans, some going so far as to have them specially batch roasted for the event.

He said the standard "went through the roof" year-on-year, with Northland's coffee scene coming a long way.

"It's a chicken and egg situation - whether the consumer is becoming more savvy or baristas are becoming more discerning," Mr Tadman said.

The six judges were a selection of coffee experts from around the country. Each drink needed at least a "two sip" taste.

"We end up with some very wired sensory judges by the end of the three days," Mr Tadman said.

He said judging criteria was "purely down to taste".

Seventeen-year-old Carla Clendon won the trainee round on Sunday and had come along on Monday to witness the experts in action.

She had become interested in coffee-making through a barista course at her school, Excellere College, had then gone on to do work experience at Columbus Coffee and was keen to pursue a career in hospitality.

Northland Hospitality owner Max Hutchings said his company had hosted the event for the past 13 years as a way of lifting the region's coffee culture.

He said a top-of-the-line machine for a busy cafe could cost up to $15,000, though most cafes had their machines on a lease basis.