illycaffè and Gruppo Cimbali renew the contest “Maestri dell’Espresso Junior”, now in its 25th edition

Milan, April 2017 - illycaffè, the leading global company in the high-quality coffee industry, and Gruppo Cimbali, a historic brand of coffee machines, have renewed the prize contest “Maestri dell’Espresso Junior” for its 25th edition. The contest is dedicated to future operators of the taproom and sales sector of Italian Hotel Schools, which precedes the national final scheduled for 12th May.

Now in its 25th edition, the contest involves the fourth-year pupils of the Professional Hotel and Catering Institutes located in Italy and in the Republic of San Marino. An annual programme that, through gradual selection stages and with the support of the school teachers, selects the top pupils, forming a restricted group of 16 finalists.

“Maestri dell’Espresso Junior” has become a commitment and a tradition for the two promoting companies, which shows their focus on education and scientific dissemination, a mission that has been confirmed this year by renewing the contest entirely, as well as its procedures.

THE NEW FEATURES of the 25th EDITION

THE JURIES: two juries will be introduced for the new edition of “Maestri dell’Espresso Junior”. One jury will consist of six sector technicians, three from the illycaffé University of coffee and three from the Mumac Academy for Gruppo Cimbali, and one jury consisting of journalists. The first panel will judge the performance of the tests and the technical preparation of the products, whereas the second panel will analyse the ability to interact with the customer, to communicate and manage unexpected events, with an international approach, since it will also be possible to ask questions in English.

THE FINAL: in order to make the contest even more challenging and demanding, the final to be held on 12th May has been divided into four phases to gradually reduce the number of competing pupils from 16 to 2 in a series of technical tests on coffee and cappuccino preparation and a tasting analysis to also test the sensory abilities of the candidates and ensure consistency in the preparation of the two drinks.

THE AWARDS: further confirming the high educational and professional value of this contest, illycaffè and Gruppo Cimbali have also revolutionised the prizes available, which, for those in second and first place respectively, consist in taking part in the most complete course and a 10-day internship at the University of Coffee or at the Mumac Academy. In this way, the winners will be able to have a first professional experience that will prepare them for their future career.