Food Hotel Asia (FHA) has drawn to a close for 2012, with their next event scheduled for April 2014.  Singapore, in typical fashion, had high occupancy rates both at the show and in the hotel industry, and this year saw excellent growth in the coffee area, with most of the major machine companies represented at the show.

This year saw the first Food Hotel Asia Barista Challenge, hosted by the newly launched Specialty Coffee Association of Europe Singapore Chapter. The competition ran over 4 days, featuring a local Barista Challenge as well as a Latte Art Competition. The highlight of the coffee section was the FBC Barista Challenge, where competitors from 14 Asian and Australasian countries competed for the first prize of $5,000SGD, first runner up $3,000SGD and second runner up $2,000SGD. Competitors had 15 minutes to produce the 4 espressos, 4 cappuccinos and 4 signature beverages.

The competition drew a large crowd, with SCAE Singapore Chapters Secretary, Mr Danny Pang, keeping the spectators entertained with his in depth knowledge of the barista culture and interview skills between competitors.

Ms Ting Siew Mui from Singapore Exhibition Services Pty Ltd was delighted with the event, thanking SCAE Singapore Chapter for hosting an extremely well run competition,with great feedback received about the event.

The Finals results:

Champion: Aymon Mcquade – New Zealand
1st Runner Up: Dodi Samsura – Indonesia
2nd runner Up: Yee J H – Malaysia
3rd runner Up: Yoshikasu Iwase – Japan
4th Runner Up: Craig Simon – Australia

Ross Bright, the SCAE National Coordinator Singapore Chapter, commented that, “It was a great experience for all involved, and Singapore SCAE Chapter is very proud to host this event. This is the first and crucial step in bringing formalised internationally recognised training and accreditation to a growing market in South East Asia and beyond.”

Thank you to the sponsors and judges for their support.