17 Nov 2022

Wimpy Botswana on Tuesday held its fourth Barista championship competition at Goo Moremi Gorge.

The competition had two categories; branch managers and Barista, with 10 participants per category.

Ms Yolanda Kenosi from CBD came first in the Barista category, winning P2 500, while Ms Koketso Moatshe from River walk came second, winning P2 000 and Ms Orapeleng Oitsile from Francistown came third and won P1500.

The managers category was won by Kesaobaka Ramotlhabi from Airport Junction and got P2 000, second prize went to Shannon Scott of Palapye, who won P1500 and Dimpho Marumo from Western Bypass got third price and won P1000.

Wimpy Botswana marketing manager, Mr Reginald Kefitlhile, said the Barista competition enabled Wimpy employees to compete to produce the best espresso-based coffee drinks and to encourage continuous improvement as there was an added competitive element.

Mr Kefitlhile said management used the competition platform as means to enhance passion in their baristas and keep the spirit of the unique skill alive.

He said they also believed that the competition encouraged their baristas to spend as much time as possible perfecting their skill in coffee experience for their customers.

He added that the other focus of the challenge was to upskill, motivate and identify the store’s top baristas, adding there was always room for improvement.

He said they also considered the competition a useful reward and recognition tool, which was a great motivator for their Baristas to go over and beyond just offering coffee or a service.

Mr Kefitlhile revealed that the top 20 baristas from across all branches went head-to-head to prepare and serve their masterpieces to judges within five minutes.

One of the judges, Managing Director at Fine Brands, Ms Eve-Tendai Mpofu said they were judging on time management, preparing tools, hygiene cleanliness, presentation and serving. ENDS