LONG BEACH, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--If you want a really great espresso or cappuccino, head to San Dimas, Calif., hometown of Heather Perry, the best barista in the nation. Coffee Klatch Roasting’s Perry took top honors at the Specialty Coffee Association of America’s (SCAA) 2007 United States Barista Championship (USBC), hosted by Krups. Perry won the intense competition at SCAA’s 19th Annual Conference & Exhibition, May 4 - 7. Perry previously won the 2003 United States Barista Championship.

2007 U.S. Barista Championship Results:

1. Heather Perry, Coffee Klatch Roasting, San Dimas, Calif.
   
2. Pete Licata, PT's Coffee Company, Overland Park, Kan.
   
3. Matthew Riddle, Intelligentsia Coffee, Chicago Ill.
   
4. Chris Deferio, Carriage House Cafe, Ithaca, NY
   
5. Kyle Glanville, Intelligentsia Coffee, Los Angeles, Calif.
   
6. Peter Middlecamp, Black Sheep Coffee, South Saint Paul, Minn.
   
   

Competitors prepared and served 12 coffee drinks: four espressos, four cappuccinos and four signature drinks within a 15-minute timeframe. Judges focused on station cleanliness, taste, beverage presentation, technical skills and total impression.

About the SCAA

Celebrating its silver anniversary in 2007, SCAA is the world's largest coffee trade association. SCAA members are located in more than 40 countries and represent every segment of the specialty coffee industry, from coffee growers to coffee roasters and retailers. The SCAA's mission is to be the recognized authority on specialty coffee, providing a common forum for the development and promotion of coffee excellence and sustainability. The SCAA's dedication to excellence in coffee is realized through the setting of quality standards for the industry; conducting research on coffee, equipment and perfection of craft; and providing education, training, resources and business services for members. The SCAA's annual conference is the coffee industry's largest gathering.

About Krups

Manufacturer of a wide spectrum of premium home espresso and coffee machines, Krups is present in more than 100 countries and millions of kitchens around the world. The Krups heritage of precise German engineered small appliances provides bold European design at the highest level of technical perfection and performance. The US leader in home espresso machines, Krups offers a range of machines suitable for all coffee consumers -- the beginner, the keen enthusiast as well as the confirmed expert. All Krups products, which include coffee machines, burr grinders, and kitchen electrics, are designed with three key attributes in mind: Passion, Precision, and Perfection.

Contacts
Specialty Coffee Association of America
Rick Havacko, 562-624-4100
rhavacko@scaa.org