LONG BEACH, CA--(Marketwire - April 8, 2011) - The U.S. Barista Championship (USBC), a national competition designed to highlight the craft of the barista, will take place April 28 - May 1, 2011 at the George R. Brown Convention Center, in Houston, Texas, in conjunction with the world's largest coffee trade show, the SCAA's 23rd Annual Exposition. For more information and a complete schedule of events, visit www.scaaevent.org.

During the USBC, baristas from around the country showcase their skills and professionalism in hopes of obtaining the championship title. In total, challengers prepare and serve four sets of espressos, cappuccinos and original signature drinks within a 15-minute timeframe. USBC-certified judges, including one head judge, two technical judges and four sensory judges, carefully evaluate and score each of the contenders, focusing on station cleanliness, taste, beverage presentation, technical skills and total impression.

This annual event is preceded by six regional events leading up to the USBC. The top six finalists from each region will earn a spot to compete in the national event. The 2011 United States Barista Champion receives the highest national honor for a barista, a trophy and an all-expenses paid trip from his or her hometown to the 2011 World Barista Championship, June 2-5, 2011 in Bogota, Colombia. For more information or to register for the USBC, visit the USBC website at www.usbaristachampionship.org. More information about the World Barista Championship can be found by visiting www.worldbaristachampionship.com.
Additionally, a new event has been introduced this year: The USBC Brewers Cup, which is meant to recognize and celebrate the art of manual coffee brewing. The winner will go on to Maastricht, Netherlands to represent the U.S. in the 2011 World Brewers Cup Championship.

The 2011 USBC and Brewers Cup are just a few of the many highlights at SCAA's 23rd Annual Exposition. The event also includes the United States Cup Tasters Championship, Roasters Choice Competition, skill-building courses and lectures, and an extensive show floor. Tickets for the Activities Hall only, where the competitions are held, are available for $10. Badges for the trade show, starting at $45 for a one day pass, are available online at www.scaaevent.org.

About SCAA
The Specialty Coffee Association of America (SCAA) is the world's coffee authority and largest coffee trade association with nearly 3,000 member companies. SCAA members are located in more than 40 countries and represent every segment of the specialty coffee industry, including producers, roasters, importers/exporters, retailers, manufacturers, baristas and coffee enthusiasts. SCAA is dedicated to creating a vibrant specialty coffee community, recognizing, developing and promoting specialty coffee by setting and maintaining quality standards for the industry; conducting research on coffee, equipment and perfection of craft; and providing education, training, resources and business services for its members. Visit www.scaa.org.