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U.S. barista champ Pete Licata is drawing a brighter spotlight on the Hawaii coffee scene with his second-place win at the World Barista Championship Sunday in Bogota, Colombia.
Licata, quality manager at Honolulu Coffee Co., was one in a field of 54 baristas from all over the globe who competed. Each presented 15-minute preparation and service of espresso, cappuccino and original signature drinks.
Licata used coffee from Rusty’s Hawaiian in Kau and Wai‘ono Meadows in North Kona that he personally harvested, processed and roasted.
Alejandro Mendez of El Salvador took the top honor in the competition.
Licata’s "Fruit to Cup" performance can be viewed online at www.worldbaristachampionship.com.
