Starbucks Adds Extra Shot Of Coffee Expertise In Wales And Bristol

14.02.2008 21:58:00

Naomi Cable has secured the cream of positions in the South West by becoming a Starbucks regional coffee master representing the area in 2008. Her remit is quite simply the envy of all coffee-lovers: to enjoy it, talk about it, find foods that match it, and travel throughout the South West speaking to people about it.

The role will see the 25-year-old former Starbucks district coffee master work from her base in the Park Street Starbucks coffee house, promoting a better understanding and appreciation of coffee with both Starbucks partners (staff) and customers. For Naomi, who talks about coffee with the same passion as a wine expert describing a fine vintage, her new job is a dream come true.

Naomi was awarded the prestigious title of regional coffee master in October 2007 after competing against 1200 of the company’s coffee masters (Starbucks partners, designated by their black aprons, who go through rigorous training to become in-store coffee experts) in the coffee ambassadors’ challenge.

Naomi will work closely with the eight other Starbucks regional coffee masters (each representing a region of the UK and Ireland) and the Starbucks coffee ambassador for 2008 (the person who represents Starbucks coffee expertise and leads and inspires coffee masters throughout the UK and Ireland). In addition, she will support new store openings with training sessions for new partners. She will also hold Starbucks aroma labs (coffee tasting and food pairing sessions) for customers in-store and at local community events across the region.

Climbing the coffee ladder
Naomi’s rise to the status of regional coffee master in the South West has been swift. She started working at the Starbucks coffee house on Bristol Bridge in October 2006 as a barista and became a district coffee master in 2007, where she continued to work until her new appointment began on 1 January, 2008.

Naomi’s enthusiasm for Starbucks is palpable: “I knew from being a customer that there was something special about Starbucks. When I joined, I realised the company’s approach to its coffee, people and the local communities in which our coffee houses are based are what make it such a great organisation to work for. I have always really enjoyed coffee and was keen to learn more about why coffee tastes the way it does, so I decided to train as a coffee master alongside my supervisor training.”

Starbucks takes its coffee seriously, which means all of its partners undergo high levels of training and development. In the first month of employment all Starbucks partners attend classes on coffee history, drink preparation, coffee knowledge, and learn how to lead coffee tastings. The company also operates an innovative OJT (On The Job Training) scheme where people can try out whether they like working with Starbucks before committing themselves. Supervisors are taught how to step up from barista to a leadership role while store managers learn how to successfully run their own Starbucks coffee house. Many store managers are promoted internally to become district managers, responsible for a number of coffee houses.

Phil Broad, managing director of Starbucks Coffee Company UK and Ireland Limited, commented: “All our coffee masters showed great knowledge and understanding of coffee, but it was Naomi’s enthusiasm and dedication to furthering customers’ and partners’ Starbucks Experience that really swayed our decision. Regional coffee masters are extremely important to our company, partners and customers, and we are delighted Naomi will be sharing her passion and skills in Wales and the South West for 2008.”

-Ends -

Client name: Starbucks

Web link: www.starbucks.co.uk