The Alternative Dairy Co. crowns Alternative Barista Smackdown VIC champion

Junnie Phyu has won The Alternative Dairy Co.’s fourth Alternative Barista Smackdown, which took place on 30 March at St Ali Coffee Roasters in Port Melbourne.

Jodie Chan came in second place and Victor Vu in third.

The event attracted over 80 spectators as 32 baristas went head-to-head in the plant-based smackdown.

In the finals, competitors had to produce three patterns decided by the judges. They had to pour patterns with three different Alternative milks, with the best out of the three being the overall winner.

Junnie’s two identical fox patterns using almond and oat milk and a baristas choice of free pour with soy milk earned her the top spot on the night and $1000 in prize money. Junnie will go on to compete in the grand final on 15 June at Veneziano Coffee Roasters in Richmond, Victoria.

Judging the smackdown was Jibbi Little, The Alternative Brand Ambassador, Bliss Tan from Proud Mary and Jae Kim from St Ali. The judges evaluated the latte art based on contrast, definition, and complexity.

The next Alternative Barista Smackdown in the national tour will take place on 4 May at Barista Technology Australia in Queensland.

For more information, visit altdairyco.com