Coffee and chocolate expo kicks off in Johannesburg

World
Europe

A coffee and chocolate expo is underway in the capital of South Africa, Johannesburg, celebrating the two items that make life a little more palatable and focusing on quality java and delectable chocolate products.

Visitors can learn tips and keep up with the latest trends from the masters on how to create their own chocolate and coffee concoctions. They can also put their taste buds to action, or simply unwind in a deliciously relaxing atmosphere.

"The All Stars is an event that brings together baristas from around the world, baristas who are champions who are finalists in the World Coffee Championships. Its definitely an event that is about celebrating the global coffee community," said Amy Ball, the creative director of World Coffee Events.

The event even attracted stars from the rich and flavorful world of coffee making.

Alejandro Mendes was the world barista champion in 2011, and wowed the audience with coffee blends that would lure the most finicky of taste buds.

“It is great to be a barista and be around the world because we are the ones who are building this community to make it grow. So as long as we are here talking about coffee, we are touching more people and these people are starting to drink coffee and that pushes the quality.”

In a country famous for its Rooibos tea, South Africans are increasingly turning to coffee as a quick-fix to help ease the daily grind, but they are also pairing it up with chocolates.

Vicki Bain, owner and chocolatier of Chocoloza, believes coffee and chocolate are undergoing an evolution in South Africa.

“I think for a long time we had not been used to the quality we are used to now, so right now on the market for coffee there are some wonderful roasters that make wonderful coffee that is completely different to what we used to eat and drink 20 years ago and its the same thing with chocolate," said Bain.