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Inaugural coffee show launches

Competitions, seminars part of first-ever Love of Coffee

Coffee lovers of Victoria are invited to the inaugural Western Canadian Coffee Show, called For the Love of Coffee.

The event is both a trade show for industry, and a chance for consumers to watch some of Canada's best baristas compete and "taste some incredible coffee," said Julia Lotecki, of the Western Canadian Coffee Collective society.

The International Pairs Invitational "is going to be loud and rowdy," said Lotecki. During this event, she explained, two baristas have 20 minutes "to come up with a ridiculous amount of drinks."

During the national Brewer's Cup contest, competitors from as far away as Montreal will manually make a single cup of specialty coffee using no machines. The winner will compete in the world competition in Vienna in 2013.

Victoria businesses at the event include 2% Jazz, Discovery Coffee, Fresh Cup Roasters, Level Ground, Oughtred, Cafe Fantastico and Canterbury Coffee and Reg Barber Enterprises.

There will also be seminars for the public and industry alike. Attendance is free with the $5 admission cost.

It takes place Aug. 27 and 28 at Crystal Garden conference centre from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.