Le Méridien “Barista Master” Franz Zauner crafts coffee “Jasmine” inspired by China to pay tribute to local culture
Le Méridien’s global latte art master Esther Maasdam creates a jasmine-themed Chinese latte art design
Shanghai, May 7, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts announced the launch of the global upgrade training program for Le Méridien “Barista Masters” with its first stop in Shanghai, China. The “Barista Master” program is a unique global initiative by Le Méridien that pays homage to Le Méridien destinations through traditional European coffee culture, creating distinctive social experiences to help guests unlock the essence of their destination. From May 7 to 9, Le Méridien globally“Barista Master Mr. Franz Zauner will join fellow Le Méridien “Barista Masters” from Qingdao, Shanghai, Shimei Bay, Xiamen, Yixing, Hong Kong (China), and Taipei (China)“to exchange ideas and refine their skills on topics such as coffee culture, barista techniques, and destination elements. This two-day training aims to enhance the professional expertise and coffee knowledge of Le Méridien’s distinctive “Barista Masters,” elevating guest experiences through the passion shared by Le Méridien Hotels and illycaffè University for“the coffee lifestyle”, and celebrating destination cultures with entirely new flavors of coffee from China.
Gavin MacLennan, Global Brand Leader for Le Méridien & Westin (5th from right); Franz Zauner, Le Méridien Global “Barista Master” (5th from left); Esther Maasdam, Le Méridien Global Latte Art Master (6th from left); Le Méridien Greater China “Barista Masters”
Exclusive creation by Esther Maasdam, Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts Global Latte Art Master: a Chinese-style latte art design — “Jasmine Flower”
“Coffee is an indispensable core element at Le Méridien Hotels & Resorts. A rich, aromatic cup of coffee is the perfect way to start the morning. I’ve noticed that in China, more and more people are falling in love with coffee. This new‘Barista Master’training will offer guests a more modern coffee experience, using more authentic and locally inspired elements to explore destinations.” said Gavin MacLennan, Global Brand Leader for Le Méridien & Westin. “Coffee culture originates from Europe, and Le Méridien’s Barista Masters will further enhance the iconic Le Méridien Lobby with creatively unique coffee offerings, crafting the perfect daytime experience for our innovative guests and delivering a truly distinctive hotel experience. Through a series of professional trainings, Le Méridien ensures that its coffee flavors are more localized, offering a more personalized experience and creating a relaxed, enjoyable social atmosphere.”
“The Barista Master”is well-versed in coffee trends at their destination, leading coffee fashion at each hotel and serving as an ambassador for coffee culture. Since October 2013, Le Méridien has provided its global Barista Masters with a five-stage online training course. After completing the online modules, selected local“Barista Masters“will join Le Méridien’s globalBarista Master
Franz in undertaking advanced training at illycaffè University, Le Méridien’s global coffee partner. The Barista Masters can advance their coffee expertise through courses on “espresso,” “filtered coffee,” “service & the taste of illy,” “latte art,” and “coffee recipes.”“I am truly delighted to explore coffee and destination culture together withthe ‘Barista Masters’ from China, refine our skills, and create more authentic and creative coffee experiences for Le Méridien guests, shaping memorable social moments,” said Franz Zauner, Le Méridien Global “Barista Master.” “Chinese tea culture has a long and unique history, and the ‘Jasmine’ flavor is a creation that blends Le Méridien’s modern character with traditional Chinese elements.”
At the event, Le Méridien Global “Barista Master” Franz Zauner presented the specially created “Jasmine” Le Méridien coffee for China. Inspired by the spirit of Chinese literati and the season of spring and summer, Franz infused a unique coffee recipe with creative inspiration, resulting in an exclusive flavor. This coffee pays tribute to its destination—China—with its rich aroma and smooth, full-bodied taste.
“Inspiration Extraction” is a coffee initiative launched by Le Méridien in 2014. Aimed at further enhancing and solidifying the brand’s coffee culture, Esther Maasdam became the brand’s first global latte art master. During her visit to Shanghai, China, Esther Maasdam was deeply inspired by jasmine flower culture and exclusively created the “Jasmine Flower” latte art design, infusing modern coffee with a traditional Eastern aesthetic.