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EMERYVILLE, Calif.--([ BUSINESS WIRE ])--Peetas Coffee & Tea today conducted its fifth annual National Barista Competition, a battle between three regional finalists from around the country who have competed in a series of preliminary competitions that began in March. Rebecca Moak, from the Peetas Encinitas store, takes home the honor as Peetas top barista.

"The traditional cappuccino is a favorite of my customers, and they are my inspiration and the reason I practice so much."

The finals represent the culmination of a series of store, district and regional competitions that took place over a span of six months and involved more than 150 Peetas baristas. The finalists were judged on both technical quality and taste, using world barista competition standards, by an expert panel of judges that included four sensory judges, two technical judges and one head judge.

During the competition, Moak and her fellow finalists had 15 minutes to prepare three different types of beverages for each of the four sensory judges, including espresso, a traditional cappuccino and a signature beverage of the baristaas choice.

aAll three competitors did an outstanding job,a said Doug Welsh, Vice President of Coffee. aThe creativity behind Rebeccaas signature drink, the espresso cortado, beautifully highlighted the nuances of the Arabian Mocha-Java beans she selected, and her pacing and immaculate preparation skills set her apart from the rest.a

Prior to the competition, each regional finalist selected a non-profit organization to represent. By virtue of Moakas victory, Peetas will make a donation in the amount of $1,000 to the Surfrider Foundation (San Diego chapter).

aI am ecstatic. I canat believe this is real, because Iave wanted this for such a long time,a said Moak. aThe traditional cappuccino is a favorite of my customers, and they are my inspiration and the reason I practice so much.a

aOur fifth annual competition celebrates and honors our dedication to the barista craft,a said Kay Bogeajis, Vice President of Retail at Peetas Coffee & Tea. aEvery year, Iam so thrilled to witness our competitors showcase their expertise as they bring to life the Peetas promise of selective sourcing, artisan roasting, freshness and handcrafted beverages today and every day.a

About Peetas Coffee & Tea, Inc.

Peetas Coffee & Tea, Inc. (NASDAQ: PEET) is the premier specialty coffee and tea company in the United States. The company was founded in 1966 in Berkeley, Calif. by Alfred Peet. Peet was an early tea authority who later became widely recognized as the grandfather of specialty coffee in the U.S. Today, Peetas Coffee & Tea offers superior quality coffees and teas in multiple forms, by sourcing the best quality coffee beans and tea leaves in the world, adhering to strict high-quality and taste standards, and controlling product quality through its unique direct store delivery selling and merchandising system. Peetas is committed to strategically growing its business through many channels while maintaining the extraordinary quality of its coffees and teas. For more information about Peetas Coffee & Tea, Inc., visit [ www.peets.com ].

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