This year’s Muffin Break barista champion, Michael Byrne of Robina on Queensland’s Gold Coast, has claimed second place in the inaugural Davinci Coffee Chain Championship event at the Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE).

Byrne won the opportunity to compete after knocking-out more than 300 baristas from across Australia and New Zealand in the 2012 Muffin Break Barista Championships last month.

With only 12.5 points separating first and third place, Byrne’s Blue Juice signature beverage contained a reduction of blueberries with star anise, white chocolate and a sprinkling of sugar over a shot of espresso.

Foodco Group’s national coffee consultant, Simon Au-Yeung was instrumental in Byrne’s achievement, he said.

“I am so grateful to Simon Au-Yeung for all the time and effort he put into training me in the lead-up to the event and of course, I am also very grateful to the Foodco Group for funding my travel and entry at MICE,” he added.

• The winning barista: Davincai Coffee Chain Championship