Staff at GSD Marketing Ltd welcomed Francesco Neri from Caffe Mauro for a short but intensive training programme on the art of making a perfect coffee, the Italian way. Caffe Mauro is imported and distributed by GSD Marketing Ltd and is a speciality coffee served in bars and catering establishments.

Mr Neri is an authorised Speciality Coffee Association of Europe (SCAE) trainer and was brought specifically to Malta to deliver this training to staff in the Sales & Marketing Department as well as to the technical staff within the Services Department.

The course, held at the GSD offices in Marsa, covered all the aspects of coffee making, from the variety of coffee beans and different roasting methods available, to operating and maintaining professional coffee machines. By the end of the course, participants were all able to make the perfect cup of Italian coffee and understand a coffee's body, acidity, bitterness and astringency.

"There are six cardinal elements in making the perfect coffee," said Mr Neri. "These are the blend, the machine, the grinder, maintenance and the art of an experienced hand. Last but not least, it has to be Caffe Mauro."

Following the course all participants underwent an examination and received the SCAE certificate.