Read our interview with Umberto Caselli, President of IBA, AIBES (Italian Bartender's Association): after having been a bartender for 42 years and worked in prestigious venues, he's now committed to the diffusion and development of bartending. In this interview Mr Caselli, who this year will be the President of MGD Contest Jury, answers to our questions regarding IBA and MGD Contest.

Mr. Caselli, can you tell us something about IBA, its foundation and purposes?
IBA was founded in Torquay (UK) in February 1951, with the contribution of seven countries (Great Britain, Italy, Netherlands, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden, France). Today there are 45 affiliated countries. The purposes of IBA are the diffusion of the image of the bartender, the organization of international events and meeting, public relations with all major brands of liqueurs and beverage, public relations with turistic boards and organization all over the world, giving the best service to customers following internetional hygenic rules.


Which are the main activities of IBA? Which ones are especially dedicated to young bartenders?
IBA's main activities are: organizing of the annual Meeting and W.C.C. (World Cocktail Competition) where projects and programs are discussed; organizing the IBA Training Centre, a professional school of the highest level, with a 10 days full immersion, taking place in three continets: Europe, Asia and South America. Lessons include theorical and practical information on study of marketable goods, hygene, communication, marketing. Moreover some lessons about tourism are scheduled, as well as visits to the most prestigious local brands' factories. Besides IBA Training Centre (where bartenders are admitted till the age of 28), there are IBA activities for young bartenders conceived to support exchanges and work experiences in different countries, to improve language skills and promote a better knowledge of other people's habits.


Which are the main events promoted by IBA?
The most important events promoted by IBA are are the annual meeting, the world championship (including the Flairtending championship) and the Training Centers.


Which are the minimum requirements that a bartender should fullfill in order to be admitted to IBA?
IBA doesn't admit bartenders, but national associations of bartenders, but the associations' admittance depends on the approval of the IBA Board. Barmen are admitted to national associations and requirements vary depending on the country.


What do you think about the role of MGD Contest, which is entirely dedicated to alcohol free drinks, among the other international contests?
I think that MGD Contest is a good international initiative. Beside the prize, which is not negligible, the most important feature from a professional point of view is that it acquaints the bartenders with a alcohol-free competition, using natural and flavoured Mattoni mineral waters, which is a developing market sector.


How will this sort of competitions evolve?
I think that alcohol free drinks' success will constantly grow, and even diet drinks are evolving. That's why AIBES (Italian National Bartenders' Association) is currently planning to organize similar events, and IBA is doing the same.


What does it takes to win a competition like MGD Contest?
In order to win a competition like MGD Contest one must be a real professional, have a deep knowledge of products and recipe and be very lucky, since there are many barmen who fulfill the first three requirements.


Which is the training that a young bartender should follow in order to participate to such competitions?
A young bartender, before participating to such an important competition must be patient, study a lot, commit he/herself to his/her work and have several working experiences, possibly following a great master.