When in Rome, coffee lovers can get an extra taste of the city while seeing the sights by stepping into Italy’s rich café culture. While the Eternal City is filled with traditional espresso bars, Starbucks has seamlessly made its mark with locations that embrace both the city's modern energy and its traditional charm. Italian café culture and coffee craft was the inspiration for the Starbucks experience we know and love today, so if you’re visiting the cultural home of espresso, here’s your guide to exploring unique Starbucks locations across the city—each offering a distinct coffee experience.

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Start at Starbucks Termini Station

Address: Piazza dei Cinquecento, 20

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As you arrive into Rome’s central transit hub, refresh and recharge before exploring the city with a visit to the Starbucks in the Terrazza area of Termini station. A bustling store, this smaller location is ideal for those looking for a quick pick-me-up ahead of long day of sightseeing, or before a train journey onward to their next Italian adventure.

Just minutes from Roma Termini, you’ll find the Baths of Diocletian, an ancient Roman public bath complex that once accommodated up to 3,000 people. Today, it is a museum where visitors can experience ancient Rome and get a taste of what life would have been like nearly two millennia ago.

Continue walking north east to find the spectacular grounds of Villa Borghese. These sprawling gardens date back to the 17th century and are home to several museums. A day’s adventure all on their own, the gardens and grounds are an oasis in the centre of the Eternal City.

A few minutes walk away from the store is the Piazza del Popolo, a monumental and elegant square featuring the "twin" churches of Santa Maria in Montesanto and Santa Maria dei Miracoli.

Beyond the Piazza and over the River Tiber, comes a welcome break in the form of Starbucks Cola di Rienzo.

The sophisticated, yet laid-back Prati district is home to a number of high-end boutiques for those wishing to indulge in some retail therapy, while the equally sophisticated, laid-back Starbucks on Via Cola di Rienzo offers a moment to take a break and relax.

Spanning approximately 200 square meters, the store features elegant lines and bright interiors that harmonise with the surrounding architecture. In addition to classic espresso-based drinks, the store offers innovative options like the Starbucks Oleato™, which combines coffee with Sicilian extra virgin olive oil. Seasonal beverages, including those enriched with caramel, chocolate, toffee nut, and gingerbread, are also available during the holiday season.

From this Starbucks, you’re only a short stroll away from Castel Sant'Angelo. The towering fortress, once a mausoleum, now offers panoramic views of Rome from its upper terrace. Grab a coffee to go, and as you wander, you’ll enjoy a beautiful walk along the Tiber River, catching glimpses of the ancient cityscape.

This vibrant neighbourhood also sits near the Vatican, and a short walk beyond the Castel Sant’Angelo will allow you to experience the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica.

Crossing back across the Tiber and heading back to the centre of Rome, the ancient city streets lead to Piazza Montecitorio, a quintessential, postcard-perfect Roman Piazza and the home to Starbucks very first store in the city.

Address: Piazza Montecitorio, Via della Guglia 56-59

Located near the Italian Parliament, this store offers a chic, urban vibe within walking distance of several iconic landmarks, including the Pantheon. Suitably recharged, head a minute or two south to marvel at the intricate design of this nearly 2,000-year-old architectural wonder, built as a temple to all Roman gods.

Or perhaps, if you’re after some good luck, it’s time to head east to the Trevi Fountain, one of the most popular sights in the city - don’t forget to toss a coin over your shoulder for good luck!

The iconic Spanish Steps are also just a few minutes north. The perfect photo opportunity to help make your visit truly memorable.

And after all this sightseeing, shopping, history and culture, there’s only one place to end up – Starbucks new flagship store.

San Silvestro Piazza flagship

The first of its kind in Europe – Starbucks flagship San Silvestro location is perfectly situated in the heart of Piazza San Silvestro, just a moment’s walk around the corner. 

Like Rome itself, the iconic store is inspired by the concept of exploration and layering, with a common thread of water throughout connecting, representative of coffee and life in the historic Italian city.

Featuring three different bars over two storeys, as well as bookable meeting rooms, art installations and a working Nasone water fountain to fill up your reusable water bottle, the flagship serves as the country's new destination store. The design keeps community, culture and art at its very core in a specially crafted space that honours Rome’s rich culture while inviting the local community to come together.

Read more about the unique blend of Roman coffee heritage and modern Starbucks twists on offer <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2024/inside-the-eternal-citys-enchanting-new-flagship-starbucks-store-at-romes-san-silvestro-piazza/">at this brand-new store here.</a>

Each Starbucks location on this tour brings something uniquely Roman to the coffee experience, from historical landmarks to modern twists on Italy’s coffee and aperitivo culture. Whether you’re in town for a short stay or an extended visit, these Starbucks stores provide the perfect blend of local charm and international flavour. So, lace up your walking shoes, grab a coffee, and explore the Eternal City through its landmarks—and its lattes.

Explore Rome with Starbucks: A Walking Tour of Iconic Sights and Unique Coffee Experiences - Starbucks Stories EMEA

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Starbucks Stories EMEA

Explore Rome with Starbucks: A Walking Tour of Iconic Sights and Unique Coffee Experiences

When in Rome, coffee lovers can get an extra taste of the city while seeing the sights by stepping into Italy’s rich café culture.

https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2024/explore-rome-with-starbucks-a-walking-tour-of-iconic-sights-and-unique-coffee-experiences/

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Holiday adverts hold a special place in people’s hearts. For many of us, they’re a highlight of the season.

With winter well underway, some eagle-eyed viewers might have spotted a brand-new contender for advert of the season on their TVs.

So, grab a cup of coffee and join us as we explore the magic and artistry behind our new ‘Drink In, Breathe Out’ ad.

Drink In, Breathe Out

Meet family man, George. He’s busy trying to navigate the chaos that is the holiday season. We’ve all been there. From a raucous work party, tangled fairy lights and last minute gift shopping, George is in search of a moment of peace amid the hustle and bustle of the festive countdown. Luckily, he finally catches his breath in his local Starbucks store. That’s the story of ‘Drink In, Breathe Out’ in a nutshell.

Captured in a 30-second mixed-media video, the magic and madness is created using a unique blend of 3D sets, stop-motion and animated 2D characters.

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We caught up (over a coffee, of course) with the creative brain behind the project, Lauren Coates, creative director from our agency partners at TBWA, to learn more about the idea that sparked the campaign.

“Research showed that people already see Starbucks as a good place to take a breather when they’re on the go,” Lauren explains, “Starbucks is that cosy and inviting spot you seek when you need a break. Our aim was to reposition Starbucks as the ultimate refuge from holiday stress”.

The final result? A breathtaking show of stop-motion craftsmanship. From the stitching on George’s green jacket, to miniature iconic red Starbucks cups (yes, even smaller than a demi), the advert is filled with magical little details.

Here’s how Lauren’s team brought George’s tiny, festive world to life.

Magic moments in every detail

The set in the advert is a mini masterpiece, brought to life by a team of incredible artists who poured their talent and passion into capturing the essence of a Starbucks Holiday.

Among their achievements? A miniature replica of a Starbucks store. Pause the advert, and you will uncover a world of incredible craftsmanship – from the baked goods behind the counter that look good enough to eat, to the intricate textures and finishes that make each scene pop with colour and life.

Every single prop you see on screen was meticulously handmade from scratch. The pictures adorning the walls of George’s cosy home, the buzzing computers at his office party, the fully stocked supermarket shelves, and even a tiny, festive Christmas tree complete with perfectly wrapped presents. And let’s not forget the star of the show, George himself – lovingly sculpted with precision and care, right down to his spectacles.

To capture the whirlwind of George’s holiday rush, the team spent five weeks designing and creating a curved, rotating set that brought the scenery to life around him - creating the perfect illusion of motion and urgency.

Every single one of George’s movements and expressions were painstakingly brought to life through the magic of stop-motion animation. Each tiny adjustment was crafted by hand. Can you imagine the incredible precision and limitless patience needed to make this perfect? &nbsp;It was a true labour of love that makes every frame feel alive.

The final sprinkle of holiday sparkle

But the creativity of this team did not stop there. After the filming of George’s world wrapped, it was time to add characters and the festive chaos that surrounds him.

To give George the main character energy he deserves, the other characters were animated in 2D. Don’t be fooled, this was not the easiest route to take. Every smile, every stumble, every sigh, had to be perfectly in-sync with his 2D co-stars. Marrying 2D with 3D stop-motion truly tested our artists’ professionalism and precision. But it was the perfect finishing touch to add some magic to the final cut.

A hidden surprise for the real coffee lovers

Now it wouldn’t be the holiday season without some surprises, would it? As a final treat for all you Starbucks lovers out there, we’ve hidden some little surprises throughout the ad, just for you. Think you can spot them all?

If you’re in need of some entertainment over your next coffee break, why not grab a latte, take a breather, and tune in to ‘Drink in, Breathe Out’.

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The stop-motion magic behind ‘Drink In, Breathe Out’ - Starbucks Stories EMEA

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The stop-motion magic behind ‘Drink In, Breathe Out’

Holiday adverts hold a special place in people’s hearts and for some eagle-eyed viewers might have spotted a brand-new contender for advert of the season on their TVs. Grab a cup of coffee and join us as we explore the magic and artistry behind our new ‘Drink In, Breathe Out’ ad.

https://stories.starbucks.com/uploads/sites/17/2024/11/Hero-1024x576.jpeg

https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2024/the-stop-motion-magic-behind-drink-in-breathe-out/

Close your eyes, inhale deeply, and breathe in the faint scent of freshly ground coffee. Picture it: You’re standing in Rome’s picturesque San Silvestro Piazza, outside a classic Roman building, complete with original terracotta-esque plaster facade: a warming, but unassuming orangey pink hue. Flanked by the city’s distinctive floor-to-ceiling windows, inside it looks warm, convivial, welcoming. And it’s only when you glimpse through the windows into the cosy world inside that you notice that this is in fact a Starbucks. And not just any Starbucks, the country’s new Rome Flagship destination store.

Like Rome itself, the iconic store is inspired by the concept of exploration and layering, with a common thread of water throughout connecting, representative of coffee and life in the historic Italian city. Opened in partnership with Percassi, the exclusive licensee for the brand in Italy – the new store marks a milestone moment for the market as the first and only Flagship store in the region. And where better for it than in Rome? A city where history and community intertwine in every piazza and cobblestone street, the San Silvestro space aims to be just that – a place where the spirit of the Eternal City meets the art of coffee, enriching and expanding the coffee experience and offering of the city.

A stone’s throw from the Pantheon and Trevi Foundation, Starbucks new store cradles the corner of the historic San Silvestro piazza – which has undergone its own transformation of sorts in recent years, as the square has been rejuvenated and pedestrianised to bring it back in line with its original purpose: as a meeting place where people can gather together and socialise.

That same premise has guided Starbucks for the past 50 years, after Howard Schultz was first inspired by Italian coffee culture back in 1983, and its latest Italian opening – this time the flagship store in the country’s capital – does just that, keeping community, culture and art at its very core, in a specially crafted space that honours Rome’s rich culture while inviting the local community to come together.

Designed to honour Rome’s past while looking towards the future, the space itself unfolds gradually, continuously opening up into new areas, experiences, and opportunities for coffee and connection.

When you first step into the space, you’re met with an expansive stone bar, made from the same material as the city’s cobblestone streets. Copper detailing surrounds the order area complete with an intriguing bubble design to represent the ever-present water synonymous with the city, ever present in the piazzas where people connect, water fountains and aqueducts. Looking up, the ceiling features the same Roman red colour, this time in a cross-hatch metal frame enveloping the original brickwork.

The importance of water within the Eternal city

As you move through each of the different areas, you’re guided by the movement of freeflowing water in the design of the terrazzo floor curling away from the bar, towards a seating area that mirrors the style of the city’s steps – a prime place for locals to pause and take a moment to drink their coffee and take in the world – before the store opens up to a Nasone (Roman water fountain) (which you can use to fill up your reusable water bottle), and then onwards to the Mixato bar.

Feast your eyes on the remarkable red Onyx bar

A sprawling slab of translucent red Onyx marble from Tanzania, a key coffee growing region, the Mixato bar serves as a bewitching espresso bar by day, and a statement cocktail bar by night, featuring Italian classics such as Campari spritz, as well as innovative coffee-inspired cocktails such as the Espresso Martini, an exclusive menu item for the flagship store.

The story of Rome – through art

If you’re here for the long-haul, head upstairs, past the store’s mesmerising Roman mural, hand-painted by local street artise Lucamaleonte, depicting the history of Rome, mythology, and coffee through the coffee house’s key concept: “Where Coffee Meets Art”.

140 seats to suit all visitors

In the nearly 800 square metre store that spans over two storeys, guests are invited to linger a little longer in one of the many different seating areas the store offers – from bookable meeting rooms, to dedicated workstations, swirling sofas for a quick pitstop and banquette benches bordering the room.

Coffee, coffee &amp; more coffee

On the upper floor, visitors can also dive deeper into the world of coffee with the store’s dedicated Coffee Lab: a spacious lounge area hosting guided tastings that explore the subtleties of coffee roasts, combinations, and brewing techniques, allowing guests to engage with coffee on a deeper level and discover Starbucks through a fresh lens.

As the flagship store in Italy, Starbucks San Silvestro will feature an elevated menu enriched with new, exclusive specialties. This includes a variety of different 100% arabica coffee blends including: Starbucks Blonde® Espresso roast – a smooth, subtly sweet roast with light citrus notes, tailor-made to bring out the lighter side of espresso; and our specialty Reserve™ Microblend No. 21 – a vibrant roast with notes of chocolate, caramel, and cola.

For those looking for a more experiential coffee moment, customers can try the exclusive Espresso Martini, or specialties such as the Affogato or the handmade Tiramisu, soaked in Starbucks Colombia Espresso Roast coffee, inviting customers to savor unique experiences inspired by Italian coffee culture. Each menu item has been carefully curated to ensure it retains a deep connection to Italy’s cultural heritage, honoring tradition while continuously innovating.

The new coffee house’s food offerings include – in true Rome style – classic Roman Pinsa (cloud-like flatbreads which are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside), local pastries, Italian sandwiches, and – of course – a selection of aperitivo.

Whether you’re visiting for a quick espresso at the marble-clad Mixato bar, a lesson in coffee tasting at the Lab, or a latte in a more luxurious setting, Starbucks new location in Rome is designed to blend Italian heritage with modern coffee innovation, crafting a space that honours Rome’s rich culture while inviting the local community to come together.

Inside the Eternal City's enchanting new Flagship Starbucks store at Rome's San Silvestro Piazza - Starbucks Stories EMEA

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Inside the Eternal City&#8217;s enchanting new Flagship Starbucks store at Rome&#8217;s San Silvestro Piazza

Close your eyes, inhale deeply, and breathe in the faint scent of freshly ground coffee. You’re standing in Rome’s picturesque San Silvestro Piazza, outside not just any Starbucks, the country’s new Rome Flagship destination store.

https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2024/inside-the-eternal-citys-enchanting-new-flagship-starbucks-store-at-romes-san-silvestro-piazza/

Inside the Eternal City’s enchanting new Flagship Starbucks store at Rome’s San Silvestro Piazza

Starbucks Coffee Company announced today it has acquired 23.5 Degrees in the U.K., further expanding its portfolio of company-operated stores and enhancing the coffeehouse experience for customers.&nbsp;

This acquisition brings on board the largest Starbucks-licensed business partner in the market, encompassing approximately 113 stores and 1,650 employees. With this addition, Starbucks significantly expands its wholly owned footprint, increasing its total number of company-operated locations to almost 500 in the UK. 

Alex Rayner, General Manager, UK, Switzerland and Austria: “I want to acknowledge the important contributions of 23.5 Degrees and the dedicated green apron partners. This strategic move will enable us to enhance our investment in new locations, elevate our in-store experience, and drive innovation for our UK customers.”

Starbucks Acquires 23.5 Degrees in the U.K. - Starbucks Stories EMEA

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Starbucks Acquires 23.5 Degrees in the U.K.

Starbucks Coffee Company announced today it has acquired 23.5 Degrees in the U.K., further expanding its portfolio of company-operated stores and enhancing the coffeehouse experience for customers.&nbsp; This acquisition brings on board the largest Starbucks-licensed business partner in the market, encompassing approximately 113 stores and 1,650 employees. With this addition, Starbucks significantly expands its wholly […]

https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2024/starbucks-23-5-degrees-in-the-uk/

Let us introduce to you to our 2024 Starbucks <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2024/2024-emea-barista-championships/">EMEA Barista Champion</a>, Sumayyah Eid!

Beating thousands of other Starbucks baristas as all vying for the win, Summayyah saw off the competition to take the purple apron in London last week.

Taking place in our Starbucks Support Centre in Chiswick, London, the best baristas from our EMEA region battled over three intense days for the title of 2024 EMEA Barista Champion, and for the opportunity to represent the region in the first ever Global Barista Championships taking place next year.&nbsp;

Sumayyah, who represents Jordan, was competing at her first Barista Championships and has been working with Starbucks since she was 15, when she started as a part-time barista in Tampa, Florida. She moved to Jordan in 2019 to be closer to her family.

Straight after her win, Sumayyah said: “Oh my gosh! That is all I can really say. I haven’t processed this yet, you could pinch me – the emotions are overwhelming, in a good way.”

This year, the EMEA Barista Championship was open to 55,000 partners from 42 markets, with 37 of the most talented baristas showcasing the passion that goes into creating the perfect cup of coffee in last week’s final. Their skills were tested across several different rounds, including presenting a coffee tasting, creating picture perfect latte art, inventing their very own signature drink and, for the first time this year, taking part in a ‘store rush’. Dubbed the contestants favourite round, store rush recreates the everyday coffee rush, but the only difference being that the champions were timed and marked on how well they perfect the ‘customer’ order.

The purple apron was presented to Sumayyah by Vaso Papastamatiou, last year’s Champion, who also helped to judge the competition.

“It has meant so much to me to compete this year, and I would encourage every single partner across the globe to take part as it is an amazing experience, regardless of winning the purple apron,” Sumayyah continued. “I want every partner to be as excited as I am. I’ve taken so many photos and videos so when I return home I can share with all my partners.

As well as naming one crowned winner, who also took the title of the first-ever Values Winner by popular vote, this year’s competition also celebrates the incredible talent on display through naming round winners. A huge congratulations to the following partners:

Storytelling 2024 Round Winners (a six-way tie!):

Signature Beverage 2024 Round Winner

Latte Art 2024 Round Winner

Store Rush 2024 Round Winner

From a record-breaking number of participants to entry into the first global Barista Championships taking place in 2025, this year’s championship was truly unforgettable. <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2024/2024-emea-barista-championships/">Learn more about it here</a>

Sumayyah Eid, Our 2024 Starbucks EMEA Barista Champion! - Starbucks Stories EMEA

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Sumayyah Eid, Our 2024 Starbucks EMEA Barista Champion!

Let us introduce to you to our 2024 Starbucks EMEA Barista Champion, Sumayyah Eid! Beating thousands of other Starbucks baristas, Summayyah saw off the competition to take the purple apron in London.

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2024/sumayyah-eid-our-2024-starbucks-emea-barista-champion/

From travelling the world, meeting new people and immersing yourself in new cultures over a shared passion for coffee, to guiding and nurturing the next generation of coffee masters, winning the title of Starbucks EMEA Barista Champion opens up a host of opportunities.

As this year’s cohort of hopeful Starbucks baristas descend on London from across the region to compete for the 2024 title of EMEA, we’ve taken a little time to catch up over a coffee with some of our previous winners. Finding out what the competition meant to them and what they’ve been up to since.

Vaso, our most recent Champion, took the crown at last year’s finals. Once the celebrations had wound down and the confetti was all cleaned up, Vaso returned to Greece to take on a new, more expansive role as the country’s top Starbucks barista.

Touring stores across Greece, Vaso spoke to Green Apron partners up and down the country to share her experiences and encourage others to participate in the championships. She became the face of the brand for the Holiday season, presenting the Christmas menu to some 40 keen-eyed journalists, before making a big change and moving from Rhodes to Athens, to become Starbucks coffee ambassador.

As well as now being responsible for mentoring and certifying every new black apron coffee master in the country, she’s become something of an Instagram sensation – at least for the Green Aprons of Greece – using her profile to share tips and tricks for getting the most out of Starbucks coffee and tutorials on the perfect latte art. And of course, she organised this year’s Greek Barista Championships, passing the torch to Efthymios Etsiroglou who will be in London next week battling it out for the title of Starbucks EMEA Barista Champion 2024. Vaso will also be in London, though performing a different, but similarly pressured role – sitting on the judging panel for this year’s competition.

Reminiscing about her time competing last year, Vaso said she arrived with the modest goal of coming top ten and remembers most the sense of camaraderie and friendship with her fellow National Champions. Recalling one moment she says “I remember the latte art round and helping another partner. His art was good, but I offered him a little advice that would help him, even though it meant they might win. I did so because we had made friends.”

It’s that opportunity to connect that Vaso advises other budding Champions not to overlook. “Seize every opportunity to learn and collaborate with other professionals in the industry,” she says. “The insights and experiences shared by your peers can be incredibly valuable. Embrace these moments to grow and refine your skills, and always strive to elevate your craft to new heights. And don’t forget to have fun all the way!”

Phuti – 2022, South Africa

“I felt for a second like my spirit was leaving my body. I got extremely happy to a point where I couldn’t even speak.” That’s how Phuti remembers the moment his name was announced as the 2022 Barista Champion.

Since then, Phuti has been interviewed on TV and for news outlets in his home country of South Africa and has been promoted, taking on a role training baristas to develop their coffee knowledge and skill. “For me,” he says “I need to make sure that we have more partners that will be competing.”

“It’s a spark to the passion, you need to nurture that spark so that it grows.”

It’s a passion that Phuti was able to take further, as all our Barista Champions are, by visiting the coffee growing regions of Rwanda as part of the Starbucks Origins Experience. The journey immerses partners in the bean-to-cup coffee journey and for many, it’s a life-changing experience. 

For Phuti, the brief is simple: “I want to inspire a lot of partners to do what they love with coffee. If you have a love for something, that love will keep you going.”

Cynthia – 2021, Lebanon

The 2021 Championships were a little different in format, disrupted by Covid-19. It didn’t stop Cynthia’s colleagues from celebrating with her though, “I was sitting in the back room and there were so many people huddled outside. But once they did announce my name everybody was barging in, screaming. It was a crazy moment. It kind of just flew from there.”

Once travel restrictions had begun to ease, Cynthia was able to meet some of those that she had been working with, competing against and learning from, “Winning the competition has given me a huge opportunity. I’ve gotten to know so many people. I got to travel, I got to meet everybody in person, I’ve made so many wonderful connections with beautiful people.”

“I’m honoured and I’m very proud.&nbsp; It’s been such a wonderful journey and it’s only just beginning.”

Teddy – 2019, South Africa

“A dream come true” – that’s how Teddy describes his win.

As with many of the competitors at Starbucks Barista Championships, the key thing that Teddy recalls is the enthusiasm for coffee that everyone shared. “The way we connect is all about passion,” he says. “The competition was an opportunity to share my passion and love for coffee with everyone. It’s a beautiful thing.”

Since winning, Teddy focuses that passion into a new role with Starbucks working to train baristas, upskilling them and passing on some of that enthusiasm for the craft of coffee.

The win has also afforded Teddy some unexpected opportunities. “I never thought I would travel the world through coffee,” he says, reflecting on journeys that have enabled connections across Europe and Africa with partners in dozens of markets. “The opportunity is everything.”

His advice for hopefuls? “You just need to practice your craft and just be yourself.”

Fabio – 2016, Portugal

During Fabio’s winning championship, he presented the Verona coffee blend to the judges because it was a sip of that coffee that had sparked his passion for the drink. As part of that tasting, Fabio wanted the judges to understand his eye-opening, life-changing moment. Clearly that passion shone through as he went on to take the title.

Since returning to Portugal, Fabio has progressed from Assistant Store Manager to a role with Starbucks Portugal to bring that passion for sharing coffee knowledge as he helps train baristas for new store openings around the country. He also acts as a mentor to Portugal’s National Barista Champion each year.

It's been an unexpected journey – “I never thought I’d be here, ten years ago,” says Fabio. The highlight, he says, had just been connecting with more people across the world, including people in the EMEA HQ.

“The Barista Championships are super important,” he says. “For one, they give people a chance to share what they love doing and get better – competition pushes you to get better. And the second thing is connections. It’s great to be able to connect across Europe and the world through those shared experiences and gain insight on different markets, different cultures and people.”

And his advice to anyone thinking about whether to take on the challenge? Simple: “Give it a go.”

“For me, the question was ‘how can I get better’ not ‘how do I beat that person’. Just try to be better than you were yesterday. If you only go after winning, you will put yourself under so much pressure. Relax, be yourself, and try to get that mindset that you are showcasing what you do.”

“Connect with people, ask for help and have a good time.

01 - Finals 06.10.23

EMEA Barista Championships 2024: Where are our Champions now?   - Starbucks Stories EMEA

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EMEA Barista Championships 2024: Where are our Champions now?  

We’ve taken a little time to catch up over a coffee with some of our previous winners. From travelling the world, meeting new people and immersing yourself in new cultures over a shared passion for coffee, to guiding and nurturing the next generation of coffee masters, winning the title of Starbucks EMEA Barista Champion opens up a host of opportunities.

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2024/emea-barista-championships-2024-where-are-our-champions-now/

Proudly wearing our ‘You Belong Here’ t-shirts, our Starbucks partners have been celebrating Pride across Europe as part of <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2022/starbucks-pride-a-long-legacy-of-lgbtq-inclusion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Starbucks long tradition</a> of supporting and celebrating the LGBTQIA2+ community year-round. As the final celebrations at Manchester Pride in the UK came to end, see how our partners have been celebrating in style this year.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Vienna, Austria&nbsp;&nbsp;

Our Starbucks store on Mariahilfer Straße was transformed into a colourful spectacle to host its second drag brunch in partnership with Vienna Pride. With host queens and kings including Drag Race Germany’s Pandora Nox and Clover Bish from Drag Race Spain, guests were treated to unforgettable performances, entertainment and the opportunity to try our latest Starbucks drinks.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Zurich, Switzerland&nbsp;&nbsp;

Over 40 of our Swiss partners proudly took to the streets of Zurich, adorning bright colours and wearing our t-shirts with nothing but pride as they marched for LGBTQIA+ rights.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Manchester, England&nbsp;

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Continuing our longstanding partnership with Manchester Pride and the LGBTQIA+ community, this year Starbucks UK further extended our parade participation by hosting a fabulous float in the iconic parade and treating our partners to an exclusive meet-and-greet with RuPaul's Drag Race sensation, Tia Kofi.&nbsp;&nbsp;

From drag brunches to pride marches, we are proud to be a part of it all.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

A whole Latte love! From Drag Brunches to Pride Marches, we’ve been proud to celebrate Pride across Europe   - Starbucks Stories EMEA

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A whole Latte love! From Drag Brunches to Pride Marches, we’ve been proud to celebrate Pride across Europe  

Proudly wearing our ‘You Belong Here’ t-shirts, our Starbucks partners have been celebrating Pride across Europe.

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All around Europe, the Middle East and Africa, there is a tangible buzz of anticipation as the 2024 EMEA Barista Championships prepare to take centre stage. This year's competition promises to be a landmark event, featuring a record-breaking number of national winners competing for the coveted purple apron, only one of which is awarded each year.&nbsp;

A Regional Showcase of Talent&nbsp;

The 2024 EMEA Barista Championships will bring together the finest baristas from around the region, with participants demonstrating their skills in a series of challenging tasks, including Storytelling, Latte Art, Signature Beverage alongside a brand-new mission: Store Rush. The competition is a testament to the artistry and passion that goes into crafting the perfect cup of coffee, alongside showcasing the extraordinary connections that partners (employees) create between themselves and their customers.&nbsp;

A Record-Breaking Field&nbsp;

One of the most exciting aspects of this year's competition is the unprecedented number of national winners. With 37 baristas, this year’s competition brings together more champions than ever before. This reflects the continuing power of the Barista Championships, and the importance of the skills being showcased, as it returns for the 11th year in Europe, ahead of the inaugural Global event happening in 2025.&nbsp;

Why This Year's Competition Will Be Unforgettable&nbsp;

There are several reasons to believe that the 2024 EMEA Barista Championships will be a truly memorable event. Firstly, the record-breaking number of participants ensures a high level of competition and a diverse range of expertise approaches. Secondly, the winner of the 2024 EMEA Barista Championships will represent partners across Europe, the Middle East and Africa in the first Global Barista Championships happening in mid-2025. Finally, the winner of the 2024 EMEA Barista Championships will travel to Rwanda as part of the Starbucks Origin Experience. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that takes partners to the heart of the story of coffee, experiencing the journey of the humble bean, beginning on the farms where it is grown, and building knowledge they can share with their fellow partners across the Region.&nbsp;

What It Takes to Be a Barista Champion&nbsp;

Becoming a Barista Champion requires a combination of talent, hard work, and a deep understanding of coffee. Successful competitors have a passion for their craft, a keen eye for detail, and the ability to think creatively under pressure. They must also be able to connect with their audience and judges, communicating their passion for coffee effectively.&nbsp;

The 2024 EMEA Barista Championships are poised to be a thrilling and unforgettable event. As the competition takes place from 25th-27th September, we can expect to see some of the most talented and innovative baristas in the world showcase their skills and push the boundaries of coffee artistry. Keep an eye on @EMEACoffeeTeam for updates around the competition livestream.&nbsp;

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30 - Finals 06.10.23

2024 EMEA Barista Championships - Starbucks Stories EMEA

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All around Europe, the Middle East and Africa, there is a tangible buzz of anticipation as the 2024 EMEA Barista Championships prepare to take centre stage. This year&#8217;s competition promises to be a landmark event, featuring a record-breaking number of national winners competing for the coveted purple apron, only one of which is awarded each […]

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2024 EMEA Barista Championships

Starbucks fans in the Nordics will soon have even more opportunity to get their hands on their favourite beverage. Trusted licensee partner Berjaya Food International ("BFI"), will be bringing the Starbucks Experience to Iceland for the first time and across new stores in Denmark, and Finland.

Duncan Moir, president of Starbucks Europe, Middle East and Africa said: "We’re pleased to expand our presence in the Nordic markets alongside our trusted and long-term business partner, Berjaya Food Berhad, and contribute to the vibrant local coffee community in the region."&nbsp;

"Building on our 26-year relationship with BFood, we are excited to further connect with more customers over a handcrafted Starbucks beverage and make impactful investments in our green apron partners (employees) as well as the community."

Berjaya Food International Expands into the Nordic Market Through Operating Rights for Starbucks Coffee Company Retail Stores

KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA (5 AUG 2024) - Berjaya Food International ("BFI"), the international arm under Berjaya Food Berhad (“BFood”), is set to make a strong entry into the Nordic market with the announcement that it has been granted the rights to operate Starbucks stores in three countries, Iceland, Denmark, and Finland.

This strategic move marks the first entry of a Malaysian public-listed F&amp;B company into the heart of the Nordic coffee scene, with a focus on local hiring and sourcing, highlighting BFood’s dedication to spreading its culinary and operational expertise and elevating F&amp;B experiences on a global scale.

BFI’s vision is to blend Starbucks iconic standards of quality, innovation, and hospitality with its own brand of culinary and operational excellence, promising the renowned unparalleled Starbucks Experience to Nordic coffee enthusiasts.

"We are thrilled to announce our new venture of opening Starbucks Coffee stores in the Nordic region," said Dato’ Sydney Quays, CEO of Berjaya Food Berhad. "We are excited to bring our expertise and passion for excellence to the vibrant Nordic coffee culture, introducing warm Malaysian hospitality and promising the exceptional Starbucks ‘third place’ experience cherished worldwide."

“We’re pleased to expand our presence in the Nordic markets alongside our trusted and long-term business partner, Berjaya Food Berhad, and contribute to the vibrant local coffee community in the region, said Duncan Moir, president of Starbucks Europe, Middle East and Africa. “Building on our 26-year relationship with BFood, we are excited to further connect with more customers over a handcrafted Starbucks beverage and make impactful investments in our green apron partners (employees) as well as the community.”

The company is committed to maintaining the exceptional Starbucks standards of quality, warmth, and hospitality that customers in the region have come to know. As BFI assumes stewardship of Starbucks stores in Iceland, Denmark, and Finland, it paves the way for a new era of innovation and growth in the Nordic coffee landscape. The company is also dedicated to honoring Starbucks Mission and Promises of community engagement and sustainability initiatives, further enriching the Nordic community.

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