How to Brew a Champion
Phuti, the EMEA Barista Champion for 2022, shares his journey of striving for success. Overcoming his shyness, he found his stride at Starbucks, where he thrived through the support of his fellow partners who helped him achieve his coffee goals.
Starbucks South Africa established the Black Apron Coffee Master’s Squad, known as the Black Mambas, with the mission to strengthen coffee knowledge and create a culture of warmth and belonging. Starbucks partner Ishan (aka Mr. Miyagi), their mentor, emphasises routine, consistency, preparation, and genuine human connection as keys to success.
Phuti's triumph in Milan at the 2022 Barista Championship final, supported by his fellow partners Ishan and Teddy, showcases the power of perseverance and a strong support system; ultimately, 'How to Brew a Champion'.
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.
The very first of its kind, Starbucks UK has launched a new training programme for its partners (employees) to learn British Sign Language, elevating the experience of deaf and hard of hearing customers and combatting the feelings of anxiety and isolation they may experience when interacting in retail settings. Made in partnership with the British […]
LONDON – 25 years ago, England’s famed capital city became home to the first Starbucks store in the United Kingdom – and the first in the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. Fast forward to today, and Starbucks now spans over 1,200 stores across the country, welcoming millions of customers every year. So it […]