As we countdown to the 10th Barista Championship Final hosted in London, in three weeks' time, we look back at Starbucks EMEA’s past three champions and see how they have kept their coffee passion alive since.

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Phuti, the 2022 EMEA Barista Champion, describes the profound happiness of his achievement, his passion for inspiring partners at Starbucks, and his journey from the championship to becoming a district barista coach, emphasising the importance of nurturing individual sparks of coffee passion to create exceptional baristas.

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Cynthia, the 2021 EMEA Barista Champion, recounts the exhilarating moment of her victory, describes the opportunities and connections her win has brought, her passion for training others, and how the experience has enriched her life through meaningful connections over coffee.

Teddy, the 2019 EMEA Barista Champion, is living his dream, inspiring others through his passion for coffee, and embracing a fulfilling journey that involves training and connecting with green apron partners daily.

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You can find out who will take home the golden pitcher, purple apron and ‘2023 EMEA Barista Champion’ title on 6 October.

Barista Championship Lookback - Starbucks Stories EMEA

Starbucks Stories EMEA

As we countdown to the 10th Barista Championship Final hosted in London, in three weeks&#8217; time, we look back at Starbucks EMEA’s past three champions and see how they have kept their coffee passion alive since. 2022 Phuti – South Africa Phuti, the 2022 EMEA Barista Champion, describes the profound happiness of his achievement, his […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2023/barista-championship-lookback/

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Barista Championship Lookback

The celebrations are in full swing this year as Starbucks partners across Europe put on their ‘You Belong Here’ and ‘Love Onwards’ t-shirts, and take to the streets of various European cities to showcase their support for the international Pride network.

See below for some of the highlights from the past few months, from our green-apron partners (employees) in Vienna, Zurich, Milan, and Manchester.

As part of our longstanding support of the LGBTQIA+ community, this year, Starbucks UK has further extended its sponsorship of Manchester Pride.

Regarding the partnership, Mark Fletcher, Manchester Pride CEO, said: "Starbucks approached Manchester Pride&nbsp;three years&nbsp;ago seeking to authentically engage with LGBTQ+ communities and has since been a proud&nbsp;partner of Manchester Pride's volunteer programme. With Starbucks invaluable support, we’re able to create more opportunities for LGBTQ+ people to make new connections, develop new skills, and help local queer communities to thrive.&nbsp; “Manchester Pride’s All Equals Charter exists to&nbsp;help make the workplace inclusive, diverse and equal for marginalised people, and as a member of the All Equals Charter, Starbucks receives support from our expert team to promote sustainable&nbsp;change within their organization — proudly adhering to a number of commitments that help us collectively work towards an equal world for all.”

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As well as proudly displaying the Pride flag above the entrance all June, partners at the Starbucks <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/stories/2018/top-10-things-to-know-starbucks-reserve-roastery-milan/">Starbucks Reserve® Roastery</a> in Milan greeted customers with an extra dose of Starbucks warm and welcoming spirit this summer, wearing their vibrant Pride t-shirts to also encourage customers to embrace the city and celebrate its ‘open to everyone’ culture.

Zurich, Switzerland

Through the streets of Zürich, Swiss Starbucks partners raised their flags and wore their “Love Onward” t-shirts, representing the idea of accepting all people as they are.

Our Austrian partners joined 250,000 fellow supporters in the Vienna parade to celebrate this year’s Pride, complete with face paint, flags, and colourful balloons. Celebrating together to set an example of acceptance for customers and the local community.

From Manchester to Milan, Starbucks partners celebrate Pride across Europe - Starbucks Stories EMEA

From Manchester to Milan, Starbucks partners celebrate Pride across Europe

The celebrations are in full swing this year as Starbucks partners across Europe put on their ‘You Belong Here’ and ‘Love Onwards’ t-shirts, and take to the streets of various European cities to showcase their support for the international Pride network. See below for some of the highlights from the past few months, from our […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2023/from-manchester-to-milan-starbucks-partners-celebrate-pride-across-europe/

The Starbucks EMEA Barista Championship is set to make its triumphant return for the 10th time. A celebration of coffee craft and passion, the yearly event brings together green apron partners from across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, showcasing their exceptional knowledge and shared commitment to the art of coffee craft.

It all starts in store, store champions then compete in district and regional heats, working their way to the national finals where one barista is eventually named National Barista Champion meaning they're the best barista in their market.

National Champions then compete in the EMEA finals to be named overall champion across Starbucks EMEA, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Year after year, Barista Championship-mania takes over Starbucks, here are five reasons why:

1. A Decade of Opportunity:

Since its inception, the EMEA Barista Championship has stood as a beacon of opportunity for thousands of aspiring baristas. The competition has provided a platform for up-and-coming talents to shine, proving that every green apron partner possesses the potential to become the best barista. As the 10th edition approaches in 2023, the excitement is palpable, as green apron partners gear up to showcase their coffee passion, knowledge, and craft in the biggest competition to-date.

2. A Symphony of Coffee Expertise:

Green apron partners represent the heartbeat of Starbucks, and their involvement in the championship is a testament to their status as coffee aficionados. With the ability to hand-craft innovative and great-tasting beverages, and unparalleled levels of knowledge, each brew, pour, and craft, is a symphony composed of years of coffee dedication and love.

3. Forging Connections through Coffee:

Beyond the thrill of competition, the EMEA Barista Championship fosters a unique shared experience. Partners come together from different corners of the region, perfecting their skills and forging meaningful connections through their shared love of coffee. As partners collaborate and learn from one another, the championship becomes a powerful testament to the sense of community and human connection that lies at the heart of Starbucks.

4. From Local Passion to National Glory:

The journey to becoming the best barista begins at the local store level, where store champions emerge. These dedicated partners then elevate their craft through district and regional heats, each step bringing them closer to the coveted title of National Barista Champion. The championship becomes a caring obsession, a pursuit of excellence that culminates in the recognition of being the best barista in their respective market.

5. Ambassadors of Coffee Craft and Connection:

Becoming a Barista Champion is not just a personal achievement; champions become ambassadors for Starbucks, empowered to share their knowledge, passion, and expertise with fellow partners and customers alike. Barista Champions uphold the Starbucks Experience through meaningful connections over coffee and their ability to effortlessly tell the tale of coffee’s journey from bean to cup.

Anticipation builds across EMEA as the countdown to the Barista Championship final begins. The grand final is set for 6 October, where one partner will don the coveted purple apron, an apron only awarded to EMEA Barista Champions.

Still wondering what it takes to make a champion? Look no further than South Africa who have won two out of the past three competitions:

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Starbucks EMEA Barista Championship Returns for its 10th Anniversary - Starbucks Stories EMEA

Starbucks EMEA Barista Championship Returns for its 10th Anniversary

The Starbucks EMEA Barista Championship is set to make its triumphant return for the 10th time. A celebration of coffee craft and passion, the yearly event brings together green apron partners from across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, showcasing their exceptional knowledge and shared commitment to the art of coffee craft. It all starts […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2023/starbucks-barista-championship-returns-for-10th-anniversary/

<a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2022/barista-championships-2022-milan-winner/">Phuti</a>, 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'.

How to Brew a Champion - Starbucks Stories EMEA

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, […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2023/how-to-brew-a-champion/

How to Brew a Champion

Starbucks has always been a&nbsp;values-led company&nbsp;striving to create a warm and welcoming&nbsp;Third Place&nbsp;for all who visit our stores. Along with creating an equitable, diverse and inclusive culture and offering equal and meaningful opportunities to all, regardless of background or place of origin.

Working in partnership with a number of NGO partners, Starbucks industry-leading refugee hiring programme has placed refugees into permanent roles across Europe in 2017.&nbsp;Recognising the challenges faced by refugees in building a new life, the refugee hiring programme provides a unique insight into Starbucks and the skills and qualities needed before stepping behind the bar.

On this World Refugee Day, we take a trip to the UK and see how Starbucks partner Chiara is empowering refugees and promoting inclusivity, alongside the experience of Asma, a five-year partner who joined Starbucks through the hiring programme.

Starbucks championing refugees across Europe - Starbucks Stories EMEA

Starbucks championing refugees across Europe

Starbucks has always been a&nbsp;values-led company&nbsp;striving to create a warm and welcoming&nbsp;Third Place&nbsp;for all who visit our stores. Along with creating an equitable, diverse and inclusive culture and offering equal and meaningful opportunities to all, regardless of background or place of origin. Working in partnership with a number of NGO partners, Starbucks industry-leading refugee hiring […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2023/starbucks-championing-refugees-across-europe/

Starbucks proudly offers an extensive apprenticeship program from intermediate to degree level (L2-L6), meaning partners (employees) can progress from a Barista to a Bachelor in areas such as HR, tech, marketing, and finance.

This year, Starbucks celebrated our 10-year apprenticeship anniversary, which has so far provided fee-free education, up-skilling, and clear career pathways to over 1800 UK partners, with 20% of apprenticeships going on to receive in-work promotions.

To celebrate National Apprenticeship Week 2023, we're proud to introduce you to three of our Starbucks UK partners who have taken up an apprenticeship this year. Meet Tam, Aylin, and Johanna, who give us an insight into their life at the Starbucks UK Support Centre (head office).

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For more information about our apprenticeship programs, please visit: <a href="https://www.starbucksemeacareers.com/en/Apprenticeships" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.starbucksemeacareers.com/en/Apprenticeships</a>

Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week with Starbucks UK - Starbucks Stories EMEA

Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week with Starbucks UK

Starbucks proudly offers an extensive apprenticeship program from intermediate to degree level (L2-L6), meaning partners (employees) can progress from a Barista to a Bachelor in areas such as HR, tech, marketing, and finance. This year, Starbucks celebrated our 10-year apprenticeship anniversary, which has so far provided fee-free education, up-skilling, and clear career pathways to over […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2023/celebrating-national-apprenticeship-week-with-starbucks-uk/

A month after the competition ended, which saw Phuti Mmotla crowned EMEA Barista Champion 2022, our documentary 'One Shot' details all the behind-the-scenes action and preparation for the Barista Championship Grand Final 2022.

From early-stage planning in London to the winner’s announcement in Milan, this mini-documentary captures all the inner workings of the project team to the hard work and determination of our green apron partners.

A true celebration of coffee passion and a stellar victory for a well-deserved champ! We can’t wait to see what’s next for Phuti Mmotla of South Africa.

Behind-The-Scenes at the EMEA Barista Championship 2022 - Starbucks Stories EMEA

Behind-The-Scenes at the EMEA Barista Championship 2022

A month after the competition ended, which saw Phuti Mmotla crowned EMEA Barista Champion 2022, our documentary &#8216;One Shot&#8216; details all the behind-the-scenes action and preparation for the Barista Championship Grand Final 2022. From early-stage planning in London to the winner’s announcement in Milan, this mini-documentary captures all the inner workings of the project team […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2022/behind-the-scenes-at-the-emea-barista-championship-2022/

As the warm midday heat envelops the roastery&nbsp;on a particularly sunny October day in Milan - Ottobrata, as the Italians call it - Milanese locals and Starbucks partners&nbsp;alike gathered in the city's iconic Roastery for the EMEA Barista Championship Final 2022.

The city that inspired Starbucks, ten finalists from stores all across Europe, the Middle East and Africa have spent the past two days competing in complex coffee challenges to be crowned this year's winner, and just moments ago, Phuti Mmotla was announced the 2022 champion.

After whittling down the national champions to a final three, Phuti beat out Fiona from UAE and Veronika from Italy for the top spot, surrounded by runners-up Richard McKeever from Ireland, Julius Gradavsky from Austria, Fraser Gold from the UK, Alexandre Fleurentin from France, Victor Nascimento from Spain, Niko Krhkanko from Germany, and Vendy Panchartkova from the Czech Republic.

The best barista in 42 markets, Phuti and his fellow finalists were put through their paces to test their knowledge and ability of all things coffee.

First, a coffee tasting and presentation, taking the judges through their favourite coffee, its tasting notes, origin, and what it means to them.

Next, a latte art throwdown, as each finalist went head to head steaming milk and presenting their own personal milk patterns, which saw Veronika from Italy master the seahorse, and Fiona from the UAE opt for a tulip to show off her trademark design.

Finally, onto the signature beverage round, where each contestant developed their very own, coffee-first Starbucks beverage. Fraser from the UK presented an Autumnal apple and cinnamon Frappuccino, Niko from Germany designed an intriguing mix of fruit and coffee with a perfectly paired Peach Sunset Cold Brew that offered just the right amount of sweetness, while Veronika from Italy introduced a fresh Citrus Cold Brew with lime for a pop of sourness, inspired by the Italian aperitivo.

A dairy-free, iced-forward take on Starbucks popular Cappuccino, Richard developed a beautifully textured Espresso Foam Cold Brew, turning the coffee into a light, airy but flavourful foam, topped on a base of slightly sweet soy milk.

A drink inspired by her Philippines heritage, current home in the UAE and with an Italian twist, Fiona created a cool, but spicy macchiato-based drink. Alex from France used coconut milk, strawberry acai, chai tea and a shot of espresso to create his Sun-Chai, while Victor from Spain made a white mocha-cased strawberry cream coffee using Blonde Roast, combining his favourite roast with his favourite Spanish dessert - fresas con crema.

Vendy's summer lemon cold brew creation was the perfect antidote to the current Ottobrata Romana, Julius from Austria based his own creation on traditional local cuisine, with a luxurious Viennese Iced Coffee, while champion Phuti chose a coconut biscuit cold brew, based on one of his favourite childhood memories.

After each finalist had presented their drinks, it was time for the judges to deliberate, and nominate their top three for 2022: Phuti from South Africa, Fiona from UAE, and Veronika from Italy. Minutes later, Duncan Moir opened the golden envelope to announce Starbucks EMEA's 2022 Barista Champion... South Africa's Phuti Mmotla.

And what better way to celebrate, than with the winning prize - a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Rwanda on Starbucks Origin Experience. Visiting the coffee farms, meeting our producers, learning about sustainability, and discovering how the beans are processed, bringing together those who grow coffee and those who sell, serve it

South Africa sweeps the 2022 Barista Championship title, as Phuti Mmotla takes the trophy - Starbucks Stories EMEA

South Africa sweeps the 2022 Barista Championship title, as Phuti Mmotla takes the trophy

As the warm midday heat envelops the roastery&nbsp;on a particularly sunny October day in Milan &#8211; Ottobrata, as the Italians call it &#8211; Milanese locals and Starbucks partners&nbsp;alike gathered in the city&#8217;s iconic Roastery for the EMEA Barista Championship Final 2022. The city that inspired Starbucks, ten finalists from stores all across Europe, the Middle […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2022/barista-championships-2022-milan-winner/

Over the past 51 years, Starbucks has been dedicated to coffee leadership and innovation – celebrating great coffee and the human connection that comes with it.

Each year, partners from over 4,000 stores across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) epitomise the Starbucks Experience at the annual EMEA Barista Championships.

Seeking to identify the leading barista talent, partners compete against each other in a months-long span of extensive coffee challenges to be crowned the 2022 Barista Champion. And where better to do so than at the heart of Starbucks coffee journey – the Starbucks® Reserve Roastery in Milan, the city that inspired the iconic Starbucks Experience and Starbucks first store in Italy.

Here, coffee heritage and innovation take centre stage against a backdrop of stunning design and immersive discovery, serving as a place where Italian customers can come to discover the art and science of coffee in a breath-taking environment that is both an homage to the city of Milan and a celebration of everything Starbucks has learned about coffee in its 51-year history.

Before heading to the Roastery for the first day of the finals, the champions took a quick city tour, stopping by the famous torino mosiac for a spin of good luck – legend has it that if you twist around on the spot of the dancing bull mosiac three times, it will bring you good fortune!

Next stop was none other than the Camparino Bar – a historic, authentically Milanese haunt, dripping in belle époque detail and complete with a carved wooden bar – where Howard Schultz had a coffee on the terrace during his first trip to Milan in 1983, and in that moment, had the idea of ​​opening his own coffee bars offering the very same quality and friendliness he had experienced in Italy.

Here, our <a href="https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2022/starbucks-names-its-top-baristas-who-are-heading-to-milan/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ten finalists</a> showed the bar's team their impressive coffee craft skills on the espresso machine, before trying their hand at making a classic Campari spritz.

And then it was on to the Roastery itself, a 25,000 square-foot space which offers customers unprecedented visibility to all aspects of the craft and science of Starbucks coffee, as well as acting as a complete innovation centre for developing the coffee beverages of tomorrow.

Each of the finalists names were up in lights, Roastery-style, on the store's stock exchange-inspired clacker board, designed as a reference to the building's previous function when it was used by the Italian Stock Exchange, Borsa Italiana.

The inspiration for the Roastery’s design focuses on the intersection of this heritage and innovation, presenting a fully transparent, 360-degree look into the roasting and manufacturing process, where guests can walk around the entirety of the equipment, from the roaster to the cooling tray, de-gassing chamber and packing line, before seeing the finished beans packaged up for distribution all across Europe.

Expanding Starbucks Third Place even further out of the physical space and into the digital world is an floor-to-ceiling bronze crafted wall, that customers can scan for an interactive, augmented reality experience. Visually representing Starbucks history and its coffee, the wall itself was engraved in brass by local craftsmen, and emphasises the community connection that Starbucks has always created.

For two days, the ten finalists from Spain, Czech Republic, Italy, France, Ireland, South Africa, Austria, Germany, UAE and the UK have been battling it out in the Roastery in a series of different competition rounds. And the wait is almost over...

Behind the scenes at the Milan Roastery for the 2022 Barista Championships - Starbucks Stories EMEA

Behind the scenes at the Milan Roastery for the 2022 Barista Championships

Over the past 51 years, Starbucks has been dedicated to coffee leadership and innovation – celebrating great coffee and the human connection that comes with it. Each year, partners from over 4,000 stores across Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) epitomise the Starbucks Experience at the annual EMEA Barista Championships. Seeking to identify the […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2022/behind-the-scenes-at-the-milan-roastery-for-the-2022-barista-championships/

One year after winning the prestigious title of EMEA Barista Champion, we took a trip to Beirut, Lebanon to catch up with 2021's best barista, Cynthia Khattar.

Cynthia competed virtually as the world navigated the global pandemic and battled it out from Beirut and clinched the golden pitcher and coveted purple apron.

What was Cynthia's life like before, during, and after winning Starbucks biggest ever virtual competition? Let's find out…

Cynthia's Journey: Out of 40,000+ Green Apron partners in EMEA, Cynthia was 2021's number one! - Starbucks Stories EMEA

Cynthia&#8217;s Journey: Out of 40,000+ Green Apron partners in EMEA, Cynthia was 2021&#8217;s number one!

One year after winning the prestigious title of EMEA Barista Champion, we took a trip to Beirut, Lebanon to catch up with 2021&#8217;s best barista, Cynthia Khattar. Cynthia competed virtually as the world navigated the global pandemic and battled it out from Beirut and clinched the golden pitcher and coveted purple apron. What was Cynthia&#8217;s […]

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2022/cynthias-journey-barista-champion/

Cynthia’s Journey: Out of 40,000+ Green Apron partners in EMEA, Cynthia was 2021’s number one!

Meet Vendy, The Czech Republic's Top Barista - Starbucks Stories EMEA

Meet Vendy, The Czech Republic&#8217;s Top Barista

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2022/meet-vendy-the-czech-republics-top-barista/

Meet Vendy, The Czech Republic’s Top Barista

Meet Phuti, South Africa's Barista Champion 2022 - Starbucks Stories EMEA

Meet Phuti, South Africa&#8217;s Barista Champion 2022

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https://stories.starbucks.com/emea/stories/2022/meet-phuti-south-africas-barista-champion-2022/

Behind the Green Apron