2 days ago
Starbucks crowns first-ever global barista champion
LAS VEGAS — Starbucks crowned its first global barista champion Wednesday in a competition that tested coffee knowledge, technical skills and customer connection.
The big picture: The three-day competition held in Las Vegas featured 12 baristas from around the world, narrowed down from over 84,000.
The final round took place before an audience of more than 14,000 Starbucks store managers and employees during the Seattle-based company's Leadership Experience event in Las Vegas.
Zoom in: The winner was Nobuki from Japan, who now has the chance to create a beverage that will go into Starbucks across the U.S. (Full names for the winner and finalists were withheld by Starbucks for privacy.)
Baristas were tested on latte art, presenting their signature beverage while also connecting with the judges with storytelling.
"The first step is sparkling smile," Nobuki said during the competition on how to make a latte. "Yes, I'm serious. When we smile, everything tastes so much better."
For latte art, Nobuki made a rosetta design and then a tulip. His signature drink was the Blooming Yuzu Espresso, which he uses a Japanese sauce to make.
Between the lines: One finalist represented Europe, Middle East and Africa, another represented the Tokyo Reserve Roastery and the last represented the Shanghai Reserve Roastery in China.
