Tag: Latte Art

Lisbon to Host World of Coffee Europe 2027, First Time in Portugal

Posted on by Qahwa World

Source: Specialty Coffee Association |
Author: Qahwa World |
Date: June 5, 2026

Lisbon to Host World of Coffee Europe 2027, First Time in Portugal

Key Highlights:

  • The Specialty Coffee Association announces Lisbon as host for World of Coffee Europe in June 2027.
  • This is the first time the event will take place in Portugal.
  • The venue is the Lisbon Exhibition and Congress Centre in the Parque das Nações district.
  • Three world championships will be held: Latte Art, Coffee in Good Spirits, and Cezve/Ibrik.
  • SCA CEO praises Lisbon’s strategic location and cultural exchange potential.
  • The event aims to unite the specialty coffee industry globally.
  • Exhibitor and sponsor registration is now open via the official website.

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has announced that World of Coffee Europe 2027 will take place from June 17 to 19, 2027. The Lisbon Exhibition and Congress Centre will serve as the official venue. This marks the first time Portugal has hosted this global event.

The announcement continues the SCA’s mission to unite the specialty coffee industry worldwide. The event aims to advance coffee excellence, foster business growth, and support professional development through education, innovation, and collaboration.

Lisbon Exhibition Centre: A Strategic Venue in the Heart of the Capital

The Lisbon Exhibition and Congress Centre (FIL) is located in the dynamic Parque das Nações district. This area is one of Lisbon’s most vibrant and well-connected neighbourhoods. The venue combines contemporary design with flexible event infrastructure. It offers plenary halls, breakout spaces, one-stop-shop services, and state-of-the-art facilities.

Furthermore, the centre has excellent access from Lisbon’s international airport. Hotels, local transport hubs, dining, and cultural attractions are all within easy reach. This makes it an ideal environment for international business and collaboration.

Item Details
Event Full Name World of Coffee Europe 2027
Dates June 17–19, 2027
Venue Lisbon Exhibition and Congress Centre (FIL)
District Parque das Nações, Lisbon, Portugal
First time in Portugal Yes

CEO: Lisbon Understands Cultural Exchange

Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the Specialty Coffee Association, said: “World of Coffee exists to bring our global industry together in a way that creates real value for businesses, for professionals, and for the future of specialty coffee.” He added: “Lisbon is a city that understands that kind of exchange. It sits at the intersection of cultures and trade relationships that are fundamental to our value chain.”

Apostolopoulos continued: “The conversations at World of Coffee Lisbon will shape how our industry innovates, collaborates, and builds the resilience and sustainability that specialty coffee demands in the years ahead.”

Three World Championships to Take Place in Lisbon

World of Coffee Europe 2027 will host three major international competitions. These are the World Latte Art Championship, the World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship, and the Cezve/Ibrik Championship. Champions in each discipline will be crowned on the final day of the show.

These championships attract top talent from around the world. They also provide an opportunity to showcase skill and creativity in specialty coffee.

Championship Discipline
World Latte Art Championship Milk painting art
World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship Innovative coffee and alcohol drinks
Cezve/Ibrik Championship Traditional brewing methods

Exhibitor and Sponsor Registration Open

The Specialty Coffee Association is now accepting enquiries from prospective exhibitors and sponsors. Interested parties can visit the official event website for full information and participation terms. The event is expected to attract major coffee companies, equipment manufacturers, and service providers from around the world.

It is worth noting that Lisbon has become a preferred destination in Europe due to its culture and connectivity. This makes it an ideal choice for a global event of this scale.

Frequently Asked Questions About World of Coffee Europe 2027

Q: When will the event take place?

A: June 17 to 19, 2027.

Q: Where exactly will it be held?

A: At the Lisbon Exhibition and Congress Centre (FIL) in the Parque das Nações district.

Q: Is this the first time in Portugal?

A: Yes, this is the first World of Coffee event in Portugal.

Q: What championships will be held?

A: Three: Latte Art, Coffee in Good Spirits, and Cezve/Ibrik.

Q: How can I register as an exhibitor?

A: Visit the official website europe.worldofcoffee.org for details.

World of Coffee Europe is the premier event in the specialty coffee sector on the continent. Do not miss the opportunity to attend this global gathering in Lisbon 2027. Follow our updates for the latest news and registration details.

Prepared and edited by: Qahwa World – Based on a press release from the Specialty Coffee Association issued June 5, 2026.

All rights reserved. Republication with attribution permitted.

Publication date: June 5, 2026

Professional Barista Skills: How the Role Transformed from Drink Maker to Experience Manager

Posted on by Qahwa World
Author: Qahwa World – Dubai
Date: May 17, 2026

Executive Summary

  • The barista role has shifted from a simple drink maker to a quality controller, hospitality professional, and skilled storyteller.
  • Automation does not reduce difficulty; it changes the nature of work, turning baristas into technical monitors and calibrators.
  • Today’s customers are more knowledgeable than ever, raising the stakes for every interaction behind the bar.
  • Staff turnover in hospitality exceeds 70% in the US and reaches 6% monthly in the UK, driven by treating barista roles as temporary.
  • Successful coffee shops invest in clear career paths, treating barista as a long-term craft rather than a stopgap job.
  • Hospitality and emotional intelligence now outweigh technical skills in building customer loyalty and justifying premium pricing.

The Evolution of the Barista Role

Over the past decade, the specialty coffee industry has witnessed a deep transformation in the nature of barista work. The scene no longer revolves solely around leveling a portafilter or pouring a symmetrical tulip. Today, baristas face multiple pressures: customers who follow coffee experts on social media, machines with complex technology, and coffee shops that demand multiple roles simultaneously.

Industry observers compare today’s barista to a chef in a fine dining restaurant. Both require technical mastery, the ability to handle pressure, and a talent for reading customer needs before they are expressed. This shift reflects positive progress in how the profession is valued, but it also places new burdens on those working behind the bar.

Advanced Technical Mastery: Extraction Science and Dynamic Calibration

Technical skills remain the foundation, but they have evolved significantly. It is no longer enough to know how to pull a good espresso shot. A barista must understand why it behaves that way under specific weather conditions or with a particular coffee origin.

Core technical skills include: understanding extraction science and the impact of grind size, temperature, and pressure; mastering latte art as a way to stabilize milk texture rather than just decoration; adjusting recipes for alternative brewing methods (pour-over, filter) based on processing method (natural, washed, honey); and maintaining equipment while troubleshooting issues. In the age of automation, the barista’s role shifts from “machine operator” to “quality assurance manager” who monitors performance and intervenes when necessary.

Dynamic calibration is what separates the professional barista from the beginner. Fixed recipes are the enemy of quality. A successful barista adjusts grind size and dose based on humidity and temperature changes inside the café throughout the day. This requires a trained palate to detect extraction defects (such as channeling or uneven extraction) before the customer complains.

Operational Variable Smart Standard Professional Goal
Water temperature 93°C (199°F) Avoid bitter burning or sharp acidity
Pre-infusion time 4 seconds Ensure even flow and prevent channeling
Grind size adjustment Minimum twice daily Counteract fluctuating indoor humidity

Managing Automation: From Operator to Quality Controller

Many coffee shops, especially in high-volume settings, are turning to automated equipment such as automatic pour-over brewers and milk foamers. Some see this as a threat to barista skill. The reality is different. Automation does not reduce difficulty; it changes the nature of the work. Today’s barista needs to understand machine algorithms, adjust pressure and flow profiles, and maintain equipment precisely to ensure consistent results.

When a machine manages extraction variables or milk steaming automatically, the barista’s role shifts toward monitoring, maintenance, and quality control. Identifying when something is off, understanding why, and fixing the problem requires attention to detail and forward-thinking. The smart barista harnesses technology to reduce waste and raise operational efficiency without compromising the sensory soul of the craft.

Emotional Intelligence and Interactive Hospitality

Research suggests that up to 78% of millennials prefer spending money on memorable experiences over material goods. This reality makes hospitality a critical success factor for specialty coffee shops. The Institute of Customer Service found that most consumers cite service quality as the main factor in whether they return to a business, ranking above price and product.

Emotional intelligence sits at the heart of excellent hospitality. The ability to read a customer’s body language in seconds — are they in a hurry, looking for conversation, or seeking a quiet experience? — handling a stressed customer during rush hour without escalating tension, and maintaining composure during a long queue are professional skills that take time and experience to develop. Additionally, explaining a complex menu in simple language, offering personalized suggestions without condescension, and turning a routine order into an engaging conversation about the customer’s preferences are all essential.

Brands like WatchHouse exemplify the success of a hospitality-first model. After record revenues, the chain aims to reach 100 global locations, where baristas greet guests at the door, seat them, walk them through the menu, and serve drinks tableside. This transforms a routine café visit into something closer to a fine dining experience.

Deep Coffee Knowledge and Storytelling

Today’s customers follow roasters on Instagram and know the difference between Ethiopian heirloom and Colombian pink bourbon. This level of knowledge reduces the burden of “educating” consumers, but it raises the stakes for every interaction. The barista’s role is no longer just providing information but enriching the drinking experience by connecting coffee to its story: the farm, the farmer, the processing method, the altitude, and how each affects the flavor.

The ability to make personalized suggestions with scientific confidence: “This natural Ethiopian will give you bold wild berry notes, while this Colombian offers a beautiful balance of caramel and green apple-like acidity.” Also handling special requests (plant-based milks, decaf, low-acid) with confidence rather than just “yes we can.”

Operational Efficiency and Economic Vision

Professional sustainability means the barista understands how their movements behind the bar affect the café’s profitability. Global coffee shops are not only looking for someone who pours beautiful latte art, but also someone who manages resources intelligently. Workflow optimization — organizing tools and moving smoothly to reduce customer wait time while maintaining the highest quality standards — is an art.

Waste reduction includes precisely adjusting milk quantities and controlling coffee bean waste during morning calibration. These practices directly reduce operational costs. Understanding the basics of drink costing and natural upselling that serves the customer makes the barista a partner in business success, not just an executive employee.

Continuous Learning and Career Paths: Tackling High Turnover

The hospitality sector suffers from high employee turnover. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the sector has the highest turnover rate in the country, at over 70%. A separate study found that nearly 3 million US hospitality workers left their jobs in early 2024, a figure 204% above the national average quit rate. Meanwhile, in the UK, recent data shows that around 6% of hospitality workers leave their jobs every month.

Most of these problems stem from how roles like barista are perceived. When treated as temporary rather than a long-term, professional position, employers invest less in training and development. This limits career progression, pushing baristas to find other work. The solution lies in creating clear career paths: junior barista, senior barista, head barista, roaster, café manager. Coffee shops that invest in continuous training, positive culture, and competitive pay retain the skilled, passionate people who help their businesses succeed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the single most important skill for a barista in 2026?

There is no single skill. The professional barista combines technical mastery (extraction science, dynamic calibration) with emotional intelligence (interactive hospitality, pressure management).

2. How has automation changed the barista’s role?

It shifted baristas from machine operators to quality controllers. They now need to understand machine algorithms, perform calibration and maintenance, while focusing on human elements that machines cannot replace.

3. Why are communication and hospitality skills so important today?

Customers are more knowledgeable than ever, and expectations are higher. Excellent service is the number one factor in customer return and justifies premium pricing in specialty coffee shops.

4. What causes high barista turnover in the industry?

The main reason is treating the profession as temporary rather than a career path. This leads to underinvestment in training, development, and competitive pay, pushing talent to seek more stable opportunities.

5. How can a coffee shop retain talented baristas?

By investing in continuous training, creating clear career paths, offering competitive pay, and building a positive workplace culture where baristas feel valued and respected.

6. What separates a professional barista from an average one today?

The professional combines technical excellence (dynamic calibration, extraction science, automation management) with soft skills (hospitality, emotional intelligence, storytelling, and economic awareness).

Author: Coffee Industry Analysis Unit  |
Source: Synthesis of three expert reports (field experience, PDG Jobs analysis, industry research)  |
Publication date: May 17, 2026

China Pushes Taiwan Off Coffee’s Global Stage

Posted on by Qahwa World
Dubai – Qahwa World

A quiet change in the records of the World Coffee Championships has sparked controversy across the specialty coffee industry after “Taiwan” was replaced with “Chinese Taipei” in the official listing of the 2026 World Latte Art Champion.

The change came days after Taiwanese barista Bala claimed victory at the World Latte Art Championship held in San Diego, earning 531 points with intricate latte creations featuring animals including a raccoon, giraffe and red pandas.

According to Asia Times, the original championship announcement identified Bala as representing Taiwan. About a week later, however, the World Coffee Championships records were quietly updated to list him under “Chinese Taipei,” without any public explanation from the organizers.

The report also noted that historical ranking PDFs previously available on the competition’s website were later removed, raising concerns among observers about the erasure of past national representations in coffee competitions.

While the change may appear minor, critics say it reflects the growing reach of geopolitical pressure into global cultural and professional industries — including specialty coffee. The incident has also renewed debate over how international private organizations respond when caught between political sensitivities and claims of neutrality.

Taiwan’s specialty coffee community has spent nearly two decades building its reputation on the world stage. Since first appearing in the World Barista Championship in 2007, Taiwanese competitors have secured multiple international titles across brewing, roasting, tasting and latte art competitions.

Bala’s 2026 victory marked the latest achievement in a long line of Taiwanese successes that helped establish the island as one of Asia’s leading forces in specialty coffee.

 

Bala Shao-Sing Crowned 2026 World Latte Art Champion

Posted on by Qahwa World

San Diego – Qahwa World

The 2026 World Latte Art Championship concluded in spectacular fashion as part of the World of Coffee San Diego exhibition,

bringing together some of the finest specialty coffee artists from around the globe in a highly competitive and visually stunning final.

This year’s championship featured 33 competitors from various national competition bodies, with six finalists advancing to the final round.
The finalists delivered performances that blended technical precision, artistic expression, and storytelling through intricate latte designs.

At the end of the competition, the World Coffee Championships organization crowned
林紹興🇹🇼Bala, Shao-Sing representing Taiwan as the 2026 World Latte Art Champion,
following a performance praised for its consistency, precision, and artistic complexity in cup presentation.

Final Standings – Top Six

  • 1st Place: 林紹興🇹🇼Bala, Shao-Sing – Taiwan
  • 2nd Place: Jacky Chang – Malaysia
  • 3rd Place: Zhang Yuanyi (Zking) – China
  • 4th Place: Bank Sarawut – Thailand
  • 5th Place: Jay Kim – South Korea
  • 6th Place: Tatsuya Ishibashi – Japan

The World Coffee Championships organizers noted that this edition delivered an exceptionally high level of latte art craftsmanship,
reflecting the continued evolution of specialty coffee culture and the growing global standards in competitive coffee arts.

The event concluded with strong appreciation from audiences and industry professionals, highlighting the championship’s role as a global platform
for creativity, technical excellence, and cultural exchange within the coffee community.

Bala Shao-Sing Crowned 2026 World Latte Art Champion

 

Latte Art Takes Center Stage in San Diego

Posted on by Qahwa World

San Diego — Qahwa World

The global specialty coffee community is preparing for a vibrant mix of creativity, competition, and connection as World of Coffee San Diego returns to the San Diego Convention Center from April 10 to 12. This edition marks a new chapter for the event in North America after three decades under the name Specialty Coffee Expo.

At the center of attention is the 2026 World Latte Art Championship, one of the most respected stages for barista craftsmanship. Now in its twentieth year, the competition turns everyday lattes into detailed works of art, bringing together leading talents from across the world.

  • Where coffee meets creativity

The championship is known for its fast pace and demanding format. Baristas are judged not only on technical skill but also on creativity and composure under pressure. Every detail matters, from symmetry and contrast to originality and presentation.

The event unfolds across two main experiences:

  • The Art Bar

Here, visitors can watch baristas up close as they create intricate designs using free pouring, etching, and other techniques. The setting is informal and interactive, with standout drinks often chosen through audience voting.

You may Read: World of Coffee San Diego 2026: Last Chance for Early Bird Rates

  • The Main Stage

This is where the competition intensifies. In the preliminary round, each competitor has 11 minutes to prepare six drinks. These include two sets of matching free pour lattes and two matching designer patterns. The top six move on to the final, where they repeat the challenge at an even higher level. One barista will leave with the title of 2026 World Latte Art Champion.

This year’s lineup features national and regional champions, each bringing their own style and interpretation shaped by their local coffee culture.

  • More than a competition

While latte art draws large crowds, the event itself goes far beyond the championship. World of Coffee is the largest B2B specialty coffee gathering in North America, offering a wide look at the industry.

The exhibition hall will host hundreds of companies presenting equipment, green coffee, brewing tools, packaging solutions, and new technologies shaping the future of coffee.

Visitors can also expect:

A full education program with more than 60 lectures and over 30 workshops
Opportunities to connect with roasters, café owners, and suppliers
Features such as the Coffee Design Awards, public cuppings, brew bars, and the SCA Lecture Series

Access to the event requires registration, with trade badges needed for entry to the show floor and competitions. Organizers have also introduced early booking offers and hotel packages through official channels.

Set along San Diego’s waterfront, the event combines business with atmosphere. The city’s growing café culture adds another layer to the experience, giving visitors a taste of both global trends and local flavor.

As April approaches, San Diego is preparing to welcome the world of coffee. For a few days, every cup poured will carry a story, and every design will reflect the skill behind it.

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 concludes its fifth edition with a record 20,000 visits

Posted on by Qahwa World
  • 50% of the exhibition space for the sixth edition next year has already been booked
  • Brazil and other countries have announced an increase in their national pavilion spaces for the next edition
  • Results of the three live auctions announced
  • Winners honoured in the four championship categories, Best New Product, and Best Design Award
  • Jean Espanti from the United Arab Emirates crowned champion of the Cezve/Ibrik World Championship
  • Adam Rubin from Benchmark Coffee named Best Barista in the UAE
  • Jomar Morales from Benchmark Coffee takes first place in the Latte Art Championship
  • Nizam Basha Luwang from Espressi named Roaster of the Year
  • Sage wins the Best New Product Award
  • Coffee Market Innovations (CMI) wins the Best Design Award

Dubai – Qahwa World

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 concluded yesterday at the Dubai World Trade Centre, announcing the winners of the local and international championships and competitions, as well as the results of the auctions held on the first and third days. The fifth edition of the exhibition was a remarkable success, recording over 20,000 visits from specialty coffee professionals across more than 80 countries., reflecting the continued growth of international attendance and global participation, and reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading hub for the specialty coffee industry.

The fifth edition also witnessed the signing of a three-year partnership agreement to organise the Bahrain Coffee Festival between DXB LIVE, the Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA), and Exhibition World Bahrain (EWB). The festival’s inaugural edition achieved strong success, positioning it as a platform that combines trade and consumer-focused activities, including workshops, live coffee preparation, championships, and interactive experiences, with the aim of engaging a wider community of coffee enthusiasts, families, and the general public. The opening day also saw the signing of a five-year partnership agreement between World of Coffee Dubai and the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), extending the collaboration through 2031.

As the 2026 edition ended yesterday evening, DXB LIVE, the integrated event management and experiential agency of the Dubai World Trade Centre and organiser of the event, confirmed strong demand for exhibition space in the next edition. 50% of the exhibition space for the sixth edition of World of Coffee Dubai 2027 has already been booked. The next edition is scheduled to take place from 26–28 January 2027 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

The final day marked the conclusion of four championship competitions, including three UAE national titles and the World Cezve/Ibrik Championship, recognising technical excellence, consistency, and performance under internationally recognised standards.

In the UAE National Barista Championship, Adam Ruben (Benchmark Coffee) was crowned National Champion, with Nooran Albannay (Coffee Architecture) securing second place and Serkan Sagsoz (Julith Coffee) placing third, following assessments across espresso, milk-based beverages, and signature drinks.

The UAE National Latte Art Championship recognised excellence in creativity, control, and technical precision, with Jhomar Morales (Benchmark) taking first place, followed by Mark Lyster Gimeno (Heaf) and Win Min Htike (Jebena Specialty Coffee) in second and third positions respectively.

The UAE National Roasting Championship concluded with Nizam Pasha Lolowang (Espressi) awarded first place, with Ajeyudu Pathuri (Brewing Gadgets) securing second place and Raha Shahsavar (Crack Coffee Roastery)placing third, recognising excellence in roast development, flavour profiling, and consistency.

At the international level, the World Cezve/Ibrik Championship crowned Jane Espante (United Arab Emirates) as the 2026 champion, followed by Angel Kotsifakis (Greece) in second place and Waël Hachem (France) in third. The championship celebrates one of the world’s oldest coffee brewing traditions through contemporary specialty coffee standards.

Innovation and creativity were celebrated through the event’s awards programme. The Best New Product Award was presented to Sage for The Oracle Dual Boiler, recognising innovation in coffee equipment and brewing technology. The Coffee Design Award was awarded to Coffee Market Innovations (CMI), celebrating excellence in stand design, creativity, and brand presentation on the exhibition floor.

Key commercial results were confirmed through the Dubai Coffee Auction programme, with the Dubai Coffee Equipment Auction on Day One and the Exhibitors’ Coffee Auction on Day Three, organised by DXB LIVE with DMCC, delivering major milestones including a Bolivian coffee reaching USD 386 per kilogram (the origin’s second highest price on record), the first ever continental U.S. coffee offered at auction setting a new price benchmark, and a record diversity of 13 origins represented in a single auction, reinforcing World of Coffee Dubai’s role as a transparent, trade driven marketplace for global buyers and producers.

Commenting on the fifth edition, Khalid Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President of DXB LIVE, said: “World of Coffee Dubai has firmly established itself as a platform where the specialty coffee industry comes together to celebrate excellence, exchange knowledge, and conduct meaningful business. The remarkable growth in visitor numbers, along with the strong early demand for exhibition space for the 2027 edition, reflects the role of both Dubai and the event as a hub connecting markets, talent, and opportunities.”

Over the course of three days, World of Coffee Dubai 2026 brought together more than 2,100 exhibiting companies and brands from 78 countries, serving as a key meeting point for producers, roasters, manufacturers, buyers, and decision-makers across all stages of the specialty coffee value chain. The final day shifted the focus from engagement to recognition, with a formal celebration of professional excellence, innovation, and achievements within the sector.

As World of Coffee Dubai 2026 concludes, the fifth edition stands as its largest and most internationally diverse to date, underscoring Dubai’s growing influence as a global hub for specialty coffee trade, professional excellence, and innovation.

About World of Coffee Dubai

World of Coffee Dubai (WOC Dubai) is the premier coffee trade show for exhibitors and visitors looking to break into the Middle East’s burgeoning coffee industry. The event showcases popular features like the Roaster Village, engaging lectures, the Cupping Room, the SCA UAE National Championships, the Coffee Design Awards, the Best New Display Product Competition, Brew Bar, and the SCA Community Lounge, where buyers and sellers come together to reconnect and establish new business relationships. The exhibition welcomes local, regional, and global professionals in the coffee industry including producers, manufacturers, traders, farmers, international experts, distributors, small and medium companies, coffee shops, roasters, hotels, and coffee enthusiasts from around the world.

About SCA

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) is the world’s largest nonprofit, membership-based trade association in the coffee industry. Representing thousands of coffee professionals globally from producers to baristas, the organization is built on foundations of openness, inclusivity, and the power of shared knowledge, fostering an international coffee community to make specialty coffee a thriving, equitable, and sustainable activity for the entire value chain. From coffee farmers to baristas and roasters, our membership spans the globe, encompassing every element of the coffee value chain. The SCA acts as a unifying force within the specialty coffee industry and works to make coffee better by raising standards worldwide through a collaborative and progressive approach.

About DXB LIVE

DXB LIVE, the premier event management and experiential agency of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) offers a comprehensive range of services, providing innovative solutions for all types of events and experiences both within the UAE and internationally. Over the years, DXB LIVE has successfully created a fully integrated and globally recognized experiential environment, driven by its state-of-the-art in-house production facilities and advanced technical expertise. The team covers strategic concept

Mondik Alpas Crowned Champion of the LATTE ART THROWDOWN at Julith’s High-Stakes Launch Event

Posted on by Qahwa World

DUBAI – (Qahwa World)

In a dazzling display combining skill and artistic precision, the outstanding barista, Mondik Alpas, secured the championship title at the high-profile LATTE ART THROWDOWN. The event was held to celebrate the launch of the new Victoria Arduino Maverick Core espresso machine and the official debut of the Julith Wholesale Launch service.

The internationally renowned Julith Café served as the stage for this competition, hosting an elite group of coffee experts who competed face-to-face. The café recently captured global attention after acquiring and serving the world’s most expensive coffee, with a single cup valued at nearly one thousand dollars. The stakes were immensely high, with the grand prize being Victoria Arduino’s prestigious Eagle One Prima espresso machine.

Maverick Core Proves Its Mettle

Victoria Arduino chose this electrifying event to introduce the Maverick Core, a new machine designed to enhance the control and creative capabilities of coffee experts.

Speaking to Qahwa World, Antonio Oria of Victoria Arduino described the event as the ideal platform to showcase the machine’s capabilities. Oria stated: “We are here in Julith for a latte art competition by introducing our new machine, the Maverick Core… Baristas will compete back to back, and the winner will take home an Eagle One Prima.”

Oria also highlighted the importance of the host venue: “Today, we are also testing the new B2B (business-to-business) offer from Julith Coffee, which is being brewed in the batch brew with the 3TAMP device and is available for everyone to try. Amazing coffee, amazing competitors, amazing machine, and amazing people.”

Competitive Intensity and Supportive Crowd

The competitive atmosphere was charged with sharp focus and high tension. Judge Elena Hess praised the participants’ courage, saying: “I really enjoy the competition, the atmosphere, all participants. They are really brave, all of them, to participate, because it’s actually really stressful… Competing here is much harder than working behind the counter, due to the emotional tension.” She commended the positive spirit, adding: “They are all truly fun, and I am proud of them. The audience here is also very supportive. It’s a truly good and enjoyable event.”

For her part, Judge Estella Zuleta shared the same sentiment, commenting on the exceptional talent and collective spirit of the competitors: “I see very good and talented coffee experts showcasing their skills in the competition, and a good spirit among all attendees with positive energy.”

Mondik Alpas Secures the Title

Ultimately, it was Mondik Alpas who secured the title, thanks to his finesse and precision using the new Maverick Core machine, adding a major victory to his record. This win underscores the powerful synergy between the talent of coffee experts, innovative equipment, and the supportive coffee culture celebrated at Julith Café.

Champion’s Quote

In a brief statement given to Qahwa World after his coronation, Champion Mondik Alpas emphasized the fierce level of competition, noting the quality of his opponents: “The competition was very tough; because everyone gave it their all, with more effort and more focused training.” He stressed that the win was not easy, but extremely difficult, because the other competitors were also very good.

Mondik Alpas Wins Latte Art Throwdown: Victoria Arduino Maverick Core Launch at Julith Café

A Community Celebration and Presentation

The event concluded with the presence of Serkan Sagsoz, Co-founder of Julith Café. Federico Ortelli, General Manager of the Simonelli Group in the Middle East, presented the valuable prize, the “Eagle One Prima” machine, to the champion. Ortelli wished him success in his career path, praised the spirit that dominated the competition, and the distinguished participation of everyone, reaffirming Victoria Arduino’s commitment to supporting the region’s coffee community with all its expertise and capabilities.

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Registration Opens for the UAE National Barista, Latte Art, and Roasting Championships 2026

Posted on by ali alzakary

Dubai – Qahwa World

The Specialty Coffee Association of the UAE (SCA UAE) has officially announced the opening of registration for the UAE National Barista, Latte Art, and Roasting Championships 2026, which will take place as part of World of Coffee Dubai, hosted at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from January 18 to 20, 2026.

These championships are among the most anticipated events in the UAE and regional coffee scene, bringing together top professionals and skilled enthusiasts to showcase their mastery in coffee brewing, latte art presentation, and coffee roasting according to the global standards set by the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).

The national championships serve as a gateway for UAE-based baristas and roasters to qualify for international competitions, providing a platform for cafés and roasteries to highlight their expertise and creativity before an audience of industry professionals and coffee lovers.

Participation Requirements:

  • Participants must have resided in the UAE for at least two years and hold a valid residence visa.

  • Participants must be individual members of the Specialty Coffee Association.

Registration Fee: 
AED 1,500 per competitor.

Official Sponsors:

  • Roasting Championship: Sponsored by IRM Coffee Roasters.

  • Barista and Latte Art Championships: Sponsored by Victoria Arduino Middle East.

The SCA UAE emphasized that these championships reflect its commitment to developing the specialty coffee industry in the country and nurturing local talent capable of competing on regional and global stages.

For registration details or inquiries, participants can contact:
[email protected]

Part of a Global Coffee Celebration

The championships will take place within the fifth edition of World of Coffee Dubai 2026, organized by DXB LIVE, the event management arm of the Dubai World Trade Centre, in collaboration with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA).

Since its launch in 2022, World of Coffee Dubai has rapidly grown to become the leading coffee event in the Middle East and one of the most influential gatherings in the global coffee industry. It brings together producers, roasters, traders, suppliers, and innovators from around the world.

The 2026 edition is expected to be the largest yet, with 77% of exhibitors coming from outside the UAE, a clear reflection of Dubai’s growing status as a global hub for coffee trade, culture, and innovation.

A Booming Coffee Market

The UAE’s coffee sector continues to flourish, currently valued at over USD 3.2 billion (approximately AED 12 billion) and projected to grow by 8.4% annually, reaching USD 4.5 billion (around AED 16.5 billion) by 2029.

Across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), the coffee market is expected to exceed USD 11 billion (more than AED 40 billion) within the same period, fueled by rising demand for specialty coffee, evolving consumer tastes, and growing investments in quality, sustainability, and innovation.

According to Khalid Al Mulla, CEO of the UAE chapter of the Specialty Coffee Association, the upcoming championships underscore Dubai’s vision to be a global leader in specialty coffee culture.

“Through these competitions, we aim to empower local talent and give them the opportunity to compete on the world stage,” said Al Mulla. “We are committed to advancing coffee knowledge, craftsmanship, and appreciation across every link in the value chain — from the bean to the cup.”

He added that the collaboration between SCA UAE and DXB LIVE has created a dynamic platform that blends education, innovation, and trade, making World of Coffee Dubai a global meeting point for the entire coffee community.

Invitation to Participate

The UAE National Barista, Latte Art, and Roasting Championships 2026 will be held during World of Coffee Dubai, from January 18 to 20, 2026, at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Coffee professionals, competitors, and enthusiasts are invited to join the celebration of craftsmanship and excellence. Exhibitors and visitors can now secure their spaces and early-bird tickets through the official website:
dubai.worldofcoffee.org/home