Our baristas — People | Behind the beans

Celebrating great coffee

Group shot of 2019 Barista of the Year finalists outside the Costa Coffee roastery in Basildon Every year, we put our baristas through their paces to find those that truly embody our purpose - Inspiring the World to Love Great Coffee.

With heats taking place in all of our global markets – UK & Ireland, Europe, China and MEA region (Middle East, Africa and South East Asia) – our competition culminates in a Champion of Champions final, which is held in London and live streamed to a global audience.

As well as the pride that comes with being awarded Costa’s Champion of Champions title, our overall winner takes home our coveted Barista of the Year trophy, a 10-night holiday to a coffee-related destination, a commemorative pin badge, apron, and shirt.

The ‘Barista of the Year’ competition has been running consecutively for 13 years

Barista of the Year 2019

Brian Chibwe, who has been working for Costa Coffee in the UAE for two and a half years took the top spot. The 22-year-old wowed the judges with his skill, flair and signature drink: The Afro-Tango.

Barista of the year winner Brian Chibwe with trophy

Coffee creativity

Costa Coffee latte with latte art bumble been design We also run a Latte Art competition in parallel, where our baristas show us their most creative, ingenious and downright beautiful, milky masterpieces.

Entries are whittled down by an internal judging panel and an external social media vote, to leave us with three Latte Art finalists. They will then showcase their creations at the Champion of Champions event, where the audience vote for their favourite design.

Why is this competition so important to us? Because we want to further our commitment to crafting great tasting coffee, to celebrate the art of coffee making and to champion the incredible work of the people who help to make Costa Coffee the Nation’s Favourite* coffee shop.

Feeling inspired? If you think you have what it takes to become a skilled barista and would like to join the Costa Coffee family, then click here to visit our careers website.

What's next?

Want to learn more about how we’re celebrating and advocating passionately for inclusion and diversity within our teams and local communities?

*The question ‘What is your favourite branded coffee shop chain?’ asked to the Allegra independent panel (over 4,000 people) of which 47% cited Costa. Click here for full terms and conditions.