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As we mark Earth Day 2025, we embrace this year’s theme, "Our Planet, Our Power," as both a call to action and a reflection of our collective responsibility. At KSG, sustainability is not an isolated programme; it’s woven into the fabric of how we operate every day. In line with Earth Day’s goals to educate, advocate, and mobilise, we’re proud to share the substantial ways in which we’ve brought these principles to life across our business. 


Educate: Empowering Change Through Knowledge 

Real change begins with understanding. That’s why, throughout the year, we’ve delivered a series of tailored toolbox talks on zero waste, environmental essentials, and energy efficiency across our sites. These sessions aim to engage and educate our teams, providing practical guidance and raising awareness on key sustainability practices, from portion control and energy saving techniques, to sustainable packaging choices. By creating a space for conversation and shared learning, we’re equipping our people with the knowledge they need to make more sustainable decisions at every stage of service.  


Advocate: Leading by Example with Purposeful Commitments 

At KSG, we actively align ourselves with industry-leading pledges that reflect our commitment to sustainable and responsible business practices. We are proud participants of the Food Waste Charter, Origin Green, and Business in the Community Ireland’s Elevate Pledge, which supports inclusive, sustainable workplace culture. These initiatives represent our ongoing advocacy for systemic change, both within our organisation and across the wider foodservice industry. 


Mobilise: Driving Action Through Partnerships and Projects 

Sustainability is a shared journey. We work closely with our suppliers to uphold environmental standards through sustainability audits, helping ensure transparency and shared accountability throughout our supply chain. Our reforestation initiative in Monte Verde, Brazil, where our Roasted Notes house coffee bean originates, is a key example of this approach in action. By supporting native reforestation projects, we’re investing directly in the future of the landscapes that support our products, a long-term commitment to both people and planet. 


Ongoing Impact: Celebrating Progress 

This year, we reached a significant milestone in our sustainability journey, with over 2 million single-use cups saved from landfill at University College Cork through our reusable cup programme. That partnership was further recognised nationally, as UCC was named a finalist in the 2024 Pakman Awards for Waste Prevention, a shared success we’re incredibly proud of. 


Looking Ahead 

At KSG, we remain committed to sustainability as a continuous journey, one powered by education, guided by advocacy, and driven by action. 

We will continue to invest in training, strengthen our partnerships, and find new ways to reduce our impact while delivering the high-quality service our clients and customers expect.  


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As we reflect on 2024, we’re proud of the progress made through our partnership with DAA at Dublin Airport. Together, we are transforming the food and beverage experience, with KSG set to operate 15 new cafés, bars, and restaurants across Terminals 1 and 2 over 2025.


2024 New Openings in Terminal 1


In Terminal 1, we’ve launched Bluebird Coffee Roaster & Wine Bar, Dublin Airport’s first-ever coffee roaster. This venue offers a luxurious coffee experience using the cutting-edge Modbar system, which creates a seamless connection between customers and baristas for top-quality coffee. Bluebird also boasts an impressive selection of indulgent treats and carefully curated wines, perfect for those looking to relax and treat themselves before a flight. Elevating the passenger experience with rich, delightful offerings.


Travelers enjoy a cozy moment at Bluebird Coffee Roasters & Wine Bar in Dublin Airport's     Terminal 1
Travelers enjoy a cozy moment at Bluebird Coffee Roasters & Wine Bar in Dublin Airport's Terminal 1

Travellers can also enjoy Nomad 2.0, which serves healthy, nutritious meals with plant-based options and sustainably sourced coffee from Roasted Notes, while Cuan’s Café and Bar offers a cosy space to enjoy pints and light bites, inspired by the concept of a sheltered harbour before the adventure ahead.


Modern dining area at Nomad in Dublin Airport, featuring a sleek design.
Modern dining area at Nomad in Dublin Airport, featuring a sleek design.

For coffee lovers, Insomnia, to the arrivals hall in Terminal one, brings its popular selection of hot beverages and light snacks, and the beautiful new Butlers Café in Terminal one is on hand to provide indulgent chocolates and coffee, making it the ideal spot to treat yourself before you board.

 

Terminal 2 Welcomes Fitzgerald's and Craft Speciality Coffee


In Terminal 2, Fitzgerald’s Restaurant & Bar, named after Desmond Fitzgerald, architect of the original Dublin Airport terminal, serves gourmet sandwiches, salads, and a full bar selection. Craft Speciality Coffee brings a high-quality coffee experience with hand-crafted brews.


Fitzgerald's Restaurant & Bar, located in Terminal 2 of Dublin Airport, provides a warm and contemporary setting, inviting travelers to relax and savor a meal before their journey.
Fitzgerald's Restaurant & Bar, located in Terminal 2 of Dublin Airport, provides a warm and contemporary setting, inviting travelers to relax and savor a meal before their journey.

Popular Favourites Across Both Terminals:


In addition to these new dining experiences, we are collaborating with several well-known brands at Dublin Airport. Jump Juice, now available in both terminals, offers a refreshing range of freshly made smoothies and juices – a perfect stop for health-conscious passengers.


A New Era for Dining at Dublin Airport


This first phase of openings is just the beginning of the transformation. The partnership between DAA and KSG aims to introduce even more exciting dining options in the months ahead, continuing to enhance the airport's reputation as a culinary destination. With a focus on quality, convenience, and variety, the new outlets are designed to cater to the diverse needs of travellers passing through Dublin Airport.


Looking ahead, 2025 promises even more exciting developments, as we continue to roll out new dining concepts and further elevate the traveller experience at Dublin Airport.


  • Writer: KSG
    KSG
  • Nov 26, 2024
  • 2 min read

The 2024 KSG Barista League was an exciting celebration of the artistry, skill, and dedication of our baristas. Hosted by KSG’s Group Head of Coffee, Darren Kelly, the competition reinforced KSG’s commitment to coffee excellence and the craft that drives our baristas every day.


Reflecting on the event, Darren shared, “The Barista League provides our baristas with an invaluable opportunity to grow in confidence, gain recognition within the industry, and connect with the journey of coffee from farm to cup.

 


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Barista League Competition Rounds


The competition unfolded across three dynamic rounds, each testing a unique aspect of coffee-making expertise:


Cupping Round: Sponsored by Lucas Sampaio from Viva Coffee Ltd., this round challenged competitors to identify flavour profiles in sets of coffee. It showcased their ability to distinguish subtle differences and demonstrated the depth of their sensory skills.


Latte Art Round: Creativity took centre stage as participants rolled a dice to determine their latte art design. Baristas combined precision and artistic flair to meet the challenge, with their work judged on presentation, symmetry, and execution.


Service Round: The final round placed the two final baristas in a high-pressure service scenario. Competitors were tasked with preparing multiple coffee orders, with judges evaluating their speed, technique, and consistency.



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Recognising Excellence


The event concluded with well-deserved recognition for the finalists and winners; Khoa Bin Do, from KPMG, emerged victorious and took home a De'Longhi espresso machine, while Camila Belen Vega, from Pfizer, was awarded runner-up honours. All four finalists received gift bags from Bell Lane Coffee Ltd., recognising their exceptional efforts.



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Expert Judges


The judging panel brought together three industry leaders:

Stephen Bell, Co-Founder & Wholesale Director at Bell Lane Coffee

Nikola Sunko, Roastery Manager & Green Coffee Buyer at Bell Lane Coffee

Emma Maguire, Operations Director at KSG


Reflecting on the event, Emma commented, “As a judge, it was inspiring to see our baristas showcase their passion and talent, reflecting the unique coffee culture we’ve built at KSG. Our commitment to sourcing green beans directly and roasting on-site continues to inspire our baristas to deliver outstanding coffee, bringing that extra level of care to every cup.”

 



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A Shared Commitment to Coffee Excellence


The Barista League is an extension of KSG’s dedication to quality coffee and the people who make it possible. By sourcing green beans directly and roasting them on-site, KSG has cultivated a coffee culture that prioritises craftsmanship, transparency, and sustainability. Events like this further strengthen that culture, providing opportunities for baristas to grow professionally while sharing their passion with others.


Congratulations to everyone who participated, and a special thank you to our sponsors—Viva Coffee Ltd., Bell Lane Coffee Ltd., and De'Longhi—for their support in making this year’s Barista League a success.

 

Here’s to another year of excellence, passion, and progress in coffee.

 

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