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.”
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.
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.
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.”
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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