Costa crowns Ofilanda its UAE king of coffee

Abu Dhabi’s Anthony Ofilanda has been crowned Costa’s king of coffee at the Costa Coffee UAE’s favourite barista competition.

The event drew more than 6000 votes from the public for Costa Coffee’s 600 baristas across almost 100 stores in the UAE.

Members of the public were invited to vote for their favourite Barista for any reason – the coffee, the welcome and personal greeting, the passion and the smile, or just for making the start of the day a little more enjoyable.

28-year old Ofilanda, who works at the Costa Coffee kiosk at the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority was declared the nations favourite.
Eric Hughes, general manager of Costa Coffee UAE, comments: “We were overwhelmed by the strong public response to this campaign and delighted that our baristas command such appreciation and loyalty from our many customers across the UAE. We thank everyone who voted and congratulate Anthony, especially, for his achievement as well as all the winners who represent Costa so well and make a real difference to customers. Costa Barista training is at the heart of the Costa experience but this public vote was a great way of recognising the other skills that a Barista needs, like the warm welcoming face of Costa.

“Anthony certainly demonstrates all the skills of a great Costa Barista. He not only delivers a perfect coffee each and every time but he knows his customers by name, their preferred drinks each day and always has a smile for every customer. Anthony has worked with Costa Coffee for almost five years now and is a very passionate Barista. We all congratulate him on his success,” added Hughes.