KSA Costa employee is Regional Barista of the Year

Jonathan Kahano, who has worked at Dammam Airport Costa Coffee store since 2011, edged out the competition from 11 other finalists to be crowned the best barista in the Middle East and Asia.

The 23-year-old Filipino finalist impressed the jury with his ‘Maple Rose’ speciality drink at the event in Le Royal Meridien Hotel Dubai, and will be flying to London for the prestigious “Champion of the Champions” grand finale in October.

Kahano said: "I am thrilled to have won this award and it is such a great honour when considering the extraordinary skills of the other contenders. I would like to thank all the members of the jury for having recognised my ability and enthusiasm and for giving me the incredible opportunity to represent the Middle East and Asia region at the London final."

The second place went to Josephine Mempin, who works for the Two Four 54 Costa Coffee branch in Abu Dhabi; the third place to Hassan Mahriz, from the Wakra Costa Coffe Store in Qatar; and a ‘Specialty Drink’ award was given to Talgat Zhetpisov, who works for the Costa Keruen store in Astana, Kazakhstan, for his ‘Choco Banana’ specialty drink creation.

The Regional final of the Barista of the Year competition is the third stage of the annual global Costa Coffee competition. This year, over 700 competitors have already made more than 2,000 espressos in heats taking place across the globe.

"Our baristas are experts in making exquisite coffee; they all know about tasting, grinding, tamping, extracting, frothing, pouring and, most importantly, tasting, because it takes a lot more than coffee beans to make the perfect cup of handcrafted Costa coffee," said International Franchise MD Andy Marshall.

He continued: "The Barista of the Year competition is for them a chance to shine and show the world that they have the best knowledge, a fine palate, and passion."

The winner of the grand finale will be awarded with a trip to a coffee growing region for two including spending money, a custom-made winner uniform to proudly wear in store and the all-important Barista of the Year Trophy.