Costa barista named Barista of the Year Champion
Klara Rohel, a Costa barista from St. Ann’s in Dumfries, was named Costa’s 2015 Barista of the Year Champion at the global final at Tobacco Dock, London.
In addition to taking home the coveted trophy Rohel was also awarded a 10-day trip for two to a country with a Costa connection of her choice.
The competition tested baristas' ability to produce a technically perfect cup of hand-made coffee; their personality and performance, flair and passion for coffee; knowledge and understanding of the industry; and their creativity by inventing their own signature drink.
Costa’s Master of Coffee, Gennaro Pelliccia, celebrity chef Phil Vickery, and restaurateur and cookbook author Dipna Anand served as judges in the competition.
Rohel said: “I’m still in shock that I have won Barista of the Year! The whole journey has been amazing and I was so honoured to even reach the final. I’m very grateful to my family and friends and to my Costa colleagues who have given me so much support along the way.”
Head judge and Costa’s Master of Coffee Gennaro Pelliccia said; “Our people are the most important ingredient in our coffee. The confidence and craft they show in their coffee making skills ensures that our iconic Mocha Italia blend continues to be the coffee that our customers know and love across the World. With over 30,000 Costa Coffee baristas around the world Klara did a fantastic job against outstanding competition. She has everything we look for in our baristas: someone who possesses true pride, passion and personality.”
Vickery said of the competition: “This is my third year of judging Costa’s Barista of the Year competition. I am always so astounded by the outstanding skill, knowledge and dedication displayed by all the finalists and this year was no exception. I have been particularly impressed with the baristas’ creativity in making and developing their speciality drinks for us today and presenting themselves in such a confident and engaging manner.”
