Tourism & Hospitality | Friday 19 August, 2016 2:23 am |

The most talented baristas from across the Middle East, Europe and Africa met up in Dubai earlier this month for an epic barista showdown to determine who can make the very best espresso as Gloria Jean’s Coffees searches for its best coffee maker.

The Regional Final was won by Marcelino Lacurum from Kuwait, whose signature beverage, the ‘Cococcino’, impressed the judges with its mix of espresso coffee, coconut milk, young coconut strips and coconut flake garnish.

As well as holding the title of IMEA Barista Champion for 2016, Marcelino was awarded full travel expenses to the Gold Coast, Australia, where he will compete for the chance to win AUD$3,000 cash and the title of World Barista Champion in September this year.

Gloria Jean’s Coffees International Barista Competition invites the brand’s dedicated and skilled baristas from across the globe to create their best single espresso, latte and espresso based signature beverage, with competitors judged on taste, technique and presentation.

Gloria Jean’s Coffees Market Support Manager Utkrisht Sahai said the competition showcased the brand’s love for coffee, giving baristas the opportunity to show off their skills beyond their usual coffee house environment.

“At Gloria Jean’s Coffees we are dedicated to serving our customers the perfect cup of coffee, and our baristas are training every day and refining their skills,” said Utkrisht.

“We are excited to have Marcelino travel to the Gold Coast to take on other competition finalists from North America, Asia, Australia and the South Pacific.”

The global grand final extends to all coffee brands in the portfolio of Retail Food Group (ASX:RFG), the franchisor of the Gloria Jean’s Coffees system, including Donut King, Michel’s Patisserie and Cafe2U.