PARIS, France – Costa Coffee has announced significant investment in 130 Global team members, offering them the opportunity to be involved in the Olympic Games Paris 2024. As the official worldwide coffee partner for the Olympic Games Paris 2024, Costa Coffee is serving imaginatively crafted hot and iced beverages to thousands of athletes and fans across seven venues in Paris.
130 team members, from across six countries (the United Kingdom, India, Poland, Malta, Cyprus and the United Arab Emirates) are spending the Summer in Paris and being a part of this monumental sporting event. Following hundreds of applications, the 130 team members competed for the chance to attend the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, undergoing a rigorous assessment process and extensive training to prepare them.
Costa Coffee’s baristas and team managers were selected after assessing their values, teamwork and coffee skills, while FSEs (Field Service Engineers) were chosen for their technical abilities, teamwork and values. All team members have dedicated many hours to training and upskilling, ensuring they are fully prepared for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Katie Cotton, a Marketing Graduate at Costa Coffee who is attending the 2024 Paris Olympic Games as a Team Manager, says: “I’m so excited to represent Costa Coffee at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games! Leading my talented barista team at the Roland Garros Stadium is a dream come true. The training has been so insightful, helping us master ‘Gold Standard’ drinks and build a supportive team. Plus, I can’t wait to watch Sport Climbing – it’s so inspiring as a fellow climber!”
Colin Goodchild, who will be working as a Field Service Engineer at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, adds: “I applied to work at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games because it’s a prestigious and unifying event that aligns with Costa Coffee’s values.
This initiative offers a unique chance to showcase our brand globally. I am excited about the dynamic atmosphere, the opportunity to witness athletic dedication, and the cultural exchange that comes with working alongside diverse teams.
The extensive training I received has enhanced my technical, organisational, and communication skills, preparing me to contribute effectively and grow professionally, while creating memorable experiences for our customers.”
Costa has six kiosks and over 110 self-serve Pacto machines strategically stationed throughout the various venues. What’s more, at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Costa Coffee is offering customers a reusable cup scheme at the competition venues, where customers can receive their favourite handcrafted beverage in an Olympic-themed reusable cup.
The 130 Costa Coffee team members not only ensure the seamless operation of these sites, but a number of baristas will also engage in hosting coffee masterclasses and experiences designed exclusively for the athletes and spectators – offering them a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in coffee culture.
Ranij Basnet is a Barista Maestro at a Costa Coffee store in Qatar – and last year took home the highly anticipated first place position at Costa Coffee’s Global Barista of the Year Competition. He will be working in the Olympic and Paralympic Village as a barista, as well as hosting engaging masterclasses for the athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Ranij comments: “I applied to work at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games because it’s a chance to share my love for coffee with people from all over the world. The Olympics are all about excellence, unity and celebration, and I believe that serving great coffee can add to that experience for all involved.
“I have undergone extensive training to improve my coffee knowledge, work on my latte art design, as well as prepare for the masterclasses. I’ve planned coffee tasting sessions and latte art workshops, and I’m excited to teach the athletes about our different brewing methods, coffee bean origin, the history of coffee and how to make the perfect Costa Coffee Flat White!”
Additionally, nine selected Costa Coffee’s team members will have the incredible opportunity to be a torchbearer at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, further solidifying the brand’s commitment to their growth and development.
Marivic Navaja, a Multi-Unit Manager from Costa Coffee Kuwait will be one of the torch bearers at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Commenting on this opportunity, Marivic says: “I applied to be a torchbearer at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games to proudly represent my nationality, make my son proud, and bring honour to Costa Kuwait. I’m so excited to visit France for the first time and to be part of this historic event.”
To conclude, Jonathan Crookall, Chief People Officer at Costa Coffee, says: “We are immensely proud to be the official coffee partner for the Paris 2024 Olympics Games. This opportunity not only allows us the chance to showcase our passion for coffee on a global stage, but also highlights our commitment to our team members. By investing in their growth and providing them with experiences of a lifetime, we reaffirm our commitment to fostering a culture of excellence and inclusivity.”