SEATTLE, USA – Yesterday, Starbucks revealed more details about the company’s first-ever Starbucks North America Barista Championship – a time-honored tradition for Starbucks green apron partners from around the globe that celebrates what they do every day, from building community and creating connections to crafting and serving the highest quality beverages.
What is Starbucks Barista Championship? A multi-phase competition that celebrates the dedication and talent of Starbucks green apron partners (employees). Starbucks Barista Championship has been around for 10+ years but this is the first-time Starbucks will crown a champion in North America (US + Canada).
A True Test of Craft: The competition journey will focus on a barista’s ability to demonstrate their beverage craft through the creation of signature beverages, make genuine connections with customers, and story tell around Starbucks commitment to sustainability.
Competition Timeline: The championship kicks off in February 2024, with regional competitions taking place through the spring and a finale hosted at Starbucks Seattle headquarters in June 2024.
Elevating the Partners: The Starbucks Barista Championship is just one of the latest benefits and experiences available for green apron partners that demonstrate Starbucks ongoing investment to supporting employees in their careers at Starbucks and beyond. To learn more about how the company is reinvigorating its partner culture, visit Starbucks Triple Reinvention Strategy.
The Grand Prize: Not only will the final winner be crowned the first-ever North America Barista Champion, but the partner will also be awarded a trip to Hacienda Alsacia – Starbucks research and development farm in Costa Rica.
Starbucks continued commitment to coffee passion and knowledge: The North America Barista Championship is the latest program that celebrates coffee passion and knowledge with its partners.
Last year, Starbucks launched its 2023 Origin Experience where 800 partners from U.S. and Canada traveled to Hacienda Alsacia – to learn coffee’s bean-to-cup journey and how Starbucks is ensuring the future of coffee in face of climate change.
Starbucks also announced the return of Coffee Master in 2022 – a special designation for partners around the globe who are experts in coffee knowledge.
