- Starbucks announces Luis, from Puerto Rico, as the regional winner of its iconic barista championship, celebrating the passion of coffee and the talent of partners in more than 20 markets.
San Juan, Costa Rica – Surrounded by the lush coffee plantations of Hacienda Alsacia in Costa Rica, this week Starbucks Coffee Company proudly celebrated its LAC Barista Championship 2024. This iconic event, now in its ninth edition, showcases the partners (employees ) of Starbucks , who represent the art, dedication and creativity behind each cup of coffee with their green aprons.
After four intense days of exploration and competition in this amazing location on the slopes of the Poás volcano in Costa Rica, Luis from Puerto Rico was crowned the regional barista champion of the Starbucks LAC region. Among the finalists, Juls, from Mexico, and Claudio, from Peru, also stood out, surprising the jury with their artistic and technical ability, showing exceptional skill in barista art that reflects the diversity and creativity of their markets .
Claudio from Peru
This year’s LAC Barista Championship was much more than a competition: it was a journey that began months ago, encouraging baristas from across the region to perfect their art. Baristas from 22 LAC markets competed from June to September, advancing through local rounds and national finals for the opportunity to represent their market at the regional stage at Hacienda Alsacia, Starbucks global agronomy center in Costa Rica . Since its inception in
“Our partners’ passion for coffee is at the heart of every beverage we serve at Starbucks and is present in every connection we build in our stores,” said Ricardo Arias-Nath, senior vice president and president of Starbucks for Latin America and the Caribbean Sea. . “The LAC Barista Championship celebrates our baristas’ curiosity about coffee and their life experiences, and is an opportunity for them to honor the journey from bean to cup, push the boundaries of their art, and develop unique and beautifully blended drinks with it the Starbucks classics we love so much.”
“I’m very grateful to Puerto Rico, to all the people who planted those little coffee seeds in my life, and to all my colleagues in the green apron, who continued to germinate these seeds this week. “I am representing each of you, each of your stories, each of your passion for coffee,” said Luis, after being announced as the winner. “The experience of being at Hacienda Alsacia opened my eyes to the opportunities we have at Starbucks to change the world from our stores.”
Starbucks: An exceptional place to work, where passion for coffee and personal growth thrive
With more than two decades of presence in Latin America and the Caribbean, Starbucks is committed to being a great place to work, fostering a supportive and enriching environment where associates can grow. By investing in the health, wellness and training of its associates, Starbucks helps create meaningful career paths.
“The success of Starbucks is driven by the enthusiasm of our partners, who bring warmth and authenticity to every connection they foster in our communities,” said Ricardo Arias-Nath. “Our welcoming teams and inclusive culture make Starbucks a greater workplace: it’s a community where all associates feel valued, empowered and truly at home.”
Through industry-leading benefits and career growth opportunities, such as training to become a Coffee Master through the Starbucks Coffee Academy and participation in the LAC Barista Championship, Starbucks fosters a deep passion for coffee and coffee in its associates, creating a culture that value experience, knowledge and love of art, ensuring success, both personal and professional.
Hacienda Alsacia: the heart of Starbucks coffee innovation
Starbucks is proud to host the LAC Barista Championship at Hacienda Alsacia, its first coffee farm and global Research and Development center in Latin America, giving its partners a unique opportunity to be present and appreciate the care and dedication of needed to produce the coffee cups. attend daily.
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This 240-hectare coffee farm in Costa Rica, established to help secure the future of coffee for all and inhabited by Starbucks global agronomy, is now part of an expanded coffee innovation network, including new farms in Guatemala and Costa Rica announced in October 2024. These new farms add to Starbucks’ pioneering work to improve farmers’ productivity, profitability and address challenges of climate change through advanced agricultural practices and technology.
With plans for future investments in Africa and Asia, Starbucks is at the forefront of coffee sustainability. The new farms will not only focus on hybrid coffee varieties and agricultural technologies; They will also serve as models for empowering farmers with the knowledge and resources needed to thrive in an ever-changing climate, ultimately benefiting coffee communities around the world.
Discover the inspiring stories, unique creations and journey of our partners in the LAC Barista Championship by visiting Starbucks Stories.
How does Starbucks support the professional growth of baristas in Latin America and the Caribbean?
The LAC Barista Championship, held at Hacienda Alsacia in Costa Rica, marked a significant event for baristas across 22 Latin American and Caribbean markets, commencing from June to September. This year’s championship was not just a competition but also an enriching journey for baristas to enhance their skills and artistry in coffee preparation.
Ricardo Arias-Nath, Senior Vice President of Starbucks for Latin America and the Caribbean, emphasized the importance of the event, stating that it celebrates baristas’ passion for coffee and encourages them to explore their art further. The competition highlights the journey of coffee from its origins to the final cup.
Luis, this year’s winner, expressed gratitude towards his community in Puerto Rico and acknowledged the collective passion for coffee shared among his colleagues. He emphasized how the experience at Hacienda Alsacia opened his eyes to the potential Starbucks has in making a positive impact.
Starbucks takes pride in being an exceptional workplace, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean, fostering an environment that promotes personal growth and passion for coffee. The company invests in the health and development of its associates through various opportunities, including the Starbucks Coffee Academy and the Barista Championship, reinforcing a culture that values experience, knowledge, and artistry.
Hacienda Alsacia, Starbucks’ first coffee farm and global Research and Development center in Latin America, serves as a venue for the championship, allowing partners to experience firsthand the meticulous care involved in coffee production. This commitment to coffee innovation underlines Starbucks’ dedication to providing high-quality coffee experiences while supporting the professional growth of its associates.