Dubai's own Costa Champion holds his own against world's best

Carlos Martinez, who is based at Emirates HQ Costa branch, competed against nine other finalists from all over the world at the annual Costa Barista of the Year Competition held at Costa's world class Roastery in London. Carlos proved that Barista's in the region are up there with the best as he claimed an impressive third place.

The cream of the Barista crop battled it out for the prestigious crown and Carlos proved he proved he could compete with the best when it came to making an impeccable cup of coffee. He performed before a panel of industry expert judges, including non other than wine expert and TV presenter, Charles Metcalfe and Costa's Master Roaster, Gennaro Pelliccia, as well as technical coffee specialist, Flavio Urizzi and expert drink creater, Alexandre Lapierre.

Charles Metcalfe commented,

competition was truly exciting and inspiring for me and I think it's great that Costa goes to such lengths to challenge its staff to out-perform like this."

Costa's Barista of the Year Competition celebrates the art of coffee making and recognises the tough but rewarding job that its Baristas face on a daily basis. The competition means much more than producing a technically perfect coffee. It is also about performing and creating coffee from the heart. Carlos was able to build a rapport with the live audience and judges under an extremely tense atmosphere and made drinks with exceptional flair, creativity, speed and consistancy.

Contestants were also tasked with creating their very own speciality signature coffee drink. Carlos aptly named his coffee creation 'Copacobana', which was made using a vanilla frescato base, linguini biscuit and crushed hazelnuts.

He explains, "I wanted to choose ingredients that marry very well with a great taste, I think I created a good drink and I'm proud to get third place in such a competitive field of participants."

Last year's winner Gihan Weerasinghe also represented the UAE and brought the world title back home. Carlos can be proud that he kept Barista's of the UAE firmly on the world map. It is clear that competing at the highest level is becoming something of a tradition for the regions Baristas. Long may it continue.

Kat Finch, from Costa at Strensham Roadchef Service Station won the event with her Heaven and Hell creation, Guillermo Florez who works in the Costa in Argyll St, London was runner-up with his Café Refrescante signature drink.