Barista

Sailing Toward Sustainability: How Sail Transport is Reshaping Coffee’s Future

Sailing Toward Sustainability: How Sail Transport is Reshaping Coffee’s Future

If you're wondering how coffee roasters are slashing emissions without sacrificing flavor, look to the open sea. Decarbonized sail transport is rewriting the rules of sustainable coffee, blending history with innovation to cut carbon footprints and spark curiosity. For years, the industry has relied on oil-powered cargo ships, which spew 3% of global CO₂ and 20% of air pollutants. Now, wind-powered sailboats are challenging this status quo, offering a quieter, cleaner alternative that’s also reshaping the taste of coffee itself. Sail transport isn’t just about reducing emissions—it’s about reimagining the journey. Coffee shipped by sail spends weeks at sea, exposed…
Read More
Spro Bro’s Brew Victory: How Chaos and Connection Won the Barista League Africa 2025

Spro Bro’s Brew Victory: How Chaos and Connection Won the Barista League Africa 2025

There’s something brewing in Johannesburg that defies the script. The Barista League Africa 2025 didn’t just crown champions—it redefined what it means to pour passion into a cup. James Odendaal and Chris Fourie of Team Spro Bro’s didn’t chase perfection; they chased authenticity. Their win wasn’t about flawless technique but about turning coffee into a conversation. The competition’s unpredictability is its heartbeat. For Spro Bro’s, that meant ditching rigid strategies. “We leaned into our strengths, not a playbook,” James says. Their Drinks Round performance was a masterclass in balance—espresso, filter, mocktail—all served with a wink. The crowd didn’t just watch;…
Read More
Specialty Coffee’s Hospitality Shift: Why Service Matters More Than Ever

Specialty Coffee’s Hospitality Shift: Why Service Matters More Than Ever

The specialty coffee scene is undergoing a quiet revolution. As prices climb, consumers aren’t just paying for beans—they’re paying for experience. Brands like WatchHouse and Proud Mary are redefining success by treating every interaction as a curated moment. This isn’t just about coffee anymore; it’s about crafting an environment where guests feel seen, guided, and valued. The shift is clear: hospitality isn’t a perk—it’s the currency of the trade. At the heart of this movement is the barista, who now serves as both bartender and curator. From pre-warmed cups to meticulously maintained plants, small details add up to create a…
Read More
Mastering Latte Art: A Breville Barista Express Journey

Mastering Latte Art: A Breville Barista Express Journey

Consider this your morning briefing: After four months of relentless practice, I finally cracked latte art—sort of. My fiancée gifted me a Breville Barista Express for my birthday, and since then, I’ve been obsessed with turning mediocre coffee into something resembling art. The machine’s built-in grinder delivers consistent results, though it struggles with ultra-fine grinds for certain beans, which I’ve since supplemented with a hand grinder. The real test? Steaming and pouring. Oat milk, my preferred choice, is a stubborn beast—its earthy notes clash with the coffee’s aroma, but I’ve learned to embrace the balance. Full-fat milk steams easily, but…
Read More
Nordic Coffee Fest 2026: A Global Brew of Innovation and Culture

Nordic Coffee Fest 2026: A Global Brew of Innovation and Culture

The coffee world is about to get a shot of Scandinavian precision. From February 28 to March 1, 2026, Gothenburg’s waterfront Bananpiren will host the Nordic Coffee Fest, a celebration where global roasters, baristas, and enthusiasts collide. With 60+ exhibitors from 16 countries, this year’s edition isn’t just about beans—it’s a crossroads for ideas, traditions, and the future of specialty coffee. At the heart of the fest is the Global Roasters Showcase, a rare gathering of powerhouses like Differente (Colombia), Onyx Coffee Lab (North America), FRITZ (South Korea), and Blue Tokai (India). These brands, rarely seen together, offer a sensory…
Read More
Unveiled: The December 2025 + January 2026 Issue of Barista Magazine!

Unveiled: The December 2025 + January 2026 Issue of Barista Magazine!

We're thrilled to announce our latest issue, featuring none other than the newly crowned World Barista Champion, Jack Simpson! But that's not all - we've packed this issue with a global coffee tour, energy drink insights, mushroom coffee explorations, and much more. Let's dive in! In our December 2025 + January 2026 issue, we shine the spotlight on Jack Simpson, Australia's triumphant representative at the World Barista Championship (WBC). Sarah Allen delves into Jack's compelling journey to victory, supported by his team from Melbourne's Axil Coffee Roasters. This issue is a must-read for anyone inspired by tales of resilience and…
Read More
Discover Isaiah Sheese’s Coffee World: A Peek into the U.S. Barista Champ’s Passions and Rituals

Discover Isaiah Sheese’s Coffee World: A Peek into the U.S. Barista Champ’s Passions and Rituals

Ready to immerse yourself in the world of a coffee champion? Let's dive deep into the life of Isaiah Sheese, the U.S. Barista Champion who captured the title in 2023. From his coffee beginnings in Oklahoma to his triumph at the World Barista Championship, we uncover his favorite foods, coffee heroes, and personal rituals. Isaiah's Favorite Coffee Event: The World Barista Championship (WBC) is his pick for a reason—it's a global celebration of passion, dedication, creativity, and camaraderie in the coffee industry. The WBC is more than just a competition; it's a platform for connecting with fellow enthusiasts from around…
Read More
The Barista League Revolutionizes Coffee Competitions: A Creative and Accessible Approach to Excellence

The Barista League Revolutionizes Coffee Competitions: A Creative and Accessible Approach to Excellence

The coffee world is about to get a lot more exciting. The Barista League (TBL) has unveiled a groundbreaking competition redesign for 2026, transforming the landscape of specialty-coffee competitions with a creativity-first focus and global reach. For over a decade, coffee competitions have remained structurally stagnant. But now, TBL is shaking things up, emphasizing creativity, genuine service, and accessible excellence in its new format. This change reflects the industry's growing desire for competitions that value the story and experience behind a drink as much as the drink itself. The new structure revolves around three pillars—Concept, Service, and Product—with an emphasis…
Read More
Africa’s Specialty Coffee Scene Shines at the Africa Barista Championship

Africa’s Specialty Coffee Scene Shines at the Africa Barista Championship

The 21st African Fine Coffees Conference and Exhibition (AFCA) in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, was a bustling hub of African coffee culture. From February 24 to 28, 2025, the air was filled with the aroma of homegrown coffee as 23 baristas from 14 countries competed for recognition. This year's Africa Barista Championship marked a significant milestone: a bold celebration of local talent, regional markets, and Africa's growing appreciation for its own specialty coffee – especially robusta. The competition showcased the brewing mastery of African baristas, but it was more than just about making coffee. Régine Léonie Guion-Firmin, an Authorized Specialty…
Read More
Australia’s Jack Simpson Steals the Show at the 2025 World Barista Championship

Australia’s Jack Simpson Steals the Show at the 2025 World Barista Championship

Jack Simpson, an Australian barista from Axil Coffee, has been crowned the 2025 World Barista Champion. After his runner-up finish in the previous year's competition and a third place in 2023, this victory was a long-awaited triumph for Simpson. The prestigious event took place at HostMilano expo in Milan, Italy, attracting 50 national champions for four days of intense competition and rigorous judging. As the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) sanctioned event reached its climax, Jack Simpson emerged victorious, following in the footsteps of 24 other illustrious champions before him. Simon SunLei from China took the second spot, while Ben Put…
Read More