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Local talent takes centre stage at the Julius Meinl Barista Cup 2026
A celebration of local Julius Meinl barista talent
Over the past months, the Julius Meinl Barista Cup 2026 has brought together coffee communities from 15 countries, celebrating the passion, creativity and craftsmanship behind every great cup of coffee.
More than 350 Julius Meinl baristas applied to take part, with around 100 baristas earning a place in the local competitions and showcasing their skills across Espresso, Cappuccino and Signature Drink categories for the opportunity to represent their country at the Grand Finale in Vienna.
Where Coffeehouse Culture meets expertise
Hosted across multiple markets, the local Barista Cups reflected the richness and diversity of Coffeehouse Culture and the expertise behind every cup.
From vibrant city centres and rooftop venues to wineries and long-standing hospitality partners, each competition celebrated the unique character of its local coffee community. Whether launching a first-ever national edition or building on an established tradition, every event showcased the passion, creativity, craftsmanship and technical expertise that continue to shape coffee culture.
More than a competition
Beyond the competition itself, the Barista Cup created opportunities for learning, collaboration and connection. Baristas challenged themselves across espresso, cappuccino and signature drink categories while exchanging knowledge with industry experts, building relationships with peers and celebrating a shared passion for coffee.
Supported by leading industry partners Rancilio, Fiorenzato, BWT and DaVinci Gourmet, competitors worked with professional equipment and premium ingredients designed to showcase the very best of modern coffee craftsmanship.
Together, the local events reaffirmed Julius Meinl's commitment to nurturing talent, supporting hospitality professionals and bringing Coffeehouse Culture to life through meaningful experiences.
The road to the Grand Finale
With the local competitions now complete, the journey continues to the Julius Meinl Barista Cup Grand Finale.
On 4 September, the 15 local champions will gather in Vienna to compete for the international title. Alongside the overall winner, the highest-scoring barista in each competition category will also earn an exclusive trip to a coffee country of origin, offering a unique opportunity to experience coffee at its source and deepen their understanding of the journey from bean to cup.
As we look ahead to the Grand Finale, we congratulate every participant, judge, partner and organiser who helped make this year's Barista Cup season such a memorable celebration of Coffeehouse Culture. We look forward to welcoming the 15 local champions to Vienna on 4 September for an inspiring conclusion to this year's journey and to crowning the Julius Meinl Barista Cup 2026 Champions.