Premium coffee brand Julius Meinl has crowned the winner of its first ever international barista competition, Raffy Vajio. The Julius Meinl Barista Cup took place at the company’s historical Vienna headquarters on September 19^th. 

Vajio represented the UAE at the Finale and works for Atlantis the Royal in Dubai. He is the Head Barista for the hotel, managing over 35 restaurants. His exceptional coffee mastery impressed the judges, as did the heart and genuine passion for coffee that shone through in his performance.

"I am very grateful to have come to Vienna to compete with these amazing people," says Vajio. "When you serve with your heart, you can see the passion—it's evident. That's the secret."

The baristas showcased their skills using the SCA certified Rancilio RS1 machine, Fiorenzato's F83 Pro Grinder, and BWT’s Bestaqua ROC reverse osmosis systems. These tools, maintained with specialised cleaning solutions from Cafetto, reflect Julius Meinl’s dedication to innovation and in-cup quality.

The four winners will travel to Honduras in January, where Julius Meinl sources organic, Fairtrade certified coffee for The Originals Bio Fairtrade range. The once-in-a-lifetime adventure hosted in partnership with Fairtrade offers a unique opportunity for the baristas to immerse themselves in Honduras’ rich coffee culture and develop their knowledge of coffee cultivation. Fifth generation family member, Christina Meinl, and Hartwig Kirner, Director of Fairtrade Austria, will also join the trip.