In a celebration of coffee mastery, Raffy Vajio has been crowned the inaugural winner of the Julius Meinl Barista Cup, which took place at the brand’s historic headquarters in Vienna on September 19. Vajio represented the UAE and is the Head Barista at Atlantis the Royal in Dubai, where he manages over 35 restaurants.
The competition attracted top talent from around the globe, with baristas showcasing their skills using Julius Meinl’s premium 100% Arabica Belvedere Blend coffee. The contestants were judged in three categories: Espresso, Cappuccino, and Signature Drink, demonstrating exceptional prowess in each.
“I am very grateful to have come to Vienna to compete with these amazing people,” Vajio commented. “When you serve with your heart, you can see the passion—it’s evident. That’s the secret.”
The winners of the individual categories were Vladimir Chzou from Moldova, who triumphed in the Espresso category, Luca Riccardi from Italy, who won for Cappuccino, and Mario Benetseder from Austria, who took the prize for Signature Drink.
The competition featured champions from 12 national barista contests held earlier in the year, each vying for the top spot. Other notable participants included Mladen Jurošević from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Davor Meštrović from Croatia, Štěpánka Potůčková from the Czech Republic, Davit Nikolishvili from Georgia, Daria Tovkach from Poland, Ionela Todoran from Romania, David Melicher from Slovakia, and Coral Gamliel from the USA.
Marcel Löffler, CEO of Julius Meinl Coffee Group, remarked on the event’s success, saying, “Today, each barista competed using top-quality coffee and state-of-the-art equipment, supported by the unmatched expertise of our global and local teams. This is the service we offer all our HoReCa partners. Paired with the talent and dedication of our top baristas, it guarantees exceptional coffee every time.”
The baristas showcased their skills using advanced equipment, including the SCA certified Rancilio RS1 machine and Fiorenzato’s F83 Pro Grinder, alongside BWT’s Bestaqua ROC reverse osmosis systems. The event highlighted Julius Meinl’s commitment to innovation and quality.
As part of their prize, the winners will embark on a trip to Honduras in January. This adventure, hosted in partnership with Fairtrade, will offer the baristas a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the country’s rich coffee culture and gain insights into coffee cultivation. Notable figures accompanying them will include fifth-generation family member Christina Meinl and Hartwig Kirner, Director of Fairtrade Austria.
Julius Meinl, known for its dedication to sustainable coffee and tea solutions, continues to engage and inspire coffee lovers and professionals alike. The Barista Cup not only showcases the artistry of baristas but also highlights the brand’s commitment to quality and sustainability in the coffee industry.
Discover more about Julius Meinl and its sustainable coffee and tea solutions for businesses here.
