Baristas behind millions of cups of coffee compete globally

The Julius Meinl Barista Cup 2026 is bringing the artistry of coffee-making onto the global stage.

Competition Highlights
- Scale: Baristas prepare over five million cups of Julius Meinl coffee daily worldwide, and this event celebrates their craft.
- Global Reach: National competitions will run from April to July 2026 across 17 countries including Austria, Italy, USA, UAE, China, and more.
- Grand Finale: Winners from each country will compete in Vienna on 4 September 2026.
- Categories: Espresso, Cappuccino, and Signature Drink.
- Prizes: Top scorers win exclusive trips to coffee countries of origin, deepening their knowledge of sustainable cultivation.

Craft & Creativity
- Competitors will use Julius Meinl’s Gloriette Gold blend, part of its Bio Fairtrade-certified range inspired by Vienna’s coffeehouse culture.
- Judges will assess technical skill, creativity, and interpretation of the blend.

Industry Support
- Partners include Rancilio Group (espresso machines), Fiorenzato (grinders), BWT (water technology), and DaVinci Gourmet (syrups).
- These collaborations ensure baristas have the tools to deliver premium coffee experiences.

Legacy
- First held in 2024, the competition is expanding in 2026 with five new countries.
- Julius Meinl, founded in 1862, remains one of the world’s oldest coffee roasters, supplying over 50,000 hotels, cafés, and restaurants in 70 countries.

This event isn’t just about competition—it’s about building an international community of baristas, celebrating their creativity, and elevating coffee culture worldwide.