Coffee Craft Shines at Starbucks 9th Barista Championship in Latin America

• Starbucks announces Luis from Puerto Rico as the regional winner of the iconic barista event, celebrating the passion for coffee and the talent of partners from over 20 markets.

San Juan, Costa Rica – Amidst the lush coffee fields of Hacienda Alsacia in Costa Rica, this week Starbucks Coffee Company proudly hosted its 2024 Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) Barista Championship, set against the scenic backdrop of Hacienda Alsacia. Now in its ninth year, this iconic celebrated competition shines a spotlight on Starbucks green apron partners (employees) who embody the artistry, dedication and creativity behind every cup of coffee served.

After four intense days of coffee exploration and competition at this stunning location nestled on the slopes of Costa Rica’s Poás volcano, Luis from Puerto Rico was crowned as the overall barista champion of Starbucks LAC region. The finalists also included Juls, from Mexico, and Claudio, from Peru, who amazed the panel of judges with their artistic and technical ability, showing exceptional barista skills that reflect the diversity and creativity of their markets.

This year’s LAC Barista Championship was more than just a competition – it was a journey that began months before, inspiring baristas across the region to perfect their craft. Baristas from 22 LAC markets competed from June to September, advancing through local heats and national finals for the coveted chance to represent their market at the regional stage at Hacienda Alsacia—Starbucks global agronomy headquarters in Costa Rica.  Since its inception in 2015, the LAC Barista Championship has welcomed over 170 national champions to share their unique coffee stories, skill and passion for the craft of coffee.

"Our partners' passion for coffee is at the core of every Starbucks beverage served and embedded in each connection made in our stores,” said Ricardo Arias-Nath, svp and president of Starbucks Latin America and the Caribbean. "The LAC Barista Championship celebrates our baristas’ coffee curiosity and life experiences and is an opportunity for them to honor the journey from bean to cup, push the boundaries of their craft, and develop signature drinks that beautifully blend their local traditions with the Starbucks classics we all love.”

"I'm deeply grateful to Puerto Rico, to all the people who planted those little coffee seeds in my life, and to all of my fellow green apron partners, who have made it possible for these seeds to continue to germinate this week. I'm representing each one of you, your stories, and our shared passion for coffee," said Luis after being announced as the champion. "The experience of being at Hacienda Alsacia really opened my eyes to the opportunities we have at Starbucks to really be able to change the world from our stores".

Starbucks: An Exceptional Place to Work, Where Passion for Coffee and Personal Growth Thrive

With over two decades’ presence in Latin America and the Caribbean, Starbucks is committed to being a great place to work, fostering a supportive and enriching environment where partners can flourish. By investing in partners’ health, well-being, and training, Starbucks helps create meaningful career journeys.

"Starbucks success is fueled by the dedication of our partners, who bring warmth and authenticity to every connection they make within our communities," added Arias-Nath. "Our welcoming teams and inclusive culture transform Starbucks into more than just a workplace—it's a community where every partner feels valued, empowered, and truly at home."

Through industry-leading benefits and career growth opportunities such as training to be a Coffee Master through Starbucks Coffee Academy and participating in the LAC Barista Championship, Starbucks nurtures its partners’ deep passion for coffee and its origins, creating a culture that values expertise, knowledge, and love for the craft, ensuring their success both personally and professionally.

Hacienda Alsacia: Starbucks Epicenter of Coffee Innovation

Starbucks takes pride in hosting the LAC Barista Championship at Hacienda Alsacia, its first coffee farm and global Research and Development center in Latin America, offering partners a unique opportunity to witness and appreciate the meticulous care involved in producing the cups of coffee they serve to customers daily.

This 240-hectare scenic coffee farm in Costa Rica, established to help secure the future of coffee for all and serving as Starbucks global agronomy headquarters, is now part of an expanded coffee innovation network, including new farms in Guatemala and Costa Rica announced in October 2024, which builds on Starbucks pioneering work to enhance productivity, profitability for farmers, and address climate change challenges through advanced farming practices and technology.

With plans for future investments in Africa and Asia, Starbucks is positioning itself at the forefront of coffee sustainability. The new farms will not only focus on hybrid coffee varieties and farming technologies but also serve as a model for empowering farmers with the knowledge and resources necessary to thrive in an evolving climate, ultimately benefiting coffee-growing communities worldwide.

Discover the inspiring stories, signature creations, and the journey of our partners at the Starbucks LAC Barista Championship by visiting Starbucks Stories.