2015 Aibao Cup Barista Competition Held in Zhengzhou

In June 2015, as bakeries and cafés across China rapidly evolved into multi-service venues—offering everything from light meals to gaming—the need for skilled baristas grew. That need brought over 30 competitors to Zhengzhou for a high-stakes showdown.

The 2015 Aibao Cup Barista Competition in Zhengzhou featured more than 30 baristas from 30 renowned coffee shops, cafés, and bakeries. The event ran over two and a half days, from June 5 to 7, with preliminaries on June 5, finals on June 6, and the grand finale plus awards on June 7 from 9:00 to 11:30 AM, followed by the awards ceremony until 12:00 PM.

What Was the Aibao Cup?

The 2015 Aibao Cup (EXPOBAR CUP) Barista Competition was organized by Qun Yun Beverage Machinery (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (CIS) and Haiming International Exhibition Group, with Shanghai Benshi Coffee as the executive organizer. Supported by leading domestic coffee companies and coffee enthusiasts, the competition aimed to boost exchange among baristas and promote China’s coffee industry development.

Who Competed—and Who Judged?

The competition invited 30 skilled baristas from 30 well-known coffee businesses, cafés, and bakeries across Henan province. An expert panel of judges, all holding international certification, oversaw the contest. Their role was crucial in evaluating technical skill, creativity, and consistency under pressure.

What Took Place at the Venue?

Held at the Zhengzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center, the event coincided with the 8th China Zhengzhou Bakery Exhibition—the most valuable regional baking trade show in China. The “Coffee and Beverages Exhibition Area” debuted in response to industry shifts. Bakeries were adding lounges and drink stations; cafés were offering board games, internet access, and light meals. The new coffee zone became a hub for showcasing the latest products and technologies.

What Was on Display?

The coffee exhibition area featured a full range of industry products: coffee raw materials and ingredients, espresso machines and brewing equipment, beverage ingredients and tools, ice cream machines, point-of-sale systems, shop design concepts, and franchise opportunities. Exhibitors included major players like Shanghai Benshi, Evergrande Runze, Wangli Coffee, Shengtang, and Oppen, all presenting their newest gear and techniques.

When and How Did the Competition Unfold?

The schedule was tightly packed. Registration closed on May 25, 2015. A mandatory contestants’ briefing was held on May 30. The preliminary round ran on June 5, the finals on June 6, and the championship round with award ceremony took place on June 7 from 9:00 to 11:30 AM, wrapping up at 12:00 PM.

How Did the Event Support Local Coffee Culture?

By inviting local baristas to compete on a professional stage and bringing together industry suppliers and professionals, the Aibao Cup enriched Zhengzhou’s coffee scene. The collaboration with local espresso machine dealers helped spotlight homegrown talent and fostered ongoing interest in quality coffee culture across Henan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where was the 2015 Aibao Cup Barista Competition held?

The 2015 Aibao Cup took place at the Zhengzhou International Convention and Exhibition Center, as part of the 8th China Zhengzhou Bakery Exhibition, which ran from June 5 to 7, 2015.

How many baristas competed in the 2015 Aibao Cup?

More than 30 baristas from 30 well-known coffee shops, cafés, and bakeries across Henan province participated in the 2015 Aibao Cup competition.

Who organized the 2015 Aibao Cup?

The 2015 Aibao Cup was organized by Qun Yun Beverage Machinery (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. (CIS) and Haiming International Exhibition Group, and was executed by Shanghai Benshi Coffee, with support from national coffee companies and enthusiasts.

What was the competition schedule in June 2015?

The competition schedule was as follows: registration deadline was May 25, 2015; the contestants’ briefing was on May 30; the preliminary round was on June 5; the finals on June 6; and the championship round plus awards ceremony took place on June 7 from 9:00 to 11:30 AM, with the awards concluding at 12:00 PM.

What else was showcased at the Zhengzhou Bakery Exhibition?

The 8th China Zhengzhou Bakery Exhibition featured a new “Coffee and Beverages Exhibition Area” alongside the latest in baking products and techniques. Attendees could sample coffee paired with baked goods, reflecting the industry’s shift toward integrated food and beverage experiences.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Barista Competition Brewing

For baristas honing their skills like those at the 2015 Aibao Cup, FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera offers bright, complex fruity notes with a juicy body—perfect for highlighting technical precision. The Panama Humbera delivers rich chocolate and citrus layers, ideal for espresso refinement. Both beans are single origins that let technique shine. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.