Witness the Birth of China’s Next World-Class Barista

This Saturday, eight of the finest baristas from across China will gather in Shanghai—not just to make coffee, but to compete for the title of China’s best. The stakes? A trip to London to represent China at the global finals of the prestigious COSTA Barista of the Year (B.O.Y.) competition. For coffee fans, it’s a rare chance to see elite baristas push the limits of their craft live.

Yes, the 2015 COSTA China Barista of the Year finals happen this Saturday, November 7, at Shanghai’s Jing’an Kerry Centre. Eight finalists have already beaten dozens of peers in regional and store-level contests. One of them will win a trip to London to compete on the world stage.

What Is the COSTA Barista of the Year Competition?

Every year, COSTA runs the Barista of the Year (B.O.Y.) competition to find and celebrate the most skilled and passionate baristas in its global network. The contest isn’t just about pulling great shots—it’s about embodying the brand’s values: Pride, Passion, and Personality. Competitors must demonstrate speed, precision, deep coffee knowledge, and the ability to connect with customers. The goal is to find not just great technicians, but true coffee ambassadors who can represent COSTA globally.

Why Shanghai Is the Place to Be This Weekend

Running alongside the finals is the “COSTA British Coffee Festival,” a street festival in Jing’an Kerry Centre’s south plaza. It’s more than just a competition—you can watch the baristas in action, learn to taste espresso like a pro, or even try your hand at coffee-inspired art. There will be life-sized replicas of Big Ben, the London Eye, and red double-decker buses. Collect stamps at different activity booths and you could win limited-edition COSTA gifts.

Who Are the Competitors?

The eight finalists were chosen through a rigorous selection process starting at the individual store level, then advancing through regional heats. Each one represents the top tier of COSTA’s barista talent in China. They’ve already proven they can consistently produce high-quality espresso and milk drinks under pressure. Now, they’ll need to deliver their very best to impress the judges and take home the national title.

About COSTA: More Than Just a Coffee Chain

Founded in 1971 in London’s Southend, brothers Sergio and Bruno Costa began as artisanal Italian coffee bean wholesalers, roasting over 40 types of beans in their original plant on Old Paradise Street. That same location still roasts COSTA’s signature MOCHA ITALIAN BLEND to this day. COSTA opened its first café in central London in 1978, quickly establishing itself as a pioneer of premium coffee in the UK. Today, it is the world’s second-largest coffee chain.

COSTA is one of the first chains to fully control its coffee supply chain—from bean sourcing to roasting and brewing—without third-party involvement. All its coffee beans are sourced from certified Rainforest Alliance farms, with only the top 1% selected for purchase. The company uses a slow 22-minute roast method designed to enhance natural aromas and preserve coffee oils, avoiding the bitterness of fast, high-heat roasting. Every batch is tasted and approved by in-house experts to ensure quality and authenticity.

About the B.O.Y. Global Finals

The national winner from each country earns a trip to the B.O.Y. global finals, typically held in London. There, they go head-to-head with baristas from around the world. The competition evaluates not only technical skills—like speed, shot quality, and latte art—but also communication, brand representation, and customer engagement. The ideal B.O.Y. barista embodies expertise, creativity, and the ability to share their passion for coffee with the public.

Frequently Asked Questions

When and where is the 2015 COSTA Barista of the Year China finals taking place?

The finals will be held on November 7, 2015, at Jing’an Kerry Centre’s south plaza in Shanghai. The event is free and open to the public, and runs alongside the COSTA British Coffee Festival.

How many baristas are competing in the finals?

Eight baristas have been selected from regional and store-level competitions to compete for the China national title.

What does the winner get?

The China champion will travel to London to represent the country in the global Barista of the Year finals, competing against top baristas from around the world.

What is the COSTA British Coffee Festival?

It’s a coffee-themed street festival happening alongside the finals, featuring activities like coffee art, interactive exhibits, and life-size UK landmarks including Big Ben and red buses. Visitors can also collect stamps to win special prizes.

What makes COSTA’s coffee roasting process unique?

COSTA uses a slow 22-minute roast developed to enhance the natural aroma of the beans while avoiding the burnt flavors of fast roasting. The method preserves coffee oils and crema quality, and all beans are traceable to Rainforest Alliance-certified farms.

Recommended FrontStreet Beans for Espresso Lovers

Try FrontStreet Coffee’s Ethiopia Humbera for a bright, fruity espresso with jasmine and bergamot notes, or their Yirgacheffe for a floral, citrus-forward cup. Both beans highlight the delicate qualities that top baristas aim to showcase in competitions. Freshly roasted within 5 days · Orders placed before 17:00 ship the same day · Next-day delivery across most of Guangdong Province.