Baristas from around the region will compete to win Costa’s coveted annual international coffee title, Barista of the Year, in Dubai on August 4.

National Champions from the UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and India will be competing for the title of Mena & India Regional Champion 2010, to take them through to the Champion of Champions Final round held in London.

“This competition is formal recognition of the hard work and talent of all our baristas working in our stores. Costa is a truly global brand and the winner of the Barista of the Year 2010 could be anyone from over 1600 stores in 24 countries,” said Paul Robinson, regional director for Costa Mena & India.

The baristas are tested on skills such as their ability to produce a technically perfect cup of hand-made coffee, and their knowledge and understanding of the industry. They are also judged on their overall performance, flair and passion for great coffee.

In the final round, contestants are tasked with creating their own unique signature drink that is judged on its taste, presentation and innovation.-TradeArabia News Service