Costa Coffee has announced the results and winners of the ‘Vote for your Favourite Barista’ campaign, following an overwhelming public response which drew more than 6,000 votes from the public for its 600 baristas across almost 100 stores in the UAE.

After the final votes were counted, Anthony Ofilanda (a 28-year-old Barista from the Philippines based at the Costa Coffee kiosk at Abu Dhabi Investment Authority) was declared the Nation’s Favourite UAE Barista 2013.

The winners were announced recently at a special occasion hosted at the Costa Coffee Dubai Marina Walk store, a statement from Costa said.

Eric Hughes, general manager of Costa Coffee UAE, said: “We were overwhelmed by the strong public response to this campaign and delighted that our baristas command such appreciation and loyalty from our many customers across the UAE.”

“We thank everyone who voted and congratulate Anthony, especially, for his achievement as well as all the winners who represent Costa so well and make a real difference to customers. Costa Barista training is at the heart of the Costa experience but this public vote was a great way of recognising the other skills that a Barista needs, like the face of Costa.”

“Anthony certainly demonstrates all the skills of a great Costa Barista,” added Hughes. “He not only delivers a perfect coffee each and every time but he knows his customers by name, their preferred drinks each day and always has a smile for every customer. Anthony has worked with Costa Coffee for almost five years now and is a very passionate Barista. We all congratulate him on his success.” – TradeArabia News Service