BM crowns Kang barista comp champ

Yejin Kang was crowned the winner of BM Caterers’ 2024 barista championship, which was held at the caterer's recent annual coffee carnival. The finalists were tasked with serving four espressos, four milky beverages and four signature drinks within 15 minutes.

Kang, who is a barista at a BM client site in London, beat fellow finalists Justin Gironella, Olga Nachyla, Bryan Bolanos, Hanna Bevza and Dom Perry to the top title. Her signature drink, Harmony, combined flavours including meringue, lemon zest, tonka bean and espresso shot. Gironella placed second, with Perry coming in third.

The competition is based on the format of the UK Barista Championship, testing coffee knowledge, grinding skills, machine use and milk preparation techniques. These challenges in turn finesse the service of BM’s baristas.

'FIRST TIME COMPETING'
Kang said: “Since this was my first time participating in the barista championship, I was incredibly nervous and tense throughout the preparation period. This challenge was a significant and motivating step forward in my career as a barista.”

Adrian Steenkamp, coffee brand manager for BM, added: “Not only did Yejin present each drink correctly, but her excellent technical skills were also noticed by the judges and her signature drink blew all the judges away. All our finalists did an amazing job and should be so proud of what they achieved.”

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