UAE Barista Wins Global Coffee Championship in Italy

Jul 17, 2026

83 min

Jul 17, 2026 07:31

UAE wins global coffee championship in Italy

## UAE's Triumph in Coffee

The UAE has achieved a significant victory on the global coffee stage with Lablibell Bajarias winning the 2026 International Finals of the Lavazza Barista Challenge in Turin, Italy. Competing against 20 national champions, Bajarias not only secured the top spot but also received the Community Prize, awarded by the global Lavazza network.

## Winning Creation

Bajarias impressed the judges with her signature coffee creation, "Il Bosco" (The Forest), which combines sustainability and flavor. The drink features unique ingredients such as zero-waste dates coffee saccharum, lacto-fermented strawberry, cascara infusion, and butter-infused coffee. Bajarias emphasized that her creation was inspired by the UAE's culture of hospitality, aiming to reflect warmth and generosity in every cup.

## A Journey from the Philippines to the UAE

Originally from the Philippines, Bajarias moved to the UAE in 2013. She discovered her passion for coffee in the UAE, which provided her with opportunities to compete and develop her skills internationally. Representing the UAE on a global stage has been a proud moment for Bajarias, who feels she is giving back to the country that has supported her journey.

## Overcoming Challenges

The path to victory was not easy. Bajarias dedicated countless hours to perfecting her recipe and presentation while balancing a full-time job. She faced tough competition but learned that success is about continuous improvement rather than perfection.

## Inspiring Others

Bajarias hopes her success story inspires others in the UAE to pursue their dreams. She believes that with hard work, passion, and perseverance, opportunities are limitless, regardless of one's background. Her journey underscores the potential for growth and achievement in the UAE's multicultural environment.

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