Gloria Jean’s Coffees Best Baristas Crowned in Dubai – Retail Food Group

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia–(BUSINESS WIRE)–The most talented baristas from across the Middle East, Europe and
Africa met up in Dubai earlier this month for an epic barista showdown
to determine who can make the very best espresso as Gloria
Jean’s Coffees searches for its best coffee maker.

The Regional Final was won by Marcelino Lacurum from Kuwait, whose
signature beverage, the ‘Cococcino’, impressed the judges with its mix
of espresso coffee, coconut milk, young coconut strips and coconut flake
garnish.

As well as holding the title of IMEA Barista Champion for 2016,
Marcelino was awarded full travel expenses to the Gold Coast, Australia,
where he will compete for the chance to win AUD$3,000 cash and the title
of World Barista Champion in September this year.

Gloria Jean’s Coffees International Barista Competition invites the
brand’s dedicated and skilled baristas from across the globe to create
their best single espresso, latte and espresso based signature beverage,
with competitors judged on taste, technique and presentation.

Gloria Jean’s Coffees Market Support Manager Utkrisht Sahai said the
competition showcased the brand’s love for coffee, giving baristas the
opportunity to show off their skills beyond their usual coffee house
environment.

“At Gloria Jean’s Coffees we are dedicated to serving our customers the
perfect cup of coffee, and our baristas are training every day and
refining their skills,” said Utkrisht.

“We are excited to have Marcelino travel to the Gold Coast to take on
other competition finalists from North America, Asia, Australia and the
South Pacific.”

The global grand final extends to all coffee brands in the portfolio of Retail
Food Group (ASX:RFG), the franchisor of the Gloria Jean’s Coffees
system, including Donut King, Michel’s Patisserie and Cafe2U.

About Gloria Jean’s Coffees:

Gloria Jean’s Coffees is Australia’s leading specialty coffee house and
community success story. Since 1996, the brand has brought award-winning
coffee quality, world-class barista expertise and the choice of single
origin, blends and estate whole bean coffees and specialty teas to
communities across the globe. Now available in over 40 markets
worldwide, Gloria Jean’s Coffees is well-known for coffee excellence and
community values.

Contacts

For further information, interviews or images contact:
Retail
Food Group
Amy Smith, +61 400 137 704
Corporate Communications
Manager
amy.smith@rfg.com.au