Emerson Nascimento emerged victorious amongst 15 finalists from over 30 countries in a competition that took place at FHA HoReCa 2024 Singapore
At the Global Finals of the Inaugural DaVinci Gourmet Barista Craft Championship 2024, Emerson Nascimento from Latin America was crowned World Champion, securing 1st place after a rigorous three-stage competition which attracted participation from Asia Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. Thailand’s Chatuphon Jannongva took second place, and Japan’s Masanori Fujikura, third.
These top contenders were selected from among 15 finalist winners vying for the prestigious title of DaVinci Gourmet’s Barista Craft Champion 2024 through a showcase of skills in practical tests, latte art, and signature coffee presentations. The prize winners collectively received USD 6,000 in cash, trophies, and hampers, with the World Champion also earning a fully sponsored coffee experience trip to South Korea. Since its launch in August 2024, the competition has crowned 15 champion baristas from 30 participating countries, whittled down from over 780 online submissions from around the world.
“At DaVinci Gourmet, our aim was to bring together coffee crafters from around the world, and I’m absolutely amazed by the creativity and storytelling that was displayed. From inventive flavour pairings to delicious concoctions that reflect the winners’ unique coffee cultures, this competition showcased coffee in ways we’ve never seen before. The connections made and the deepened sense of community truly embody our ethos, ‘United Through Coffee.’ The talent and passion of these baristas were outstanding. The winners truly earned their accolades while the sense of community makes everyone a winner,” said Eloise Dubuisson, General Manager, Foodservice Brands, Kerry Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa.
Under the theme ‘United Through Coffee’ organised by DaVinci Gourmet, a renowned beverage solutions brand that is part of Kerry, a global taste and nutrition solutions company, The DaVinci Gourmet Barista Craft Championship 2024 has proved to be a trendsetter in the coffee world with its focus on the sensory experience of coffee. Unlike conventional contests that focus on classic brews, this first-of-its-kind competition provides a unique platform for the global coffee community to showcase artistry, talent, and craftsmanship while building connections. Going beyond traditional brewing skills, this competition emphasises the pairing of flavours while pushing the boundaries of coffee innovation, celebrating the fusion of art and science in coffee craft.
Winners and their creative concoctions
The three-stage competition culminated in the global finals that featured a Winners’ Showcase on 23 October 2024, followed by the finals on 24 October 2024 on the sidelines of FHA HoReCa 2024 in Singapore. At the Winners’ Showcase, the finalists took centre stage at the purpose-built Kerry stand, each presenting a signature beverage that showcased their creativity, skill, and flair for flavour pairings. Visitors were treated to stunning latte art, inventive drink creations, and the lively coffee culture camaraderie. During the finals, each barista had 10 minutes to calibrate their equipment, 15 minutes to craft three beverages—a hot coffee-based beverage with latte art, a cold black coffee-based beverage, and a cold white coffee-based beverage—and 4 minutes to present their creations to the judges. The finalists were then judged on practical skills, latte art, and their signature coffee presentations.
Barista Craft Championships mechanics & judging panel
The competition kicked off with national preliminary rounds in August 2024, where participants submitted a digital entry including a detailed recipe, preparation method (video or written), and a photo of their creation using DaVinci Gourmet products. Competitors needed to use at least 10ml of DaVinci Gourmet syrups in their drink, with no more than three products from the brand, and a maximum of eight ingredients, including garnishes and ice. Espresso is the required coffee base across all creations.
Successful entrants then advanced to the national finals, where they faced espresso-based challenges, judged on technical execution, flavour complexity, and presentation—leading to 15 winners. The competition culminated in the global finals at FHA HoReCa in Singapore on 24 October 2024. The esteemed panel of judges included Diego Campos, three-time Colombian Barista Champion (2014, 2016, 2019) and World Barista Champion 2021; Jeneece Tan, Menu & Innovation Manager at Kerry Group (APMEA) and Barista Skills Trainer; Aaron Phua, Malaysia Barista Champion 2019; and Kenda Nguyen, Starbucks Vietnam Barista Champion (2015).
About DaVinci Gourmet
DaVinci Gourmet has been a leader in the beverage industry for over three decades, offering a wide range of premium syrups, sauces, and beverage ingredients designed to inspire and elevate the artistry of drink creation. With a commitment to quality and innovation, DaVinci Gourmet supports baristas and mixologists in crafting exceptional beverages that delight and surprise.
Find out more by visiting our website.
About Kerry Group
Kerry is a world leader in taste and nutrition for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical markets. We innovate with our customers to create great-tasting products with improved nutrition and functionality, while ensuring better impact for the planet. Our leading consumer insights, global RD&A team of 1,100+ food scientists, and extensive global footprint enable us to solve our customers’ complex challenges with differentiated solutions. At Kerry, we are driven to be our customers’ most valued partner, creating a world of sustainable nutrition, and will reach over two billion consumers with sustainable nutrition solutions by 2030. For more information, visit www.kerry.com.
