Laatst bijgewerkt op: 13/08/2026
Who not only makes a great espresso but also knows how to tell a compelling story through coffee? In 2026, the Netherlands will host its first-ever preliminary round of the international Lavazza Barista Challenge. Baristas will be challenged to combine technique, flavor, and personality in a signature coffee drink of their own creation.
Now in its sixth edition, the Lavazza Barista Challenge brings together coffee professionals from more than twenty countries. This year, for the first time, Dutch baristas have the chance to secure a spot in the international finals in Turin.
The Dutch finals aren’t just about extraction time and technical precision. The most important part of the competition is the Creative Twist. Each participant prepares four espressos and four glasses of their own signature coffee drink.
The jury will evaluate taste and technique, as well as creativity, presentation, personality, and storytelling. Which ingredients will you choose? Where did the idea for the drink come from? And will you be able to convey that story convincingly?
Participants will work with one of the three Lavazza Tales of Italy blends: Galleria, Trastevere, or Canal Grande. Coffee, espresso machines, and standard supplies will be provided. Baristas must bring their own special ingredients, serving utensils, and any additional equipment needed for their signature drink.
The Dutch preliminary round will take place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. at The Loft, on the top floor of the A’DAM Tower in Amsterdam. The competition day will conclude with a reception.
The three baristas who place highest will then be invited to the Entree Awards on Monday, November 30, at Theater Amsterdam. There, the winner will be announced live before an audience of over a thousand professionals from the Dutch hospitality industry.
The winner will represent the Netherlands at the Lavazza International Finals in Turin. This all-expenses-paid trip will take place from April 5 through 8, 2027. There, the Dutch champion will compete against baristas from more than twenty countries.
In addition, the winner will receive the title of Best Barista Netherlands 2026, a professional coffee machine, and access to training and professional development opportunities within the Lavazza network.
The competition is open to baristas working in the Dutch hospitality industry. Since the entire competition is conducted in English, participants must have a sufficient command of the language. They must also be available on November 3 and 30, 2026, and during the international finals from April 5 through 8, 2027.
You can register through September 30, 2026, on the Entree Magazine website.
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