A Remarkable 3rd Place on Japan's First Try! Barista Hiroto Suzuki Takes the Podium at 'BARISTA CHALLENGE BY LAVAZZA 2026'
Hiroto Suzuki, representing Japan for the first time, won 3rd place in the global 'BARISTA CHALLENGE BY LAVAZZA 2026'. He also won the 'EIC LAVAZZA Selection', qualifying for the Espresso Italiano Championship finals this autumn.
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- 📰 Published: April 9, 2026 at 01:40
- 🔍 Collected: April 8, 2026 at 17:00
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: April 20, 2026 at 14:20 (285h 19m after Collected)
Hosted by 'LAVAZZA', a premium coffee brand from Turin, Italy, and distributed in Japan by Nichiou Shoji K.K. (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, President: Thierry Cohen), the global barista competition 'BARISTA CHALLENGE BY LAVAZZA 2026' was held in Turin, Italy, from March 25 to 27. Barista Hiroto Suzuki, making his debut as Japan's representative, achieved a remarkable 3rd place finish in this barista competition, where representatives from 20 countries worldwide competed in espresso extraction skills, knowledge, and presentation.
Furthermore, in the 'EIC LAVAZZA Selection', a preliminary round for the 'Espresso Italiano Championship (EIC)' hosted by the Italian Espresso Institute (IEI) and contested by the top 6 finalists of the aforementioned tournament, Barista Suzuki brilliantly secured the championship crown, earning the right to compete in the finals to be held in Italy this autumn.
▲ Commemorative photo of the top 3 finalists at the 'BARISTA CHALLENGE BY LAVAZZA 2026'
■ A Remarkable 3rd Place Finish on Japan's First Try. Embodying the Beauty of Japan in Turin
The 'BARISTA CHALLENGE BY LAVAZZA 2026' brought together top baristas who had won their respective national qualifiers from 20 countries around the world, including Italy, the UK, the UAE, China, and Spain. This was Japan's first participation in the tournament, and Japan's representative, Barista Hiroto Suzuki, showcased high performance in all aspects—technique, taste, and presentation—outperforming a strong field of competitors to claim 3rd place.
■ Riding the Momentum to Win the 'EIC LAVAZZA Selection'
The top 6 finalists of the tournament were invited to the 'EIC LAVAZZA Selection', held on March 27 as a preliminary round for the 'Espresso Italiano Championship (EIC)' hosted by the Italian Espresso Institute (IEI). On this stage, which tests authentic Italian espresso techniques and taste, Barista Suzuki delivered a flawless performance. Standing at the pinnacle of top baristas, he magnificently won the championship and secured his qualification for the finals in Italy this autumn.
[Profile of Barista Hiroto Suzuki]
Born in Tokyo. While working as a service professional at cafes and restaurants in Tokyo, he became fascinated by espresso and obtained his JBA Barista License. After touring various bars across Italy, he moved his base from Tokyo to Osaka in 2013 and began his career as a barista.
As an educator, he is dedicated to nurturing the next generation by building curricula and lecturing at vocational schools, and serving as an instructor for the JBA (Japan Barista Association). Concurrently, he engages in multifaceted activities, including opening training and menu development as a cafe consultant, and serving as a technical research committee member for the association.
Beyond his expertise in coffee, he also develops menus for 'all kinds of beverages', including tea, alcoholic, and non-alcoholic drinks.
[Main Activities]
Vocational School Lecturer / Cafe Consultant / Japan Tea Association Tea Advisor / Japan Beer Sommelier Association Beer Sommelier
Furthermore, in the 'EIC LAVAZZA Selection', a preliminary round for the 'Espresso Italiano Championship (EIC)' hosted by the Italian Espresso Institute (IEI) and contested by the top 6 finalists of the aforementioned tournament, Barista Suzuki brilliantly secured the championship crown, earning the right to compete in the finals to be held in Italy this autumn.
▲ Commemorative photo of the top 3 finalists at the 'BARISTA CHALLENGE BY LAVAZZA 2026'
■ A Remarkable 3rd Place Finish on Japan's First Try. Embodying the Beauty of Japan in Turin
The 'BARISTA CHALLENGE BY LAVAZZA 2026' brought together top baristas who had won their respective national qualifiers from 20 countries around the world, including Italy, the UK, the UAE, China, and Spain. This was Japan's first participation in the tournament, and Japan's representative, Barista Hiroto Suzuki, showcased high performance in all aspects—technique, taste, and presentation—outperforming a strong field of competitors to claim 3rd place.
■ Riding the Momentum to Win the 'EIC LAVAZZA Selection'
The top 6 finalists of the tournament were invited to the 'EIC LAVAZZA Selection', held on March 27 as a preliminary round for the 'Espresso Italiano Championship (EIC)' hosted by the Italian Espresso Institute (IEI). On this stage, which tests authentic Italian espresso techniques and taste, Barista Suzuki delivered a flawless performance. Standing at the pinnacle of top baristas, he magnificently won the championship and secured his qualification for the finals in Italy this autumn.
[Profile of Barista Hiroto Suzuki]
Born in Tokyo. While working as a service professional at cafes and restaurants in Tokyo, he became fascinated by espresso and obtained his JBA Barista License. After touring various bars across Italy, he moved his base from Tokyo to Osaka in 2013 and began his career as a barista.
As an educator, he is dedicated to nurturing the next generation by building curricula and lecturing at vocational schools, and serving as an instructor for the JBA (Japan Barista Association). Concurrently, he engages in multifaceted activities, including opening training and menu development as a cafe consultant, and serving as a technical research committee member for the association.
Beyond his expertise in coffee, he also develops menus for 'all kinds of beverages', including tea, alcoholic, and non-alcoholic drinks.
[Main Activities]
Vocational School Lecturer / Cafe Consultant / Japan Tea Association Tea Advisor / Japan Beer Sommelier Association Beer Sommelier