VENEZIANO BARISTA WINS NATIONAL TITLE WITH RARE GESHA COFFEE

Veneziano Coffee Roasters is celebrating after brand ambassador Gabrel Tan was crowned the 2026 Australian Barista Champion

A deeply personal coffee routine featuring rare Panamanian beans and cutting-edge innovation has secured the 2026 Australian Barista Championship title.

Veneziano Coffee Roasters is celebrating after its brand ambassador, Gabrel Tan, was crowned the 2026 Australian Barista Champion, marking the sixth time the company has won the national title.

Gabrel impressed judges with an espresso course built around the Janson Estate Los Alpes Natural Gesha from Panama, known for its clarity and vibrant notes of yellow peach, mango purée, strawberry and florals.

His routine also featured a coffee from West Java producer Satrea Amambi, highlighting innovation in emerging coffee regions.

“This win feels surreal. This routine was deeply personal and an incredible team effort. When I first visited Panama and tasted this lot from producer Kai Janson, it stopped me in my tracks.

The clarity and vibrancy, and the way each flavour note unfolded, were unforgettable.

I’m proud to represent both coffees and both farmers on stage, and I’m beyond grateful to my Veneziano family who believed in me every step of the way. I can’t wait for people to taste the coffee that brought this routine to life,” says Gabrel.

To celebrate the victory, Veneziano will release a micro allocation of just 35 bags of the championship coffee as part of its Pinnacle programme.

CEO Craig Dickson said the achievement reflects strong global partnerships and a commitment to nurturing talent.

Gabriel’s win is extraordinary. It speaks to his dedication, the quality of the coffees, and the strength of the relationships he has cultivated with farmers in Panama and Indonesia. We are immensely proud of him.”