BM Caterers barista Yejin Kang has earned a place in the semi-finals of the UK Barista Championship, establishing herself among the country’s top coffee professionals and becoming the only representative from the catering sector to progress to this stage of the competition.
Widely regarded as one of the UK’s most prestigious coffee competitions, the UK Barista Championship brings together leading baristas from speciality coffee businesses, independent cafés and premium coffee brands from across the country.
Following a series of regional qualifying heats, Kang has secured a place among the final 14 competitors who will compete in the semi-finals later this year.
Her success reflects a journey built on a passion for hospitality, continuous learning and professional development. Through BM Caterers’ investment in training and coffee excellence programmes, she has developed her technical expertise and competitive skills to reach the national stage.
The achievement also highlights the growing quality of coffee talent emerging from the contract catering sector, demonstrating that world-class barista skills are increasingly being developed outside traditional speciality coffee environments.
Kang said: “Reaching the semi-finals is something I am incredibly proud of. Competing alongside some of the best baristas in the country has pushed me to develop both personally and professionally.
“The support I have received from BM has been invaluable throughout the journey and I am excited to represent both the company and the wider contract catering industry at the next stage of the competition.”
Graziano Moroni, Head of Coffee and Tea at BM Caterers, praised Kang’s achievement and the commitment she has shown throughout the competition.
He said: “Yejin’s achievement is thoroughly deserved and reflects the dedication, passion and professionalism she brings to her role every day.
“To reach the semi-finals of the UK Barista Championship is an outstanding accomplishment in its own right, but to do so as the sole representative from the catering sector makes it even more significant.
“At BM, we are committed to investing in people and creating opportunities for them to develop their talents. Yejin’s success is a fantastic example of what can be achieved through that commitment, and we are all incredibly proud of her.”
The UK Barista Championship semi-finals will take place in July, with competitors assessed on their technical ability, coffee knowledge, presentation skills and overall performance as they compete for a place in the national final.
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