Caffè Vergnano Barista Championship debuts in Switzerland as Maurizio Boi wins Swiss final at EHL Lausanne

Yesterday, the Caffè Vergnano Barista Championship was held in Switzerland for the first time at EHL Hospitality Business School in Lausanne. Four baristas showcased their skills at the Accademia Vergnano across a series of technical, sensory and creative disciplines. Maurizio Boi from Le Dario and Universe Specialty Coffee in Geneva prevailed over three other competitors and will represent Switzerland at the international final of the Vergnano World Cup in Turin on 27 October.

From preparing espresso and cappuccino with Latte Art to blind tastings and creating their own signature coffee drink, the participants competed across a range of disciplines, demonstrating their expertise and creativity. They were evaluated by a four-member expert jury led by Head Judge Fabio Dotti of Casa del Caffè Vergnano. Maurizio Boi impressed the jury and secured the first Swiss title.

From the Accademia to a national competition

The first Swiss edition of the competition follows the opening of the Accademia Vergnano at EHL last year. Created by Coca-Cola HBC Switzerland, Caffè Vergnano and EHL, the centre of excellence combines academic knowledge, practical training and international coffee expertise. The competition takes this approach a step further by bringing together barista talent and fostering professional exchange within Switzerland’s coffee and hospitality community.

Nicolas Schweitzer, Senior Lecturer in Practical Arts at EHL, says: “The Vergnano World Cup is a great opportunity to showcase Switzerland’s innovation, craftsmanship and shared passion for coffee, while inspiring the next generation of baristas.”

Enrico Ferrero, Business Development Manager at Caffè Vergnano, says: “Promoting coffee culture and the expertise behind it has always been central to Caffè Vergnano. The Swiss edition showcased the exceptional professionalism of its baristas and demonstrated how knowledge, technique and dedication contribute to coffee quality.”

Vanessa Rüegg, Coffee Business Manager at Coca-Cola HBC Switzerland, says: “With the first Vergnano World Cup in Switzerland, we are giving baristas a platform to showcase their skills at national level and compete internationally. At the same time, we are strengthening coffee expertise across Switzerland’s hospitality industry.”

On 27 October 2026, Maurizio Boi will compete against the winners of the other national competitions at the international final of the Vergnano World Cup in Turin. The competitors will vie for the title of “Vergnano Barista Champion”. The grand prize is a trip to a coffee plantation to discover the origins of coffee first-hand.