Green Island

Japan's MUSUBI team takes on the inaugural UBTC, expressing connection through a citrus and sansho Aerocano

On October 29, Starbucks Japan looked back on the inaugural Ultimate Barista Team Challenge (UBTC), held in Manila, Philippines. Twenty-one partners from seven markets—Japan, Hong Kong and Macau, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Thailand—competed in teams of three, taking the roles of cashier, barista and bar support. They worked together to prepare 13 beverages in 10 minutes and were evaluated on customization, coffee knowledge, communication and quality. Japan's MUSUBI (結び) team comprised 矢田, 金谷 and 赤羽, who created an original Aerocano with Sejati Blend espresso, citrus pulp and sansho pepper. The Philippines team ultimately won. The article focuses on the team's preparations and service experience; the competition beverage is not a new in-store offering.