Hasting Ng wins DaVinci Gourmet Barista Craft Championship global final in Bangkok

Hasting Ng of Hong Kong won the DaVinci Gourmet Barista Craft Championship 2025–26 Global Final at World of Coffee Bangkok 2026, beating finalists from Brazil and Türkiye. The competition centered on creative self-expression, with baristas judged on drinks that reflected personal stories and regional flavors. Why it matters: - The championship highlights how coffee competitions are shifting beyond technical execution toward flavor, identity and storytelling. - The win gives Hasting Ng a global platform and raises the profile of barista-led beverage innovation in Asia and beyond. - DaVinci Gourmet used the event to reinforce its role as a toolmaker for creative drink development. What happened: - Hasting Ng of Hong Kong was crowned Global Champion of the DaVinci Gourmet Barista Craft Championship 2025–26. - The final took place at World of Coffee Bangkok 2026. - Yasmim Rodrigues Sarandy da Silva of Brazil finished first runner-up. - Çetin Alpay Başkan of Türkiye finished second runner-up. - The competition theme was “Espresso Your Flavour.” - Finalists used DaVinci Gourmet’s flavor range to build drinks tied to their personal journeys and cultural roots. The details: - Hasting Ng won with two drinks: “Non-alcoholic Mulled Wine” and “Mango Sticky Rice.” - “Non-alcoholic Mulled Wine” combined Columbine Las Flores filter coffee with DaVinci Gourmet Spiced Chai and Blue Ocean syrups. - “Mango Sticky Rice” was a chilled co-fermentation espresso drink. - “Mango Sticky Rice” featured DaVinci Gourmet Pandan and Lychee syrups. - Yasmim Rodrigues Sarandy da Silva presented “La Cura” and “Abuela.” - “La Cura” combined espresso and tea with mint, plus DaVinci Gourmet Lemonade and Ginger syrups. - “Abuela” mixed carrot and beetroot juice with DaVinci Gourmet Blood Orange and Almond syrups. - Çetin Alpay Başkan presented “Aegean Breeze” and “Pink Panther.” - “Aegean Breeze” used purple basil tea, DaVinci Gourmet Forest Berries syrup and Cheesecake sauce. - “Pink Panther” was a cold brew drink featuring DaVinci Gourmet Pink Guava syrup and Condensed Milk Flavoured sauce. - The finalists were judged by Mikael Jasin, Edward Choo, Sarawut “Bank” Manngan and Shanya “Kath” Taratikundech. - Mikael Jasin served as a sensory judge. - Edward Choo served as a sensory judge. - Sarawut “Bank” Manngan served as a technical judge. - Shanya “Kath” Taratikundech served as a sensory judge. Between the lines: - The judging emphasis on regional flavor and personal narrative suggests coffee competitions are rewarding originality as much as precision. - The event also positions DaVinci Gourmet’s syrups and sauces as creative building blocks rather than just add-ons. - Kerry Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa’s food service brands marketing leadership framed the finalists’ work as a sign that beverage innovation is becoming more personal. What’s next: - DaVinci Gourmet said it will continue supporting baristas worldwide with tools, flavors and a platform for creative expression. - The brand is positioning the championship as an ongoing showcase for the next generation of coffee innovators. - Hasting Ng’s win may lead to more visibility for his work and for the Southeast Asian flavor references in his drinks. The bottom line: - The Bangkok final crowned a new global barista champion, but the bigger story was the industry’s growing focus on flavor, culture and individuality.