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Calvin Calaguio, a BM barista from a London-based law firm, takes top prize at the 2026 BM Barista Championship, impressing judges with a standout pineapple piña colada signature drink.
BM Caterers has crowned Calvin Calaguio, barista at a prestigious London law firm, as champion of the 2026 BM Barista Championship (BMBC) – the company’s annual celebration of coffee craft and barista excellence.
Held in front of more than 60 guests, judges and fellow competitors, the event saw six finalists battle it out across a demanding 15-minute routine before Calaguio took first place and an extraordinary prize: an origin trip to Colombia to experience the entire coffee journey from crop to cup.
Calaguio’s winning menu featured four espressos, four milk-based drinks and four espresso-based signature drinks – the last of which, a piña colada inspired coffee creation, proved the standout moment of the day.
Collecting their trophy, an emotional Calvin said: “I was so nervous, but confidence is key – I tried to look calm and give my best. I’m really looking forward to travelling to Colombia to learn more about where coffee comes from and the process before we ever receive the roasted beans. Thank you to my work family, and my husband who even came to support me today.”
Second place went home with a professional coffee machine and grinder, while third place received an Amazon voucher.
Second place Nadeyah Khan crafted a spiced chai with jaggery-syrup-infused milk; and Ramon Sherwood presented a Plum and Strawberry espresso with lavender milk foam to secure third place.
Now in its latest edition, the BMBC has been significantly evolved to more closely reflect the professional coffee circuit, drawing inspiration from the UK Barista Championships.
This year’s event introduced a more immersive format, external speakers, and an increased focus on sustainability and transparency in coffee sourcing – moving beyond surface-level messaging to give baristas a real understanding of supply chains and long-term impact.
Graz Moroni, Coffee Brand Manager, who led the event’s development, said: “We wanted to build a stronger, more connected barista community across BM. In a business where teams are spread across client sites, the championship creates an opportunity for baristas to come together, learn from each other, and build confidence.
“What really defined the day wasn’t just the high standard of competition – it was the sense of community. Baristas backing each other, sharing ideas, and genuinely celebrating the craft.”
Angus Brydon, MD, BM Caterers, said: “This coffee competition was one of the best we’ve ever done – the engagement, the excitement, the way it was run. The judges, apart from one internal member, were all external, making the result completely independent. Competitions and opportunities like this are how we attract and retain great talent. They let our teams showcase their skills and show that we offer a genuinely supportive culture. To Graz, the Perkee team and everyone who supported the day – well done. The prize of a trip to Colombia is pretty special.”
The championship also reflects BM’s broader belief in the role great coffee plays within workplace hospitality. With coffee representing one of the most frequent daily touchpoints for employees, BM sees the quality of that experience as central to how people feel about their working environment – and a key part of a joined-up food and drink offer that drives satisfaction for both employees and clients.