Gabor Kamondi, who works at the Costa store in Dorking has been crowned as the Barista of the Year for 2009.

At the Global Final of Costa's Barista of the Year Competition, Gabor convinced a panel of industry expert judges, which included Gennaro Pelliccia, Costa Roastery Technical Manager, and Charles Metcalf, Wine expert and TV presenter, that he is the cream of the coffee crop. The 10 outstanding finalists had battled through demanding country and regional heats to earn the chance to lay claim to the prestigious title which celebrates Costa's supremacy in the art of making fantastic coffee and become the Barista of the Year for 2009.

The finalists came from as far afield as China, India and the Middle East as well as Europe and six from the UK.

Baristas are tested on skills such as their ability to produce a technically impeccable cup of handmade coffee and their knowledge and understanding of the industry. They are also judged on their overall performance, flair and passion for great coffee and in the final round of the competition contestants are tasked with creating their own unique signature drink which is judged on its taste, presentation and innovation.

This year's runners up were Jonathan Scott from Carlisle in second place, with third place going to Elia Burbello from Cork, Ireland.

For more information, please download the full press release below.