1. Eligibility Criteria

• Open to participants 18 years and older (no maximum age limit).
• Must be employed (full-time or part-time) in an active organisation, café, bar, or restaurant.
• Competitors must hold a valid passport if travelling for the competition.
• A maximum of two (2) competitors per organisation/chain may enter.
• Local organisers have the right to reject any contestant, recipe, or individual that they consider unacceptable, inappropriate, or inconsistent with the competition rules.

2. Registration Requirements

• All participants must submit their registration, recipes, and relevant details before the deadline set by the event organisers.
• Event organisers must provide participants with at least one (1) month to submit applications and recipes.
• Once submitted, recipes will be reviewed based on the rules, theme, and recipe criteria.
• Competitors must follow the exact recipe submitted—changes may result in penalties or disqualification.

3. Competition Format & Timings

• Pre-Stage Area (30 minutes): Competitors prepare their gear, accessories, and ingredients. Garnishes can be pre-prepared.
• Setup Time (15 minutes): Competitors arrange their competition station.
• Presentation Time (10 minutes): Competitors prepare and present their beverage to the judges, explaining its inspiration and connection to the theme.
  • Must prepare four (4) identical drinks:
    • Three (3) for the judges
    • One (1) for display or photography
• Clean-Up Time (5 minutes): Competitors must return all equipment and ingredients to their original places.
• Penalties:
  • 1 point deducted per second over the 10-minute presentation time.
  • Competitors exceeding 11 minutes will be disqualified.
  • Failure to clean up after the presentation may result in penalties.

4. Recipe & Ingredient Rules

• Must use a minimum of 10ml of MONIN products (excluding MONINfusion).
• Must include at least one (1) shot of espresso (30ml ± 5ml) extracted during the presentation.
• Espresso must be:
  • Extracted from the provided espresso machine and grinder.
  • A double portafilter extraction in one continuous shot.
  • Served hot or cold, depending on the recipe.
• MONIN products used must be from the Asia Pacific & EMEA ranges (Le Sirop de MONIN, Le Fruit de MONIN, Le Frappe de MONIN, Le Sauce de MONIN).
• Sugar substitutes (e.g., MONIN Agave, Honey, or Pure Cane Sugar Syrups) must be paired with another MONIN product/flavour.
• Homemade ingredients are permitted but must not directly compete with MONIN’s available flavours or products.
• Strictly no alcohol is permitted in any competition round.
• Ingredients must be safe to consume, and competitors must observe cultural sensitivities in their recipes and garnishes.

5. Equipment & Tools

• The event organisers will provide:
  • Espresso Machine (2-Group) with 58mm basket & double spout portafilter.
  • Espresso Grinder.
  • Coffee Beans (optional, if the participant does not bring their own).
  • MONIN products.
• Competitors must bring their own:
  • Glassware, barista gear, and bar tools.
  • Any additional ingredients beyond MONIN products.
  • Up to two (2) additional electronic devices (must be declared 48 hours before the event).
• Competitors are encouraged to bring their own coffee beans for better synergy with their recipes.

6. Judging Criteria

• Competitors must present in English.
• Judges will assess:
  • Creativity of the recipe.
  • Presentation and storytelling.
  • Taste and balance of flavours.
  • Technical skills (e.g., extraction process, workflow, cleanliness).
• Judging Panel:
  • 1 Technical Judge – assesses technical skills and barista execution.
  • 3 Sensory Judges – evaluate taste, creativity, and presentation.
• Judges must remain unbiased and avoid conflicts of interest.

7. Music & Presentation

• Competitors may submit background music for their presentation in .mp3 or .mp4 format.
• Music files must be submitted at least 1 month before the competition.
• If no music is provided, the organiser reserves the right to play background music of their choice.

8. Disqualification & Penalties

Competitors may be penalised or disqualified if they:

• Alter their submitted recipe without notifying the organisers.
• Arrive late to their station or cannot be located at the venue.
• Exceed 10 minutes of presentation time (with disqualification at 11 minutes).
• Fail to clean up after their presentation.
• Show disrespect towards other competitors, judges, organisers, staff, or audience members.
• Provide false information in their application or registration.

9. Prizes

Local Competition Prizes (varies by country):

• Cash prizes (determined by local organisers).
• Sponsored trip to Grand Finals in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia for the winner.
• Trophies and additional prizes.

Grand Finals Prizes:

• Champion: Sponsored Farm Tour & Coffee Experience in Asia.
• Top 6 Winners: Trophies, certificates, and additional prizes.

10. Code of Conduct

• Competitors are expected to behave professionally and respectfully throughout the competition.
• By entering, competitors grant MONIN full rights to use their recipes and presentations for marketing and promotional purposes.
• MONIN reserves the right to photograph and record the event, and competitors must sign a media release agreement before competing.