Milklab crowns 2025 Roaster Royale and Barista Battle winners at Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE).
“MICE this year was a true showcase of unbelievable talent. The dedication these representatives put into mastering their skill is next level. These champions prove that brewing excellence comes with big rewards, reflecting the pure grind in action,” says Sheridan Smith, MILKLAB Marketing Coordinator.
In the Roaster Royale competition, roasters battled it out to create their own coffee roast to pair with Milklab Oat using supplied green beans from InterAmerican Coffee. The top prize included a trip to Brazil, $10,000 in cash, and a Milklab Roaster Partnership, while the runner-up received $5000.
Roaster Royale winners
- Hung-Chi Wu from Ratio Coffee, NSW
- Angus Deane from Deanes Beans, SA
- Ryan Caird from Two Before Ten, ACT
Roaster Royale champion Hung-Chi says his love for coffee began when he started exploring how different roasting techniques determine the flavour of the coffee from the moment the beans hit the drum. In 2022, he established Ratio Coffee, and competed in various coffee competitions, including the Australasia Golden Bean, ASCA National Roasting Competition, and Milklab Roaster Royale.
“Through both single-origin and blended beans, I hoped to showcase my craft and passion,” says Hung-Chi.
“I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Milklab, Interamerican, and White Horse for organising this competition at MICE2025, which has given me the opportunity to learn, exchange ideas, and discuss coffee roasting techniques with other professionals.”
Hung-Chi says his blend for the competition complemented the rich body and well-structured base of Milklab Oat Milk.
“The blend enhances aroma with Uganda coffee beans, boosts acidity using beans from Kenya and Colombia, adds a touch of nuttiness from Uganda and Brazil beans, and concludes with Milklab’s bold body and chocolate notes,” he says.
The medium-light roast was said to naturally elevate the coffee’s aroma, sweetness, and fruity notes.
“As a result, this blend, when paired with Milklab Oat Milk, presents delightful flavours of tropical fruits, almonds, chocolate, and caramel sweetness,” says Hung-Chi.
In the Australian Barista Battle, competitors put their skills to the test for a top prize including $3000, an invitation to become a Milklab Master Barista, and the opportunity to compete in the International Milklab Barista Battle Final.
Australian Barista Battle winners
- Ming Wan from Ona Coffee Melbourne
- Truong Thien Phuc Nguyen (Ryan) from ONA Coffee Canberra
- Vincent Do – Barista Trainer, TAS
And then in the International Barista Battle, the finalists met for their chance to win a trip for two to Switzerland to attend the World of Coffee Geneva in June 2025.
International Barista Battle
- Ming Wan from ONA Coffee Melbourne
- Cheung Sze Ching (Ashley)
- Truong Thien Phuc Nguyen (Ryan) from ONA Coffee Canberra
Ming’s latte art design was inspired by the elegance and power of the cheetah, particularly its iconic face and spots which are easily recognisable.
“I am very grateful to Milklab for organising such an amazing event every year during MICE, and it’s an honour to be crowned the winner,” he says. “I felt blessed to be able to compete against all these incredible baristas from all over Australia and the other winners from around the world.”
“The win means a lot to me as it gives me an opportunity to attend the world of coffee championships this year in Geneva. It felt like a dream come true.”
