Two champions have walked away victorious as part of MILKLAB’s Roaster Royale and Barista Battle competitions at the 2026 Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE).
Yuhei Toyoda of Runyeh Coffee was crowned the Roaster Royale winner, developing a one-of-a-kind espresso roast that pairs best with MILKLAB Oat milk. Yuhei received $10,000 in prizemoney and a trip to Colombia.
Australia’s Tsung Han (Zone) Lee was successful as the National Barista Champion, winning $3,000 in prizemoney.
In an exciting turn of events, Zone went on to win the golden jug with his buffalo latte art and signature drink at the Barista Battle as the International Champion, winning the chance to fly to the USA and attend World of Coffee Panama.
“Each year, MILKLAB is proud to host the Roaster Royale and Barista Battle. These competitions are a celebration of the incredible talent and creativity within our coffee community, and they give us a meaningful way to collaborate with and champion both baristas and roasters,” says Natalie Latimore, Head of Marketing at MILKLAB parent company Noumi.
“It’s inspiring to see how these professionals continue to push boundaries, and we love being able to platform and support the vibrant café culture that drives our industry forward.”
For more information, visit milklabco.com
