SPAIN. Global travel restaurateur and retailer Areas has staged the final of its second ‘Signature Cappuccino’ competition at its Barcelona headquarters, with Jesús Jiménez from the Areas Tenerife Sur Airport team declared the winner.
The contest underlines the group’s focus on coffee standards and frontline talent development across its Spanish estate.
The initiative forms part of Areas’ Pasión Cliente training programme and is positioned as a vehicle to drive operational excellence, sharpen professionalism and recognise in-house expertise across its motorway service areas, railway stations and airports.
Baristas from across Spain competed in the final, presenting signature cappuccinos assessed on technical execution and creativity.
Jiménez’s winning entry was named ‘Cappuccino Isleño’ (pictured above), with a recipe combining fresh mango, hazelnut syrup, milk and coffee, finished with orange zest and cinnamon.
The judges cited the drink’s balance and technical precision, alongside its inspiration drawn from the island’s flavours.
Second place went to Marta López, who works for Areas in the Guitiriz service area in Lugo, with third place awarded to Cristofer Alexandre López from the Areas Valencia railway station team.
The three winners will participate in advanced barista and coffee training programmes, including international training experiences at a leading sector institution.
According to the professional jury – comprising executives from Areas and Caffè d’Autore – this year’s edition demonstrated clear progress on the inaugural competition, particularly in milk emulsification, espresso extraction, flavour balance and presentation.
Areas said the challenge is part of a broader strategy to embed coffee culture across its travel retail network while reinforcing service consistency and craftsmanship.
The company added the programme encourages continuous learning and knowledge sharing among baristas, while strengthening team engagement and pride in execution, as well as elevating the traveller experience across its global food & beverage portfolio. 
