Pret A Manger is thrilled to announce the nationwide launch of the Maple Pecan Latte, a festive creation from Kamilla Virag Csava (25), the winner of Pret’s Barista Competition 2024. Available from November 5th, this seasonal coffee will be served in Pret shops across the UK, including Kamilla’s Pret shop on Gordon Street, Glasgow.
Kamilla earned the honour of creating her own Christmas drink after winning Pret’s Barista Competition 2024. The rigorous competition saw over 500 entries, which were whittled down through a series of challenging rounds, including quizzes, latte art challenges, and taste tests. Kamilla’s creativity and customer-first attitude set her apart. However, it was her exceptional skill at creating two identical latte art masterpieces that ultimately stole her the crown at Pret’s London headquarters.
“I had a confident feeling throughout the competition,” Kamilla shares. “In the final, we had to make identical latte art on stage in front of an audience, and I was really proud of how well I did. Winning felt surreal, but I’m so grateful. I’ve never felt so appreciated for doing my job.”
Kamilla, who moved to Scotland just a year ago, drew inspiration for the Maple Pecan Latte from an old Pret recipe for a vegan nut roast Christmas sandwich. “Maple naturally complements the sweetness of pecans,” she explains. “I originally made the drink with oat milk, which has a neutral flavour that really brings out the nuttiness.” Despite the complex flavours, the drink was easy for Kamilla to create. She enjoyed complete freedom in developing the recipe, selecting syrups and fine-tuning the flavour profile without the need for actual pecans, instead using praline for a nutty twist.
Since joining the Pret team in Glasgow, Kamilla has become a beloved part of the local community. “My customers were all rooting for me during the competition,” she says. “It’s heartwarming to know they feel lucky to have me as their Barista.”
Kamilla’s dedication to quality coffee and customer satisfaction shines through in her work. “I started making coffee when I was 16 and taught myself latte art back in Hungary,” she says. “Now, I love creating signature designs like swans, tulips, and rosettas.” Her favourite drink to make and enjoy is the Flat White, but with the launch of the Maple Pecan Latte, Kamilla’s passion for innovation is clear.
Aimee Leverett, UK Head of Coffee at Pret, congratulated Kamilla on her success: “Kamilla’s incredible knowledge, talent, and passion for coffee have shone through at every stage of this competition. We’re so proud of her achievement in becoming our Barista of the year. Her commitment to excellent service and her creativity in crafting the Maple Pecan Latte are a true reflection of what makes Pret’s Baristas so special. The competition not only celebrates individual Baristas like Kamilla but encourages our other Baristas to pursue excellence.”
Kamilla hopes that her journey will inspire other Baristas. “If I can, I’d love to become a trainer for new Baristas at Pret,” she says. “For now, I’m just enjoying my job and making people’s days better.”
The Maple Pecan Latte will be available in Pret shops nationwide from November 5th, 2024, as part of the Christmas menu launch. Pop into your local Pret to try the Maple Pecan Latte – join us in celebrating Kamilla’s wonderful creation and tell us what you think #MaplePecanLatte.
