The Young Star Barista of the Year has been crowned, and she’s from Cape Town. Mia van Vuuren, who is 20 years old, hails from Milnerton. She was recently named Avanti SS Young Star Barista of the Year at the 17th annual Cape Grace Reaching for Young Stars event.

The Young Star Barista of the Year has been crowned

The event is a top-tier competition celebrating excellence in South Africa’s hospitality and culinary industries. The 20-year-old rising star, currently in her second year studying Hospitality Management at The IIE School of Hospitality & Service Management (IIEHSM), impressed judges with her precision, creativity, and passion for coffee culture.

Brewing Success Under Pressure

Held at the Cape Grace Hotel in Cape Town, the competition required contestants to deliver two espressos and two milk-based beverages within 10 minutes, along with a detailed explanation of the beans used.

“I was judged on taste, aroma, and the accuracy of the flavour descriptors,” said van Vuuren.

Preparation included intensive training sessions with Avanti Coffee and Bootlegger, as well as hands-on practice at her part-time job at Happy Folks café.

Sweet Rewards and a Bright Future

Van Vuuren’s prize haul included R6,000 cash, a KitchenAid kettle, Von Geusau chocolates, a Scanpan voucher, a cookbook by Chef Zanele van Zyl, and a gift bag of gourmet treats.

“My mom was so proud. My friends and bosses were thrilled too,” she shared.

Inspired by a Dream

Inspired by a family friend in the industry, van Vuuren has worked her way up from Wimpy to Mugg and Bean, and now Happy Folks. Her long-term dream? To work in Spain or Greece, combining her hospitality passion with her love for travel and languages.

Learn More

The IIEHSM is hosting Open Days on June 28 and July 26 at its Cape Town and Johannesburg campuses for students aiming to start in July or February 2026.