Specialty coffee took center stage in South America during the 7th International Barista Championship 2026, an initiative organized by prominent Argentine coffee chain Café Martínez in strategic alliance with the Salvadoran Coffee Institute (ISC) and backed by the Embassy of El Salvador in Argentina. Designed to expand the presence of Salvadoran beans in the Argentine market, the competition brought together baristas from multiple branches to train,refine their extraction techniques, and showcase the distinct sensory profile, aroma, and flavor of El Salvador’s prized crop.
Throughout the contest, competitors were evaluated on technical precision, creativity, and their ability to bring out the unique qualities of single-origin Salvadoran beans. As the grand prize, the winning barista earned an all-expenses-paid trip to El Salvador to tour local coffee farms, exchange knowledge directly with growers, and experience the country’s diverse coffee-producing regions firsthand.
During the award ceremony, El Salvador’s Ambassador to Argentina, Miriam Elena Mena Gallardo, praised the alliance for elevating national producers and strengthening bilateral ties. “For El Salvador, coffee is much more than one of our flagship products: it is part of our history, our productive identity, and the effort of generations of Salvadoran families who have found in coffee farming an expression of hard work, dedication, and commitment to quality,” she stated.
Highlighting how shared passion turns trade into cultural connection, Ambassador Mena Gallardo reaffirmed her mission’s commitment to backing initiatives that position Salvadoran exports abroad. “Behind every cup are families, history, tradition, knowledge, innovation, and a deep passion for doing things right. And when that passion is shared, coffee also becomes a bridge that unites our peoples, strengthens our relations, and opens new opportunities for cooperation,” she added.