MILKLAB returns to champion coffee culture at MICE26 – BeanScene

MILKLAB is returning to this year’s Melbourne International Coffee Expo (MICE) as Platinum Sponsor, showcasing new product sampling experiences, signature drink creations, and the skills and expertise of Australia’s top baristas and roasters through the highly anticipated MILKLAB Roaster Royale and MILKLAB Barista Battle competitions.

From 26 to 28 March, MILKLAB’s interactive space will celebrate music, creativity, and Australia’s thriving coffee culture. Visitors can enjoy live DJ performances in a café transformed with nightclub-inspired vibes – a nod to MILKLAB’s successful Coffee Shop Sets activations that have featured notable Aussie musicians including Tones And I and DJ Cyril.

For the first time this year, MILKAB is also the official plant-based milk sponsor of the La Marzocco Roaster Playground, where 40 Roasters will create hot and cold beverages for visitors using La Marzocco coffee machines and MILKLAB milks.

Natalie Latimore, MILKLAB Head of Marketing says the success of MILKLAB’s range can be attributed to an ongoing commitment to collaboration.

“The success of MILKLAB’s range comes down to collaboration with roaster, baristas and our commitment to bringing new coffee and café experiences to life through our café partners and on-trend drink options,” she says.

“Events like MICE allow us to spotlight the roasters and baristas and their role in producing memorable and visually stunning coffee experiences.”

Grounded in collaboration

For over 10 years, MILKLAB has worked in partnership with global coffee professionals and industry and café experts to ensure its range continues to pair perfectly with espresso coffee and other café beverages.

By driving new café experiences and perfecting the taste and texture of its range to suit both customers and baristas, MILKLAB’s portfolio of plant-based milks has experienced revenue growth over the past two year and is showing strong international demand. The shift in consumer demand for healthy food and beverage options is also fuelling strong interest in MILKLAB Lactose Free.

Consumer preference driving innovation

For the first time at MICE 2026, MILKLAB will reveal a refreshed MILKLAB Soy, boasting elevated taste and enhanced stretching and texture characteristics to perfectly pair in hot or cold beverages. Specialty Drink Menu Designer & Barista Trainer, Barista Fon will be on the MILKLAB stand serving a range of speciality drinks such as Soy Latte, Black Sesame Dirty Latte, and Iced Brown Sugar Mont Blanc – all using MILKLAB Soy.

“We’re excited to launch the revitalised MILKLAB Soy at MICE this year for visitors to rediscover the joy of soy. We have placed a great deal of effort and time into collaborations with coffee experts and baristas to bring to market a Soy product that works well in hot and cold beverages and tastes great,” says Natalie.

Showcasing global expertise and skills

The two ‘do-or-die’ competitions for baristas and coffee roasters at MICE will be:

Roaster Royale – MILKLAB has challenged Australia’s coffee roaster community to develop a one-of-a-kind espresso roast that pairs best with MILKLAB Oat. The winner will be announced at MICE 2026 and will receive $10,000 in prize money and a trip to Colombia. Coffee Supreme (VIC), Runyeh Coffee (WA), Hartwood Coffee (NSW), Ichihaze (VIC), and Passport Specialty Coffee (QLD) are vying for top prize.

MILKLAB Barista Battle – The competition to secure the highly coveted title of MILKLAB Barista Battle Champion is underway with state based finalists Ryan Nguyen (ACT), Alvin Limbu (NSW), Thiam Seng Chew (NT), Alex Huang (QLD), Tsung Han Lee (SA), Ziyi Zhao (VIC), Muhammad Rizky Ramadani Meka (WA), and Emma Yu (VIC) heading down to Melbourne to showcase their latte art skills for a panel of judges at MICE. The winning barista will receive $3,000 and the opportunity to become a MILKLAB Master Barista.

Day three of MICE will see competition heat up with the Australian Barista Battle winner go head-to-head with baristas from six countries to claim the title of MILKLAB International Barista Champion – the winner claiming a trip for two to the World of Coffee Panama event.

MILKLAB will be at booth F18 at MICE from 26 to 28 March, with the stand located next to the Roaster Ally under MILKLAB’s LED Halo.