With winter hot on our heels, high street coffee giant Starbucks is gearing itself up for the busiest time of the year. Pumpkin spice lattes are back, and soon the Christmas menu will be too, so you can get your hands on the likes of toffee nut lattes and velvety hot chocolate.
One thing you're likely to see upon entering any Starbucks is a green apron. Its Starbuck' iconic colour, and most staff wear them.
But every now and again, some staff can be seen wearing different coloured aprons - including black, orange, and even red, with each one having a significant meaning. According to the Mirror, most employees will wear green aprons, which can be embellished according to their various accomplishments or requirements.
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For example, those who have served in the military or graduated from the Starbucks College Achievement Plan may wear special patches. while branches in Malaysia have brail embroidered onto deaf workers' aprons.
However, you know you're in for a truly fantastic coffee if you end up being served by an employee wearing a black apron, with this signifying that they are a certified 'Coffee Master'. As per the Starbucks website, Starbucks first introduced black aprons back in the early 1990s as a special designation for those certified in coffee knowledge. This later became what is nowadays known as the Coffee Master program for partners.
In order to be certified as a Coffee Master, employees must complete coursework as well as an exploration of Starbucks coffees. They will study Starbucks core coffees as part of their course, including French Roast and Pike Place® Roast, and rare Starbucks Reserve® coffees, and will need to pass both written and taste tests before earning their certification.
Red aprons were introduced for the festive season, while orange aprons are worn in the Netherlands to celebrate the national holiday of Kings Day. Purple aprons are especially rare, and are only worn by employees who have been crowned as champion in Starbucks' EMEA Barista Championship, said to be "Starbucks' biggest competition in coffee craft, knowledge, and expertise".
As previously reported by Taste of Home, just 26 people received this coveted apron every year, meaning it really is just for the talented few.
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