With your presence, we show that Cuba is not alone, Prime Minister Manuel Marrero told participants from more than 60 nations in the most competitive meeting of the International Bartenders Association (IBA).

We are making a dream come true, said Marrero, noting that a country like Cuba, with so many contributions to the international bartending industry, deserved to host a world championship from the sector.

Meanwhile, Cuban Tourism Minister Juan Carlos Garcia noted that the event will exchange the best practices and tasks in the world cocktail industry. This championship will mark a new stage for Cuban gastronomy in general because our culinary heritage will be enriched with the practices of the best bartenders worldwide, Garcia said.

The minister insisted that the event is not a scenario to measure strengths but fraternally exchange knowledge and affection.

IBA President Giorgio Fadda thanked Cuba for allowing the members of his organization to meet again after a two-year pause due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

He applauded the commitment of the Cuban Bartenders Association (ACC) to uniting delegations that speak different languages but share the same experiences and passions for the art of combining drinks in the ultimate global bartenders’ competition.

ACC President Jose Rafa Malem welcomed the participants on behalf of the world’s oldest national bartenders’ guild, founded on June 27, 1924.

Malem ratified the ACC’s commitment to training all Cuban bartenders and dignifying them as part of the nation’s cultural heritage.

The 69th World Cocktail Championship will take place at the Melia Internacional Hotel in Varadero until November 8.

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