The go-to destination for simple, great-tasting coffee, the world famous McCafé hosted an event at Bossa Nova Hotel and announced Roua Al Zoughbi from Rafik Hariri University as the winner of the 2022 McCafé Holiday Cup design competition. Keeping true to the spirit of winter holidays, the Bossa Nova’s rooftop lounge was transformed into a wonderland and guests were immersed in the concept. Invitees included participating students, media representatives, influencers, McCafé team members and partners.
McCafé was established in 1993 and quickly became a leader in the world coffee scene offering great, simple coffee with quality at its core. The 100% Arabica beans served at McCafé locations all over Lebanon are expertly provided by Café Najjar using a blend of Rain Forest Alliance (RFA) certified selections from the forests of Colombia, Costa Rica and Ethiopia.
The Holiday Cup design competition was launched in an effort to empower talented design students in Lebanon by providing them a platform from which they can express their passions for design and coffee to a mass audience as the cups will be launched during the winter season across all McCafé locations in Lebanon. “This level of exposure is so amazing, it’s my first time getting so much attention for my work,” commented 2022 winner Roua, “plus I get unlimited McCafé coffee for a year and a trip for two to Istanbul, a city truly famed for its coffee culture!”
Graphic design students from all Lebanese universities were eligible to apply for the competition, with a final submission of 59 students from Académie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts (ALBA), Université Saint-Espirit de Kaslik (USEK), American University of Beirut (AUB), Antonine University (AU), Lebanese Canadian University (LCU), Rafik Hariri University (RHU), Lebanese American University (LAU) and American University of Technology (AUT).
An expert panel of judges including Joe Ayache – MD of Ayache & Associates, Rosy Mouallem – Associate Creative Director at FP7, Lina Ali Ahmad Sadeq – Marketing Manager at McDonald’s, Francesca Vincenti of Pikasso and renowned digital influencer, comedian and actor Ely Chemaly, shortlisted 5 top entrees and allowed them to present their ideas and work during the event and before the finalist was chosen. “It was a close call with so many incredible entries and though it was hard to choose the very best, Roua’s design was on brand in every attribute, “commented Mrs. Sadeq, “and with such talent we know that this will be an annual contest moving forward. Well done to ALL the participants!”