Meet Alan Hartney, Coffee Ambassador

Alan Hartney is the Coffee Ambassador for Starbucks in the UK and Ireland and holds one of the most revered roles within Starbucks. Alan’s role is quite simply the envy of coffee-lovers: to drink it, talk about it, find foods that match it, and travel the length and breadth of the UK and Ireland talking to people about it. Alan was named Coffee Ambassador after competing against over 700 of the company’s Coffee Masters, before being awarded the title at Starbucks Annual Conference in 2009.

Alan, who is from Dublin, has been with Starbucks for almost five years and has earned the title of Coffee Ambassador through years of learning everything he can about coffee. The Black Apron, which is worn by Alan and all Starbucks Coffee Masters, signifies a proven passion and in depth knowledge of coffee, a fine palate and most importantly the ability to help customers find their perfect coffee for every occasion. Alan also works closely with nine regional Coffee Masters, each representing a region in the UK and Ireland, and supports new store openings with training sessions for new partners (employees).

A background in wine gave Alan an early advantage in realising the similarities between coffee and wine tasting, and he is passionate about sharing this knowledge with customers and partners to help them deepen their appreciation of the unique flavours and aromas captured in Starbucks coffee.