Meet Kostiantyn Strelnykov, a passionate professional from Dnipro who has been an active part of the Ukrainian coffee scene for already 12 years! Kostya is an avid coffee competitor. He was crowned the title of Ukrainian Barista Champion in 2018, and he came back to the stage this year to snatch the title again! He will represent Ukraine during the World Barista Championship in Milan later this year.
A few months ago, Kostya started his own coffee brand called LOUMI coffee that focuses on respect for both the ones who grow coffee and the ones who consume it.
Kostya, what is your first memory with coffee?
My grandmother always made me a cup of aromatic coffee before school. It was our special ritual, giving me energy and inspiration for the whole day.
What inspired you to pursue a career in the coffee industry, and how did you get started?
My professional career started with coffee, and I have no plans to change my path. For me, coffee is about exploration, constant experimentation, and discovery. It’s an industry that brings together passionate people who inspire each other every day.
You’ve recently launched your own coffee brand — what inspired this new journey?
This idea had been in my mind for years. It just so happened that the opportunity to bring it to life came at a rather difficult moment in my life. But this project was exactly what kept me going, pushing me forward toward my dream. I always knew how my company would look and what values it would carry—I just needed the right push.
Tell us more about LOUMI coffee.
Loumi is the soft light that fills a home when the day is just beginning. It’s the inner glow you feel when you take a moment of peace and presence. It’s the warmth of meeting loved ones. Our coffee is part of the daily routine, a simple yet meaningful pleasure. Small moments like these shape our lives.
Right now, we’re hosting many exciting events in different coffee shops. We’ve been waiting for the moment to share Loumi with our friends and colleagues.
What’s been the biggest challenge in starting a coffee business in the current state, when Ukraine is still torn by horrifying war?
Every day is a challenge for every Ukrainian. Running a business in such conditions feels like playing roulette with fate — but that doesn’t stop us. I’m inspired by the resilience of Ukrainian businesses that continue to open and create incredible products during these difficult times. It feels like it’s part of our DNA.
The biggest challenge for our team has been staying emotionally strong. Any business, but especially a coffee business, is about people, and we are not robots — we feel everything happening around us. That’s why unity and support for each other have become our top priority, allowing us to keep moving forward.
I also want to mention how much the support of our international friends and partners means to us. It’s truly inspiring to know that people still stand with us.
You’re working with Liza Skrypnyk, the National Brewers Cup Champion — how do your skills complement each other?
Liza has been a bright addition to our team. She has a unique vision and energy that perfectly matches Loumi.
Right now, she is our Head of Sales and Brand Ambassador. She has an incredible ability to connect with people and help them find the perfect coffee that will truly excite them.
What kind of experience do you want your customers to have when they try your coffee?
LOUMI coffee is for those who create their own reality every day. For those who consciously choose how to fill it. We can’t control every circumstance, but we can always bring a little LOUMI into our lives.
Every bean represents uncompromising quality. We have something special for both outstanding coffee enthusiasts and lovers of classic flavors.
How do you stay motivated and inspired to keep improving your coffee-making skills?
I’m motivated by the people around me. I’m lucky to be surrounded by top professionals from different fields. The constant exchange of ideas and achievements keeps me inspired.
What are the current trends in cafes in your region? Are there any trends you promote yourself and would like to see more often in other places?
Ukrainian coffee businesses are currently focused on high-quality equipment and service. Even small coffee shops in regional areas maintain a level of quality that rivals major European coffee hubs. This resonates with me personally—when a business is driven by the product rather than just money or marketing, it’s truly inspiring.
Signature coffee drinks are becoming a major trend in cafés, and I love seeing creative options beyond the classic coffee menu. Creating coffee-based beverages is a personal passion of mine, and we’re currently working on an exciting new project for LOUMI in this direction.
You have some amazing achievements in championships. Can you tell us more about them?
I returned to full-scale participation in championships in 2023, and I couldn’t believe how much I had missed it. I competed twice in the Brewers Cup, finishing as the runner-up on my second attempt. However, in 2024, I returned to my favorite discipline — Barista — and became the Ukrainian Champion. Right now, my team and I are preparing for the World Barista Championship in Milan.
How are you preparing for the World Barista Championship this year? Any major changes in your approach?
This year has been all about experimentation and discovery. Working with temperatures, fermentations, and textures is just part of the process. My main focus now is finding a clean and vibrant cup—one that will surprise the judges while remaining approachable and easy to understand.
What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned from previous WBC experience?
The quality of the cup, the way you describe it, and the overall message—these three elements are the foundation of any great performance.
And, of course, enjoying the process. I think everyone who has ever competed knows the feeling of those last seconds before stepping on stage. You call out “Time!” and everything around you freezes. It’s just you and the judges—this is where the real magic happens.
What is, in your opinion, the most important thing to keep in mind when starting to compete in coffee championships?
Constant growth and exploration. The coffee industry is evolving at an incredible pace, and it’s not enough to just keep up with trends—we need to anticipate and shape them.
What other coffee challenges are you looking forward to? Any new projects or collaborations?
Our team has several global championships ahead, including the World Barista Championship in Milan and the World Brewers Championship in Jakarta. My fiancée will also be competing for the first time in the national Coffee in Good Spirits Championship. A lot of our focus is now on preparation — finding the best equipment, the best products, and fine-tuning every detail for the competitions.
Quick Fire Questions for Kostiantyn Strelnykov:
Filter coffee or espresso-based?
Espresso.
Milk coffee or black coffee?
Black.
The most underrated coffee drink?
Specialty instant coffee!
The most underrated coffee brewer?
Dotyk Dripper.
What brewing method do you use at home?
Specialty instant coffee by LOUMI.
Hobby besides coffee?
Tennis.
Favourite barista tool?
A coffee cup.
The number one coffee shop in Europe that every coffee geek should visit?
Favourite city outside your own for a coffee tour and why?
Seoul, it is like another world.
