Marriott International Hosts Sustainable Bartender Competition Finals in Tokyo

Marriott International Hosts Sustainable Bartender Competition Finals

Marriott International has once again set the stage for creativity and innovation in the bartending world by hosting the Japan regional finals of the Sustainable Bartender Competition at the award-winning Gold Bar at the Tokyo Edition Toranomon on July 14, 2025. This event, now in its second year, invites bartenders from across Japan to showcase their skills while promoting sustainability in the hospitality industry.

The competition drew many applicants from 111 hotels nationwide, culminating in an impressive showdown amongst the top 10 bartenders who successfully advanced through the preliminary rounds. The competition assesses participants based on their use of sustainable ingredients, recipe creativity, and sales achievements, aligning with the global initiative to champion eco-friendly practices in the hospitality sector.

This year's standout was Hidetaka Yamanaka from The Ritz-Carlton Fukuoka, who dazzled the judges with his cocktail "Legumes oublies," earning him first place. His concoction not only reflects the sustainable theme but also pays homage to traditional, lesser-known ingredients that have almost vanished from modern dining tables. Yamanaka's cocktail incorporates real Komatsuna, grown using fertilizer from discarded dashi packs, alongside other locally sourced vegetables, all brought together with the additive-free tequila "Código 1530." His vision of a sustainable future shines through the vibrant flavors and visual appeal of his drink.

In second place, Sery Takeyama from The Ritz-Carlton Nikko showcased her cocktail "SHIN-RYOKU," inspired by the resplendent natural beauty of early summer in Oku-Nikko. This cocktail combines the botanicals of Ki no Bi Kyoto Dry Gin, rare new tea from Kanuma City, and pure water sourced from Nikko. Takeyama aimed to capture the exquisite sensation of refreshing greenery and the momentous change of seasons within her drink. Her description of new buds and caressing breezes evokes a rich and soothing experience, mirroring the tranquility that nature provides.

The panel of esteemed judges included Masashi Sakuma, manager of Ki no Bi HOUSE; Christian Ernst, marketing manager at Pernod Ricard; Minoru Fukami from HUGE Group; and Satoshi Iwai, bar manager at The Westin Yokohama. Each judge evaluated the entries based not only on taste but also the narrative and sustainability efforts behind each cocktail.

Marriott International's commitment to sustainability within its operations extends beyond bartending. As a global leader in hospitality, the company strives to incorporate eco-friendly practices into its overall hotel management, ensuring that both food and drink aspects align with sustainable goals. This competition celebrates the bartenders' efforts to use up-cycled ingredients and minimize waste, thus highlighting a vital aspect of environmental stewardship.

The Sustainable Bartender Competition not only showcases impressive mixology but also emphasizes the importance of sustainability in crafting cocktails that reflect both individual creativity and a commitment to environmental responsibility. Marriott International acknowledges the culinary heritage of local ingredients and the critical role bartenders play in promoting sustainability through their artistry.

For those interested in experiencing these innovative cocktails, they can find them at the Gold Bar at EDITION and other participating venues across Japan, where sustainability meets creativity in every glass.

In conclusion, the Sustainable Bartender Competition embodies Marriott International's ethos of innovation combined with sustainability, setting a standard for others in the hospitality industry to emulate. To learn more about Marriott International and its initiatives, visit marriott.com or follow them on social media for the latest updates and news.

Event Overview

- Event Name: Sustainable Bartender Competition Japan Regional Finals
- Date: July 14, 2025
- Venue: Gold Bar at EDITION, Tokyo Edition Toranomon
- Judges: Masashi Sakuma (Ki no Bi HOUSE), Christian Ernst (Pernod Ricard), Minoru Fukami (HUGE Group), Satoshi Iwai (The Westin Yokohama)

This competition reflects a growing recognition within the industry about the need for sustainable practices that align with consumer values and ethics. Marriott International continues to lead by example, proving that hospitality can be both luxurious and environmentally conscious.