Category: Coffee Community

Krylon Names “Matte Coffee Bean” the 2026 Color of the Year — A Return to Warmth and Nature

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Dubai – Qahwa Wolrd

American paint manufacturer Krylon, one of the leading global brands in decorative and industrial coatings and a subsidiary of Sherwin-Williams, has announced “Matte Coffee Bean” as its 2026 Color of the Year.

The deep, earthy brown hue draws inspiration from the natural tones of roasted coffee beans — symbolizing warmth, balance, and a grounded connection to nature. The choice reflects a broader global movement toward organic minimalism and the desire for tranquil, restorative living spaces.

According to Lisbeth Parada, Color and Design Lead at Krylon, “Matte Coffee Bean represents more than a color trend — it’s an expression of comfort and calm. It complements wood, stone, and marble beautifully, creating harmony without overwhelming the space.”

The color also carries a poetic symbolism tied to coffee itself — representing transformation, craftsmanship, and authenticity, much like the coffee bean’s journey from farm to roast. In design terms, it embodies the shift from industrial strength to natural warmth, following Krylon’s 2025 pick, Hammered Black, marking a gentle evolution toward human-centered, nature-inspired aesthetics.

Krylon’s creative team identified three leading trends shaping its 2026 palette:

Restorative Refuge – Homes as spaces for comfort and mental rejuvenation.

Less is More – A minimalist mindset emphasizing longevity, reuse, and timeless finishes.

Grit and Grind – A celebration of handmade artistry and the beauty of effort.

To accompany the Color of the Year, Krylon introduced a complementary palette featuring Satin Khaki, Metallic Gold, and Hammered Black, blending elegance with simplicity.

With decades of expertise, Krylon continues to influence color design trends worldwide. Founded in 1947, it pioneered the first aerosol paint and remains a trusted name for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. Its products are known for innovation, durability, and accessibility, available in major U.S. retailers including Lowe’s, Walmart, and Hobby Lobby.

Through “Matte Coffee Bean,” Krylon reaffirms that true luxury in modern design lies in calm, connection, and natural harmony — much like coffee itself, which offers warmth and serenity amid the pace of everyday life.

A Pinch of Salt: The Viral Trick Changing How Coffee Lovers Balance Flavor

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Dubai – Qahwa Wolrd

A growing online trend is convincing coffee drinkers to rethink their morning ritual — not with new beans or gadgets, but with a grain of salt.

Social media users claim that adding a small pinch of salt to coffee softens its bitterness and enhances its natural sweetness, making it smoother without sugar or cream. The method varies: some mix salt directly into the brewed cup, others stir it into the water or sprinkle it over the grounds before brewing.

According to food specialists, the science behind this hack is straightforward. Sodium ions interact with taste receptors on the tongue, reducing the perception of bitterness without covering up flavor. Research has shown that small quantities of salt can balance the taste of bitter compounds and highlight sweet notes, especially in dark-roasted coffees.

Food scientist Ed McCormick explains that salt affects the way our taste buds respond to bitter molecules: “A touch of sodium suppresses bitter flavors and brings forward hidden sweetness — all without added sugar.”

Professional baristas agree that moderation is essential. Two-time U.S. champion Heather Perry notes that while salt can mellow harsh notes, too much will distort the intended flavor. “High-quality beans already offer balance,” she says. “Salt can help with low-grade or over-roasted coffee, but it can also mask what makes specialty beans unique.”

Some users claim that salted coffee aids hydration, but nutrition experts dismiss the idea. Registered dietitian Janelle Bober explains that the effect of a single pinch of salt is negligible and does not offset coffee’s mild diuretic nature. She adds that those with kidney or blood-pressure issues should avoid excess sodium, though the small amounts used in this trend are typically harmless.

For anyone trying to reduce sugar or calories, salt provides flavor without adding fat or sweetness.

While new to many Western drinkers, the idea of salting coffee has deep cultural roots. In Turkey, it holds symbolic meaning in traditional engagement rituals. Vietnam’s beloved ca phe muoi (salted coffee) combines espresso, sweetened condensed milk, and salted cream. Taiwan’s cafés popularized “sea-salt coffee,” and in Nordic regions, salt has long been added to balance mineral-rich water.

Even contemporary cafés are experimenting with it. Some craft beverage makers incorporate salt into syrups and signature drinks to intensify flavor complexity. Beverage developer Caitlin Burke says, “Like in cooking, a bit of salt amplifies what’s already there — it deepens and rounds the flavor.”

Though the internet has repackaged it as a viral “hack,” the practice is centuries old — a simple act of culinary chemistry rediscovered. For coffee enthusiasts seeking a smoother, more balanced cup, the answer may truly lie in a pinch of salt.

RAW Coffee Brings Its Signature Brews to Dubai Creek

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Specialty coffee pioneer RAW Coffee Company has officially arrived at Dubai Creek, partnering with Boulevard Gourmet at the Radisson Blu Hotel Dubai Deira Creek for a six-month café takeover that promises to blend Old Dubai’s charm with contemporary coffee craftsmanship.

The pop-up marks a new chapter for RAW, giving visitors a chance to enjoy its signature espresso blends and explore unique single origins such as Ethiopian Guji and Mexican Mazateca. For adventurous palates, the highlight of the menu is the Noir Elixir — a bold cold brew creation with layers of blackcurrant, golden honey, and tonic, crafted to balance sweetness, acidity, and a dark fruit-forward profile.

Paired with Boulevard Gourmet’s selection of handmade pastries, sandwiches, and cakes, the collaboration offers a multisensory experience that celebrates both artisanal coffee and artisanal baking.

The café’s Creekside setting provides a vibrant, sunlit backdrop where guests can sip, unwind, and rediscover RAW’s signature coffee philosophy — bringing exceptional taste to one of Dubai’s most historic districts.

UK’s WatchHouse Enters UAE Market via Franchise Partnership

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Dubai – Qahwa World

London-based specialty coffee brand WatchHouse is set to make its first franchised overseas foray this October, through a partnership with Dubai’s Big Belly Hospitality.
World Coffee Portal

The rollout will begin with a pop-up espresso bar at Marsa Boulevard, a waterfront development on Dubai Creek, before transitioning to full-scale cafes. Two permanent locations are earmarked for Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club and Saadiyat Grove in early 2026, with additional sites—possibly including one in DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre)—slated for later in the year.

Big Belly Hospitality’s founder, Pallav Patel, emphasized that the partnership aims to blend a “design-led” global coffee experience with local relevance in the UAE marketplace.
World Coffee Portal

For Big Belly Hospitality, this move complements its existing portfolio of F&B ventures in the UAE, such as Bombay Bungalow, Ibn Al Bahr, and Masti. The group also introduced UK’s Patty & Bun to the region in mid-2024.
World Coffee Portal

Before this UAE entry, WatchHouse had already entered the US market via its first international outlet on New York’s 5th Avenue in April 2024.
World Coffee Portal

The brand operates around 20 outlets in the UK, and in June 2025, opened a second US site within New York’s Chrysler Building.In September 2025, WatchHouse’s Managing Director, Caroline Ottoy, outlined ambitious expansion targets: aiming for 100 global stores by end-2028, with the US footprint growing to 25 sites and further international franchises in markets such as Singapore and Qatar.

Moscow’s Top Coffee Shops for a Long Stroll

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Perfect spots to warm up or recharge any time of year

Dubai – Qahwa World

The website Discover Moscow has published a list of what it calls the best coffee shops in the Russian capital — places perfect for warming up or recharging during a long stroll through the city, whatever the season.

The site begins its list by affirming that Moscow truly deserves the title “Coffee Capital.” Wherever you go across its neighborhoods, you’ll find specialty coffee from all over the world and local roasters who master the art of roasting and extraction with remarkable precision.

It then goes on to highlight the city’s top coffee spots as follows:

OMG Coffee
A charming café in the heart of the city on Kuznetsky Most, offering a wide selection of desserts and seasonal pastries that change throughout the year. Guests can enjoy “cube croissants” filled with cream and berries, all-day breakfasts, and coffee drinks that look like works of art — topped with whipped cream and fragrant sprinkles.
Addresses: Rozhdestvenka Street 6/9/20с1 | Yermolayevsky Lane 7

Skuratov Coffee
Originally from Omsk, Skuratov brought its own coffee culture to Moscow. Its cafés open early at 6:55 a.m., quickly filling with laptop users. With more than ten branches across the city, Skuratov serves excellent coffee and fresh pastries — and its roasted beans make a great souvenir or gift.
Addresses: Bolshoy Ovchinnikovsky Lane 16 | Myasnitskaya Street 13с2 | Stoleshnikov Lane 11 | Kalashny Lane 5 | Bolshaya Sadovaya Street 14с10

Flight Coffee
A must-visit for aviation enthusiasts, this café issues receipts that look like boarding passes and names its signature drinks after travel routes. The menu is divided into four “journeys” — Asia, Europe, the East, and Russia. Highlights include coffee with halva, Vietnamese tea, a Belgian flat white, and the “Siberian Express.”
Address: Rozhdestvenskiy Boulevard 5/7с1

AAARK
Tucked near Pokrovka Street and Chistoprudny Boulevard, AAARK features minimalist interiors of dark wood and white tiles. It’s ideal for early mornings, serving specialty coffee from Fauno roasters, fresh focaccia, and hearty sandwiches. Don’t miss the Italian maritozzi and Swedish cardamom buns — rare finds in Moscow. The café has a creative, pet-friendly atmosphere.
Address: Chaplygina Street 20с7

Rockets Coffee
Run by expert roasters, Rockets offers several concepts — from the stylish “Concept Store” cafés perfect for lunch or remote work, to smaller “Cappuccino Kids” outlets for coffee on the go. Each branch has its own character but shares the same high-quality coffee and delicious pastries.
Addresses: Tverskoy Boulevard 3 | Sadovnicheskaya Street 82с2 | Valovaya Street 35Б | Timura Frunze Street 11к2

Surf Coffee
Perhaps the most popular coffee chain in Russia, Surf Coffee is known for its warm, inviting vibe and creative seasonal drinks. Every branch has a unique design and menu, often with plant-based milk options. Outside the city center, you’ll even see locals dropping in with their dogs for a morning coffee.
Addresses: 2nd Ostankinskaya Street 3 | Mira Avenue 40 | Neglinnaya Street 14с1А | Novokuznetskaya Street 6 | Pushechnaya Street 7/5с2 | Bolshoy Cherkasskiy Lane 2/10

Aeroplan
A small but promising brand with two branches inspired by the theme of flight — “Aeroplan Blue” on Bolotny Island and “Aeroplan Green” on Pyatnitskaya Street. Both are cozy and welcoming, offering hand-brewed black coffee, creamy cortados, breakfast options, and light meals.
Addresses: Pyatnitskaya Street 65/10 | Sadovnicheskaya Street 80

Coffeemania
A well-known Moscow brand with branches across the city — from Kutuzovsky Avenue to major shopping malls. It’s a reliable choice for a long, relaxed coffee break, offering a full menu of coffee and tea drinks, breakfasts, and desserts. During the holidays, its themed sweets are especially popular.
Addresses: Pokrovka Street 18/18с3 | Kutuzovsky Avenue 17 | Maliy Cherkasskiy Lane 2 | Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street 13 | Trubnaya Square 2 | Noviy Arbat Street 19

Coffee Eleven
Located inside the century-old Khudozhestvenny cinema, Coffee Eleven combines art, culture, and comfort. You don’t need to watch a film to enjoy the atmosphere — just sit back with a pastry and a cup of coffee and watch the city pass by. The menu includes signature drinks, matcha, cocktails, wine, and a selection of breakfast dishes and desserts.
Address: Arbatskaya Square 14с1

ABC Coffee Roasters
A respected specialty chain known for precision and creativity. Purists can enjoy black coffee brewed with methods like Chemex or Aeropress, while adventurous drinkers can try lattes flavored with palo santo or tonka beans. Their beans also make perfect take-home souvenirs.
Addresses: Bolshaya Nikitskaya Street 19/16с1 | Pokrovka Street 7/9-11к1 | Milyutinsky Lane 3 | Ordynsky Blind Alley 4А

Mama Varit Kofe (Mum Makes Coffee)
Founded in Ufa, this brand has expanded to Moscow with spacious cafés featuring separate work areas, cozy tables, and a vibrant social atmosphere. The drinks menu includes filter coffee, cocoa, matcha, teas, lemonades, and unique in-house specials.
Address: Stremyanniy Lane 2

Niqa Pâtisserie & Café
Just a few steps from Teatralnaya Square, Niqa brings a touch of Parisian elegance to central Moscow. The patisserie offers French-style desserts, fresh salads and soups, Dammann teas, and specialty coffee — all made with natural ingredients. The warm, refined setting even allows you to order an XXL cup of coffee for sharing.
Addresses: Teatralny Drive 5с1 | Tverskoy Boulevard 14с5 | Ostozhenka Street 27к3

World’s Tallest Bridge Opens Glass Café 2,600 Feet Above the Ground

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Guizhou, China – Qahwa World

China has added a new marvel to its engineering achievements: the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge in Guizhou province — now officially the tallest bridge in the world. Opened to traffic on September 28, the bridge towers over the Beipan River at an elevation of 800 meters (2,624 feet) and now features a breathtaking addition — a glass café suspended high above the clouds.

Named Interstellar Coffee, the two-story café sits atop one of the bridge’s towers, offering 360-degree panoramic views through its transparent glass walls. Visitors can reach the café via a glass elevator that ascends to the top in under one minute, providing an unmatched vertical journey above the canyon.

The café serves Captain George Coffee and plans to expand its beverage offerings in the coming months, according to Guizhou Daily Tianyan News. Alongside the café, the bridge includes a 1,900-foot-high glass walkway and even a bungee-jumping platform, making it a new magnet for thrill-seekers and tourists alike.

At 4,600 feet in length, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge also holds the record for the longest bridge in a mountainous region, according to NBC News. Beyond tourism, the bridge has a significant practical impact: it has reduced travel time across the region from two hours to just two minutes, connecting two major tourist zones and boosting local development.

Constructed over three years and eight months, the bridge stands as a symbol of China’s ongoing infrastructure expansion, part of the government’s efforts to improve connectivity and combat poverty. Guizhou province now hosts over 32,000 bridges, a dramatic rise from fewer than 3,000 in the 1980s.

With its sky-high café and record-breaking engineering, the Huajiang Grand Canyon Bridge combines innovation, tourism, and infrastructure into one remarkable destination — where visitors can literally enjoy coffee among the clouds.

Visitor Registration Now Open for World of Coffee Dubai 2026!

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Visitor registration is now officially open for World of Coffee Dubai 2026, the Middle East’s leading event for coffee professionals and enthusiasts!
Secure your ticket today and take advantage of exclusive early bird rates, available for a limited time only. Don’t miss this chance to connect with global coffee leaders, explore the latest innovations, and build valuable connections with top roasters, producers, and industry experts from around the world.

Now celebrating its 5th edition, World of Coffee Dubai has established itself as the premier platform for the specialty coffee community in the Middle East, bringing together producers, manufacturers, retailers, and traders under one roof.

The event is organized by DXB LIVE in collaboration with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), uniting the vibrant UAE coffee scene with the wider regional and global coffee industry in one dynamic and inspiring setting.

Why Participate?
Whether you’re looking to expand your business, explore emerging trends, or enter the Middle East’s booming coffee market, World of Coffee Dubai 2026 offers unparalleled opportunities for growth and collaboration.

The event will feature:
• A vibrant trade show floor showcasing global coffee innovations.
• The Roaster Village, spotlighting top artisan roasters.
• UAE National Coffee Championships, highlighting the country’s best baristas.
• The SCA Community Lounge, a hub for networking and collaboration.
• The Best New Product Competition & Display, unveiling cutting-edge technologies and products.
• Inspiring lectures and workshops designed to educate, connect, and inspire.

Available Passes
Choose the pass that best fits your visit and enjoy access to the world’s most dynamic coffee event:

Pass Type Access Duration Price (AED) Details Buy
SCA Member (Single Day Pass) 1 Day 90 (Incl. 5% VAT) View Details → Buy Now
Single Day Visitor Pass 1 Day 95 (Incl. 5% VAT) View Details → Buy Now
SCA Member (3 Day Pass) 3 Days 240 (Incl. 5% VAT) View Details → Buy Now
Three-Day Visitor Pass 3 Days 265 (Incl. 5% VAT) View Details → Buy Now

All passes are now available for purchase—book early to secure your spot at the most anticipated coffee event in the region.

Be part of shaping the future of coffee. Register today and join thousands of professionals and enthusiasts who will gather in Dubai to celebrate innovation, culture, and excellence in coffee.

📍 Venue: Dubai World Trade Centre
📅 Dates: 18–20 January 2026

World of Coffee Dubai to Host the 2026 Cezve/Ibrik Championship

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Dubai – Qahwa World

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has officially announced that World of Coffee Dubai 2026 will host the 2026 Cezve/Ibrik Championship (CIC)—marking the first stage of the 2026 World Coffee Championships (WCC) season.
The competition will take place January 18–20, 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, coinciding with what is expected to be the largest edition of World of Coffee Dubai to date.

Produced by DXB Live in collaboration with the SCA UAE Chapter, World of Coffee Dubai has rapidly become the Middle East’s leading coffee trade event since its launch in 2022. The show continues to unite producers, roasters, manufacturers, and coffee professionals from around the globe — highlighting Dubai’s growing role as a bridge between coffee cultures of the East and the West.

The Cezve/Ibrik Championship pays homage to one of the world’s oldest brewing traditions. The cezve, also known as an ibrik, is a small long-handled pot traditionally made from copper, brass, or ceramic, used for centuries across Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. Competitors in this event bring cultural expression and personal artistry to their performances, reimagining this ancient brewing method in a modern competitive setting.

Hosting this championship in Dubai is especially symbolic. The city’s deep cultural ties to traditional coffee preparation, combined with its reputation as a global hub for innovation and trade, make it a fitting venue for a competition that blends heritage with creativity.

Khalid Al Mulla, National Coordinator of the UAE Coffee Championships, stated: “We are truly honored to welcome the Cezve/Ibrik Championship to Dubai. This event represents more than competition — it’s a celebration of tradition, craftsmanship, and cultural connection. Bringing it to the UAE reinforces Dubai’s position as a bridge between the coffee cultures of the East and the West.”

The SCA has also released the 2026 CIC Rules and Regulations, including updated rules documents, summaries of changes, scoresheets, and an appeals form, all available at wcc.coffee/rules-regulations
.

The World Coffee Championships serve as a platform for global coffee professionals to showcase their craft, share knowledge, and inspire future generations of baristas, brewers, tasters, and roasters. Dubai’s inclusion as the first host city of the 2026 season further strengthens its status as a world-class coffee destination.

2026 World Coffee Championships Calendar

Dubai World Coffee Championships
January 18–20, 2026 | World of Coffee Dubai, Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE
Featuring the Cezve/Ibrik Championship

San Diego World Coffee Championships
April 10–12, 2026 | World of Coffee San Diego, USA
Featuring the World Latte Art Championship

Bangkok World Coffee Championships
May 7–9, 2026 | World of Coffee Bangkok, Thailand
Featuring the World Cup Tasters Championship

Brussels World Coffee Championships
June 25–27, 2026 | World of Coffee Brussels, Belgium
Featuring the World Brewers Cup, World Coffee Roasting Championship, and World Coffee in Good Spirits Championship

Panama City World Coffee Championships
October 22–25, 2026 | World of Coffee Panama, Panama Convention Center
Featuring the World Barista Championship

Manama to Host the Bahrain Coffee Festival 2025 This December

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Manama – Qahwa World

DXB LIVE, the executive arm of the Dubai World Trade Centre, will organize the Bahrain Coffee Festival 2025 in its first edition, from December 9 to 13, 2025, at the Bahrain International Exhibition Center.

During the festival, the Bahraini capital, Manama, will become a lively destination for coffee lovers and industry professionals from across the region and the world.

Celebrating Coffee Culture

The festival serves as an experience that brings together both the business and consumer sectors, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of coffee through live brewing demonstrations, workshops, competitions, and interactive activities.

It aims to engage all segments of the local community — from families and coffee enthusiasts to café owners and local roasters — while highlighting emerging Bahraini coffee brands and linking them to the global specialty coffee scene.

The festival also seeks to strengthen Bahrain’s position as a regional hub for specialty coffee and innovation, with positive economic impacts on the tourism, hospitality, and retail sectors.

It offers companies opportunities to expand their visibility among a wide audience of coffee lovers, showcase their latest products, and establish new partnerships.

Meanwhile, individuals will find a space for learning and exchange through workshops, tastings, and educational sessions led by professional baristas and experts from various countries.

Competitions and Educational Programs

The main program of the festival will include a mix of demonstrations, competitions, and educational sessions, featuring:

Latte Art Competition

Tasting Challenge

Barista Speed Race

Home Brewers Challenge

Best Coffee with Milk

Additionally, a number of specialized workshops will be organized, covering:

Pour-over techniques (V60)

AeroPress Championship-style brewing

Barista Basics and Beginner Latte Art

Professional Tasting and Aroma Analysis

Roasting Fundamentals and the Role of Water

Branding and Packaging for Cafés

Steps to Establish a Coffee Shop in Bahrain

Visitors will also enjoy interactive and artistic experiences, such as coffee and dessert pairing sessions, creative coffee drinks, an art corner, a mini exhibition on the history of coffee, a music lounge, and film screenings documenting coffee’s journey across the world.

The festival will also shed light on the future of coffee and sustainability, through initiatives such as recycling coffee waste and converting it into eco-friendly charcoal.

A Cultural and Community Platform

The Bahrain Coffee Festival is not merely a commercial event but a cultural and social platform that brings together coffee enthusiasts and creatives in an atmosphere that reflects Bahrain’s authentic hospitality.

Through its diverse activities, the event contributes to enhancing the local specialty coffee scene and reinforces Bahrain’s image as a destination that celebrates creativity, diversity, and innovation in the coffee world.

DXB LIVE: The Organizer

Founded in 2005, DXB LIVE is one of the leading event-service providers in the region, responsible for organizing exhibitions, conferences, festivals, national celebrations, and private events.

The company organizes more than 100 events annually, with a production area exceeding 500,000 square feet across various parts of the world.

As the official organizer of World of Coffee Dubai, DXB LIVE brings extensive experience in creating platforms that connect communities and industries through world-class events that combine creativity and professional execution.

Event Details

📍 Venue: Bahrain International Exhibition Center – Manama

📅 Dates: December 9–13, 2025

⏰ Time: 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Tuesday & Wednesday) | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Thursday to Saturday)

Organizer: DXB LIVE – Dubai World Trade Centre

🌐 Website: www.dxblive.com

48 Competitors Announced for the 2025 UAE National Cup Tasters Championship

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Abu Dhabi – Qahwa World

The Specialty Coffee Association – UAE Chapter (SCA UAE) has officially announced the 48 competitors who will take part in the 2025 UAE National Cup Tasters Championship, to be held during Global Food Week in Abu Dhabi from 21 to 23 October 2025.

This highly anticipated national competition brings together some of the UAE’s most skilled coffee professionals and sensory experts, offering them a platform to demonstrate their ability to identify coffee flavors and profiles with exceptional accuracy under globally recognized standards sanctioned by World Coffee Events (WCE).

According to SCA UAE, this year’s competition has attracted remarkable talent representing leading roasteries, cafés, and coffee institutions across the country. Among the confirmed participants are:

1. Sulaiman Alalawi – The QC Roastery

2. Pratama Rakhmatullah – Encounter Coffee Roasters

3. Amritha Varsha – Cartel Coffee Roasters

4. Neil Golez – Form Roastery

5. Edwar Andres Salinas – Wala Coffee Roasting and Packaging LLC

6. Brian Cunanan – AST Coffee

7. Christian John Ileto – Alico Fine Coffee Roasters

8. Earven Air Marabiles – Emirati Coffee Co

9. Ricky Mendoza Arquero – Emirati Coffee Company

10. Mohammad Yousefi – Taste Up Coffee Trading

11. Mark Uy – Ubec Coffee Roasters

12. Bilawal Khan Bilal – Nowbl Speciality Coffee Boutique

13. Salman Kadar Khan – Retro7

14. Daudi Kubona – ROR Coffee Solution

15. Rasam M. Adabi – Coffee Market Innovations L.L.C.

16. Amna Almansoori – Independent

17. Saeed Al Mannaee – S3Cafe

18. Rhyan Velarde – Llama Cafe

19. Sherryl Inocencio Napit – The Ore Coffee

20. Karlo Fulgueras – Doppio Roasters

21. Ahmed Elsayed – Koob Al Qahwah

22. Harmon Nataya – Archers Coffee

23. Alex Bernardo – Toga Cafe

24. Vinay Poonacha – Bevarabia

25. Sagar Ghale – Coterra Coffee Roasters

26. Mira Yunita – Heaf Coffee

27. Amer M. Ayman Mohammad – The Espresso Lab

28. Sunny Kumar – Crack Coffee Roastery

29. Jonathan Wamala – Bevarabia

30. Muhammad Rosyid Ubaidillah – Refill Roastery

31. Audie Sales Jr – The QC Roastery and Academy

32. Husnain Ghulam Nabi – Refill Reserve

33. Julfikly Raymond Ampuan – Coffee Architecture

34. Jimuel Merjilla – Syteo International

35. Mbonisi Mpilenhle Bamala – Rosewood Abu Dhabi

36. Basil Musthafaz – White Mantis

The competition will test participants’ ability to distinguish between different coffee cups based on taste and aroma alone, emphasizing sensory acuity and consistency. Over the course of three days, competitors will undergo multiple rounds of tasting, with the top-performing cup tasters advancing to the national finals. The winner will earn the honor of representing the UAE at the World Cup Tasters Championship on the global stage.

Organized under the banner of the Specialty Coffee Association – UAE Chapter and sanctioned by World Coffee Events, the championship will form part of the Global Food Week program — an event that continues to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a regional hub for coffee excellence and innovation.

The SCA UAE extended its best wishes to all competitors, encouraging the community to attend, volunteer, and celebrate the spirit of the specialty coffee industry as it continues to grow in the UAE and across the wider region.

Nuova Simonelli Unveils a New Logo Marking a New Chapter in Its Timeless Identity

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Dubai – Qahwa World

Nuova Simonelli has officially revealed its new logo — an evolution that respects the brand’s deep heritage while embracing a modern vision for the future. The refreshed design preserves the company’s distinctive monogram that unites the initials “N” and “S,” symbolizing the harmony between innovation and tradition that has defined the Italian espresso machine manufacturer for nearly a century.

“For more than 90 years, the Nuova Simonelli logo has reflected craftsmanship, reliability, and progress,” the company stated. “Each transformation has mirrored the times, while remaining true to the essence of who we are.” The new emblem carries forward this legacy in a refined, contemporary form — one that positions the brand for its next era.

A Legacy Rooted in Design and Innovation

Founded in 1936 under the name Simonelli and renamed Nuova Simonelli in 1972, the brand has long stood for easy-to-use, technologically advanced espresso machines. Today, its products are found in cafés, restaurants, and hotels in over 125 countries. “When we acquired the trademark, we chose to keep the name Simonelli as a sign of respect for that pioneering phase,” recalled Nando Ottavi, Chairman of Simonelli Group. “Nuova Simonelli represents both continuity with our origins and a look to the future.”

The original monogram was designed in 1975 by industrial designer Carlo Viglino during the launch of the company’s first truly modern espresso machine, the ISX. “I started with the initials N and S, placing them inside a grid to build the frame and proportions,” Viglino explained. “I superimposed the two letters, softened the corners, and created a single monogram that symbolizes unity between innovation and tradition.”

The symbol, he added, can also be seen as two arrows expanding outward — a “prophetic sign” of a brand destined for global recognition. Viglino paired this with a clean, legible logotype to reflect the simplicity and precision of Nuova Simonelli machines.

Evolution Through the Decades

Since its creation, the monogram has been featured on every Nuova Simonelli espresso machine. The company made slight updates over time — introducing the red color and tagline in the 1990s, refining the design during the launch of the Aurelia series in 2003, and later returning the monogram to its original upright position with a renewed payoff.

Now, in 2025, Nuova Simonelli’s new logo represents a seamless bridge between past and future — a modern refinement of a design born from Italian ingenuity and a passion for espresso excellence. It reflects not only a visual evolution but also the brand’s enduring commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and global leadership in the world of coffee.

SCA Officially Launches New Q Grader Program with Coffee Value Assessment

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Dubai – Qahwa World

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) has officially launched enrollment for its updated Q Grader program, marking the start of a new era for one of the most respected certifications in the global coffee industry.

The move follows the association’s acquisition of the program earlier this year from the Coffee Quality Institute (CQI), a historic shift that positions the SCA as the sole operator of a license long considered the gold standard for coffee evaluation. From October 1, 2025, all Q Grader courses worldwide will be delivered under the new system, aligned with the Coffee Value Assessment (CVA).

For years, the Q Grader license has been globally recognized as the highest credential in sensory evaluation, cupping, and green coffee grading. Graduates of the program have carried a certification that is not only respected but also vital to trade, communication, and quality assurance across the coffee value chain. The revamped program now integrates the CVA, a scientifically rigorous framework developed by the SCA and adopted in 2024 after years of research. Unlike the traditional cupping form it replaces, the CVA provides a broader picture of coffee’s qualities, considering not only intrinsic sensory characteristics but also extrinsic factors such as processing methods and certifications that influence market value.

The decision to integrate the CVA into the Q Grader curriculum represents the SCA’s commitment to driving progress in specialty coffee evaluation. Participants in the new program will undergo six days of intensive training and testing, designed to challenge their ability to detect differences and defects, describe sensory profiles, and apply the CVA in real-world contexts. The program has been tailored for experienced coffee professionals, enhancing their sensory acuity and preparing them to communicate coffee’s value with clarity and confidence. The result is a global network of modern Q Graders whose training reflects the latest advancements in sensory science and the continued evolution of the specialty coffee sector.

The SCA has emphasized accessibility as a central pillar of the new launch. Recognizing that the Q Grader license is critical for professionals worldwide, the association has introduced a new country-specific pricing model. By dividing the world into five tiers based on economic conditions, the program ensures that participants in lower-income regions are not excluded from pursuing certification. This model makes the license more affordable, while an expanded network of Q Instructors opens new opportunities for education across diverse markets. From producers and exporters to roasters and importers, coffee professionals in every corner of the globe will have greater access to one of the industry’s most influential programs.

The updated program offers multiple pathways to certification. New entrants can register for the full Q Grader course, while experienced professionals may pursue fast-track options to upgrade or renew their credentials. Arabica and Robusta Q Graders, holders of the SCA Sensory Skills Professional Certificate, and Cup of Excellence judges are among those eligible for accelerated pathways, provided they complete the CVA for Cuppers course by December 31, 2025. A fast track is also available for those seeking to become Q Instructors, with eligibility extended to educators and evaluators including CVA Trainers, Q Instructors, Cup of Excellence Head Judges, and SCA Sensory Skills Authorized Trainers. After the fast-track window closes at the end of 2025, the SCA will require candidates to follow a more extensive pathway that includes both Q Grader certification and instructor onboarding.

The program is not only academically rigorous but also deeply practical. Learners will be evaluated through cupping sessions, sensory exercises, and green coffee assessments, testing their knowledge across physical, descriptive, affective, and extrinsic categories. Those who successfully complete the course will earn the globally respected Q Grader license, recognized across the coffee value chain as a mark of excellence. The SCA has positioned this as a crucial step toward building a more unified global language of quality, one that connects producers, traders, roasters, and consumers with a shared framework for evaluating coffee.

The launch of the new Q Grader program also reflects the strategic partnership between the SCA and CQI, which was first announced in April 2025. Under the terms of the agreement, the SCA will license the program for ten years, paying CQI $250,000 annually. While CQI is no longer involved in administering the program, the collaboration ensures that its original mission—supporting producers and enhancing coffee quality—remains central to the program’s future.

As the transition takes effect, questions remain about how quickly the new system will be embraced across the industry. Some professionals have expressed skepticism about the CVA’s necessity, while others have applauded its potential to capture the complexity of modern coffee markets. Regardless of these debates, the SCA is moving forward with confidence, positioning the new Q Grader program as a scientifically robust and globally inclusive certification.

The association has also committed to supporting learners with preparatory resources. For those new to coffee evaluation, the SCA recommends starting with its Intro to Cupping workshop, a foundational course designed to build skills in sensory analysis and cupping practices. For more advanced professionals, recommended reading lists and preparation activities are available to ensure readiness for the intensive Q Grader assessments.

With enrollment now open and courses already available in select regions, the SCA is calling on coffee professionals worldwide to take part in what it describes as a new era in coffee evaluation. The updated program is expected to strengthen professional standards, support communication and collaboration across the global value chain, and expand the very definition of specialty coffee. For those who pass, the Q Grader license remains not just a certificate but a symbol of credibility, expertise, and leadership in the evolving world of coffee.