Category: News

France Brings 110 Brands to “Gulfood 2026” Across Two Dubai

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

Business France, the French national agency for international economic development, announced its largest-ever participation at Gulfood 2026, featuring 110 French brands across four pavilions under the “Taste France” banner.

This year, the exhibition is held at two main venues: Dubai World Trade Centre and Expo Dubai, with French participants showcasing a wide range of food and beverage products, including dairy, meat, poultry, seafood, beverages, and international food specialties.

  • French Participation by Venue:

Expo Dubai – Global Foods Platform 8-80: 67 companies

Dubai World Trade Centre: 43 companies, organized by sector:

Dairy: Sheikh Rashid Hall, Stand R-H47

Meat, poultry, seafood: Sheikh Saeed Halls, Hall 3

Beverages: Za’abeel 5 Hall, Stand Z5-J21

The French pavilions focus on four key sectors and feature new launches and exclusive innovations, including packaging and portion sizes suited to fast-paced lifestyles, health-oriented products, and premium items combining taste and functional benefits.

Commenting on the participation, Axel Barrau, General Manager of Business France in the Middle East, said:
“Gulfood 2026 provides a strategic opportunity to showcase France’s strengths in agri-food, highlighting products that meet the evolving needs of the regional market, with a focus on quality, sustainability, and innovation.”

  • UAE Market Context:

The UAE imports approximately 85% of its food needs, valued at over €21.4 billion in 2024, with rising demand for ready-to-eat meals, premium and functional foods, certified organic and plant-based products, and e-commerce-friendly items.

  • Visitor Experience at the French Pavilion:

Visitors can access live cooking demonstrations, interactive tastings, and artisanal coffee and tea sessions, alongside products tailored to practical consumer needs in the region.

  • Business France Digital Marketplace:

The platform connects global buyers with over 2,800 certified French suppliers and more than 28,000 products. Around 350 regional buyers have already joined, supporting long-term business partnerships.

  • About Business France:

Business France is a French government agency promoting exports and foreign investment in France. It manages the international internship program V.I.E and operates a global network in 55 countries. In 2024, it contributed to €1.8 billion in additional exports for French SMEs and mid-sized companies and supported the creation or maintenance of over 31,010 jobs.

Jane Espante Crowned 2026 World Cezve/Ibrik Champion in Dubai

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

Jane Espante of the United Arab Emirates has been named the 2026 Cezve/Ibrik Champion following the conclusion of competition in Dubai. The title was officially revealed on January 20, 2026, during a live ceremony on the World of Coffee Dubai stage, launching the 2026 World Coffee Championships season.

The championship took place from January 18 to 20, 2026, as part of the Dubai World Coffee Championships, where finalists demonstrated mastery of one of coffee’s most historic brewing methods. Espante secured first place after a strong final-round performance, earning top honors in the opening championship event of the year.

Held during the largest-ever edition of World of Coffee Dubai, the Cezve/Ibrik Championship highlights a brewing tradition that spans centuries. Using the traditional cezve—also called an ibrik—competitors draw from techniques rooted in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, blending precision, sensory quality, and cultural storytelling in their routines.

World of Coffee Dubai is produced by DXB Live in collaboration with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA). The event continues to grow as a major international gathering for specialty coffee professionals, reflecting the Middle East’s expanding influence within the global coffee sector. Hosting the championship in Dubai underscores the city’s connection to coffee heritage while reinforcing its role as a center for innovation, trade, and cultural exchange.

Khalid Al Mulla, National Coordinator of the UAE Coffee Championships, praised the competitors, noting that the event showcases the craftsmanship and cultural depth behind cezve coffee. He highlighted the dedication and respect for tradition demonstrated throughout the competition and congratulated the winners for preserving this historic brewing style.

Final Results – 2026 Cezve/Ibrik Championship

1st Place: Jane Espante (United Arab Emirates)

2nd Place: Angel Kotsifakis (Greece)

3rd Place: Wael Hachem (France)

The Dubai World Coffee Championships continue to support the broader mission of the World Coffee Championships by fostering collaboration, education, and innovation, while offering coffee professionals a global platform to share their skills and inspire future leaders in the industry.

Complete rankings and full performance replays are available through official World Coffee Championships media channels.

Mokha 1450 Launches Rare Cuban Coffee in Dubai for the First Time

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

Year after year, Mokha 1450 continues to reinforce its distinctive annual tradition of celebrating innovation and achievement, while honoring the creators behind them—its exceptional team. As a leading name in the luxury specialty coffee sector in Dubai and the UAE, the brand remains committed to showcasing excellence at every level.

This annual celebration traditionally takes place on the sidelines of the World of Coffee Dubai exhibition, bringing together an elite group of industry leaders, including farmers, producers, traders, coffee professionals, and coffee enthusiasts from around the world. Beyond recognizing the team’s efforts, the event also marks the launch of a rare and prestigious specialty coffee edition each year.

This year, Mokha 1450 unveiled its latest limited release: the rare Cuban coffee “Extra Turquino Lavado,” considered one of the finest and rarest coffees in Cuba. The coffee originates from the Nipe–Sagua–Baracoa region, a globally recognized biodiversity hotspot and a UNESCO World Heritage Site listed as the “Archaeological Landscape of the First Coffee Plantations in the Southeast of Cuba.”

  • Unprecedented Attendance

This year’s celebration stood out for its unprecedented attendance, both in scale and caliber. The event welcomed senior officials, entrepreneurs, and leading figures from the global coffee industry, alongside coffee lovers and members of the Dubai and UAE community.

In his keynote address, Mr. Garfield Kerr, CEO of Mokha 1450, welcomed guests and described the event as exceptional, marking a significant transitional phase in the brand’s journey.

Kerr began by congratulating Mr. Andrew Tully on his appointment as President of the Specialty Coffee Association and welcomed a former SCA president, thanking both for their presence and support.

He stated: “The World of Coffee exhibition has been truly outstanding. If you’ve enjoyed this exceptional organization, the credit goes to Mr. Khaled Al Mulla, Chairman of the Specialty Coffee Association UAE. Much of the hard work happens behind the scenes, and that effort is the key to this event’s success.”

He added a special note of thanks to Mr. Andres, saying: “While everything looks perfect upon arrival, there are major challenges behind the scenes. Thanks to Khaled and Andres, everything comes together seamlessly in the end.”

Kerr emphasized that Mokha 1450’s message this year was also directed at newcomers to the coffee industry:
“The greatest minds in coffee are gathered here. If you’re looking to validate investing in this sector, this is the place to be. We meet every year to showcase innovation and shape the future of coffee.”

  • Arabic Coffee and the Palace Recipe

Garfield Kerr revealed that this year’s innovation at Mokha 1450 was crafted by Ms. Sigrid Ballard, featuring a creative reinterpretation of Arabic coffee.

“Many of our guests have never tasted Arabic coffee before, so we created a coffee cocktail inspired by it—perhaps for the first time, to my knowledge. I firmly believe that understanding any new innovation begins with tasting the original.”

He explained that Mokha 1450 had previously avoided serving Arabic coffee due to its deeply personal and cultural nature. That changed after a unique experience with a coffee-loving minister, during which a special Arabic coffee recipe was prepared inside a palace in Abu Dhabi.

“After returning to Dubai, we received a call requesting that exclusive palace recipe. This is the coffee we are serving you today, alongside Sigrid’s newly developed blend for comparison.”

Kerr noted that while “Crystal Coffee” remains one of Mokha 1450’s most iconic innovations, the Arabic coffee project holds a special place within the brand.

  • A Human Gesture and Special Tribute

In a heartfelt and dignified gesture, Kerr paid tribute to Julian, one of Mokha 1450’s earliest team members, who is no longer with the company but played a foundational role in its success.

“Julian was our first manager, and everything Mokha 1450 has achieved today is thanks to him. He challenged traditional coffee rules and relied on experimentation rather than theory alone.”

Kerr added that Julian possesses one of the finest palates in the industry, having won the UAE Coffee Tasting Championship and reached the semifinals of the World Championship. He now resides in London, where he works as a senior coffee roaster.

  • The Rare Cuban Coffee

Kerr concluded his speech by presenting this year’s rare coffee release, praising the efforts of Joey, a member of the Mokha 1450 team.

“We always strive to offer exceptionally rare coffees, and Cuban coffee is a perfect example. To my knowledge, we are the only specialty coffee café in Dubai serving Cuban coffee.”

He revealed that sourcing this edition required three years of continuous effort, beginning with initial contact with the Cuban Embassy during Expo, and expressed his hope that guests would truly enjoy this extraordinary coffee.

Mohammed bin Rashid visits World of Coffee Dubai 2026

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, today visited the fifth edition of World of Coffee Dubai, which opened at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) on 18th January and runs until 20th January 2026.

During the visit, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed, accompanied by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai, and H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE National Olympic Committee, toured several pavilions displaying a wide range of exhibits.

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed was apprised by Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, about the scale and impact of the exhibition. Organised by DXB LIVE, the integrated event management and experiential agency of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), in collaboration with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), World of Coffee Dubai 2026 brings together more than 2,100 exhibiting companies and brands from 78 countries, marking the largest and most internationally diverse edition of the exhibition since its launch.

Providing tremendous opportunities for the sustained growth of an economic sector focused on one of the world’s most widely traded products, the coffee industry creates significant economic value and the exhibition is a key platform bringing diverse industry stakeholders together under a common umbrella. An estimate provided by statista.com puts the global coffee sector’s projected revenue for 2026 in the vicinity of $495.70 billion. Spanning various stages of the value chain, from cultivation and production to distribution and consumer markets, the exhibition showcases a wide variety of equipment used in coffee processing, roasting, and brewing.

Significant demand

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed was briefed by Khalid Al Hammadi, Senior Vice President of DXB LIVE, on the continued growth of World of Coffee Dubai over five editions. Since its launch, the exhibition has expanded significantly in scale and international participation, growing from a regional platform into a globally recognised meeting point for the specialty coffee industry. The 2026 edition spans more than 20,000 square metres, reflecting sustained growth driven by rising demand across the Middle East and North Africa.

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 reflects growing global interest in specialty coffee and Dubai’s role as a hub connecting producing countries with international buyers and manufacturers, bringing together leading producers, equipment manufacturers, roasters, and traders from both established brands and emerging markets. The exhibition features three live coffee auctions, international championships, workshops, and educational programmes, alongside extensive trade and networking opportunities for industry professionals.

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 Kicks Off at DWTC

Posted on by Qahwa World

Qahwa World

The fifth edition of World of Coffee Dubai officially opened today at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), marking a major milestone for the Middle East’s specialty coffee industry. Organised by DXB LIVE, the integrated event management and experiential agency of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), in collaboration with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), the event opened with more than 2,100 exhibiting companies and brands from 78 countries, delivering its largest and most internationally diverse edition to date.

A key milestone on day one was the signing of a five-year extension agreement between World of Coffee Dubai and the Specialty Coffee Association, extending the partnership until 2031. The agreement formalises a long-term collaboration to support specialty coffee competitions, education programmes, and professional standards at the event. The MoU was signed by Khalid Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President of DXB LIVE, and Yannis Apostolopoulos, Chief Executive Officer of the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), reinforcing World of Coffee Dubai’s position as a stable, internationally aligned platform within the global specialty coffee calendar.

Following the opening programme, activity spread across the exhibition floor, which spans more than 20,000 square metres across Za’abeel Halls 1, 4, 5, and 6. Exhibitors from producing origins and consuming markets showcased green coffee, roasting and brewing technologies, equipment, packaging solutions, and café innovations, representing every stage of the specialty coffee value chain.

Key features activated on day one included the Roasters Village and Producers’ Village, where roasters and origin producers engaged directly with buyers, importers, and industry professionals. The Brew Bar and Cupping Rooms hosted tastings and sensory sessions throughout the day, while the SCA Community Lounge served as a central hub for networking and knowledge exchange. Live activity at the competition stages also drew strong interest from visitors.

The opening day also highlighted the depth of innovation and collaboration across the exhibition. A World of Coffee exclusive collaboration between Oatly and Yaba, a modern Iraqi restaurant based in Al Wasl, introduced a new approach to coffee beverage creation by applying culinary steeping techniques to extract flavour, alongside distinctive elements such as nut crème and saffron-infused bubbles.

Equipment innovation featured prominently, with Coffee Desk, the exclusive Middle East distributor for leading brands including Fellow, unveiling the first global showcase of Fellow’s upgraded Espresso Series 1, ahead of its commercial release later this year. The launch reflected growing demand for high-performance, accessible equipment within the specialty coffee sector.

Commercial activity commenced on day one with the Dubai Coffee Equipment Auction organized by DXB LIVE in collaboration with DMCC, a dedicated one-day auction showcasing specialised and customised coffee equipment from exhibitors at World of Coffee Dubai. Curated in collaboration with M-Cultivo, the auction featured pre-qualified equipment presented through live demonstrations and inspections on the show floor, followed by a live, lot-by-lot auction led by an auctioneer. Designed to connect equipment manufacturers with serious buyers, the auction provided a focused platform for innovation, craftsmanship, and price discovery within the regional specialty coffee market.

Reflecting on the opening day, Khalid Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President at DXB LIVE, said: “World of Coffee Dubai continues to grow in scale, diversity, and international relevance. The strong participation seen on the first day, together with the signing of a five-year partnership agreement with the Specialty Coffee Association, reflects the event’s maturity and its importance as a global platform for trade, education, and professional exchange.”

In a further milestone for the wider coffee events portfolio, Khalid Al Hammadi also signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding related to the Bahrain Coffee Festival. The agreement covers the organisation of the festival as a curated B2C and B2B experience featuring workshops, live brews, competitions, and immersive activations. The Bahrain Coffee Festival aims to engage the wider community by inviting coffee lovers, families, and the public to explore the diversity of coffee, while spotlighting both local and international brands.

During day one, DXB LIVE also announced plans to expand its coffee-focused event portfolio through the launch of dedicated coffee festivals in Qatar, Oman, and Saudi Arabia. Developed as a separate DXB LIVE IP, the regional festivals will build on the growing momentum of specialty coffee across the GCC while complementing World of Coffee Dubai’s role as the flagship international trade platform.

Exhibitors highlighted the value of the event’s international reach and professional audience. Denkayehu Dessalegn Head Roaster and Quality Control at Roasters, said: “World of Coffee Dubai provides an important platform for regional specialty coffee brands looking to scale internationally. This is our first participation at the event, and it allows us to introduce what we have been developing over the past four years to a global industry audience.”

 

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 continues through 20 January, with upcoming days featuring the Microlot Coffee Auction, the Exhibitors’ Coffee Auction, championship finals, workshops, and further industry announcements.

For visitor registration, media accreditation, and the full programme, please visit:
www.worldofcoffeedubai.com

 About World of Coffee Dubai

World of Coffee Dubai (WOC Dubai) is the premier coffee trade show for exhibitors and visitors looking to break into the Middle East’s burgeoning coffee industry. The event showcases popular features like the Roaster Village, engaging lectures, the Cupping Room, the SCA UAE National Championships, the Coffee Design Awards, the Best New Display Product Competition, Brew Bar, and the SCA Community Lounge, where buyers and sellers come together to reconnect and establish new business relationships. The exhibition welcomes local, regional, and global professionals in the coffee industry including producers, manufacturers, traders, farmers, international experts, distributors, small and medium companies, coffee shops, roasters, hotels, and coffee enthusiasts from around the world.

About SCA

The Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) is the world’s largest nonprofit, membership-based trade association in the coffee industry. Representing thousands of coffee professionals globally from producers to baristas, the organization is built on foundations of openness, inclusivity, and the power of shared knowledge, fostering an international coffee community to make specialty coffee a thriving, equitable, and sustainable activity for the entire value chain. From coffee farmers to baristas and roasters, our membership spans the globe, encompassing every element of the coffee value chain. The SCA acts as a unifying force within the specialty coffee industry and works to make coffee better by raising standards worldwide through a collaborative and progressive approach.

 About DXB LIVE:

DXB LIVE is the integrated event management and experiential agency of Dubai World Trade Centre. With its creative, technical, and operational expertise, DXB LIVE delivers world-class events of all types, including exhibitions, conferences, festivals, recreational activities, national occasions, major corporate events, as well as high-end and private weddings.zThe agency provides services for more than 100 major events annually, designing and building over 500,000 square feet of exhibition stands and delivering complex live events and conference solutions. DXB LIVE also offers strategic consultancy to associations and international organizations, while organizing large-scale trade exhibitions and public events.

Rapidly expanding its footprint, DXB LIVE is strengthening its position among the world’s leading event companies through strong alliances with top international event organizations. Its combined services create exceptional experiences that connect brands with their audiences across the UAE, GCC, Middle East, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Largest Edition of World of Coffee Dubai 2026 Kicks Off Tomorrow

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

The fifth and largest edition of World of Coffee Dubai 2026 will kick off tomorrow, Sunday, in Dubai. The event is organised by DXB Live, the integrated event management and experiential agency of Dubai World Trade Centre, in partnership with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), and will run from 18 to 20 January 2026 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.

Recognised as the region’s leading specialty coffee trade event, the exhibition brings together more than 2,100 exhibiting companies and brands, alongside industry leaders, experts, and professionals from 78 countries, representing every stage of the coffee value chain. Participants include coffee producers, roasters, traders, equipment and machinery manufacturers and distributors, café operators, hospitality leaders, and industry organisations.

Spanning an exhibition space of 20,000 square metres, the event features strong participation from leading global coffee producers, reinforcing Dubai’s growing role as a global hub for coffee trade and a strategic gateway connecting producing countries with fast-growing consumer markets and international trade centres.

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 offers visitors a comprehensive experience covering all aspects of the specialty coffee industry. Key features include the Roasters Village, Producers Village, Cupping Rooms, Brewing and Espresso Zones, and dedicated Technology Areas, showcasing the latest innovations in roasting and brewing systems, automation, and sustainable technologies, reflecting global future trends in the specialty coffee sector.

The exhibition programme also includes a series of professional championships and competitions, such as the UAE National Coffee and Latte Art Championships, the Roasting Championship, as well as the Cezve/Ibrik World Championship, which celebrates one of the world’s oldest coffee preparation methods rooted in Middle Eastern and Turkish coffee culture, evaluated according to modern specialty coffee standards.

On the commercial front, the event hosts three live auctions across the three exhibition days, including a Coffee Equipment Auction on the first day, a Micro-lot Auction featuring top-rated specialty coffee beans on the second day, and an Exhibitors’ Coffee Auction on the third day. These auctions provide a transparent platform for price discovery, enhance international buyer participation, and support global market access for brands and producers.

World of Coffee Dubai 2026 will be open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Zabeel Halls 1, 4, 5, and 6 of the Dubai World Trade Centre. Registration remains open for visitors, media representatives, and industry professionals, with full programme details and media accreditation available via the event’s official website.

Why There Are Fewer Places to Sit Down for Coffee in Moscow

Posted on by Qahwa World

Moscow – Qahwa World

Over the past year, Moscow’s coffee market has undergone a noticeable shift. Grab-and-go coffee outlets continue to expand, while traditional cafés with seating areas are gradually losing ground.

From January 2025 to January 2026, the number of coffee-to-go locations in the city grew by about 5%, rising from roughly 3,900 to 4,100 outlets. These formats typically include small kiosks or compact spaces with little or no seating.

At the same time, the number of classic cafés declined much more sharply. Over the same period, their total fell by 12%, from around 2,900 to 2,500. Earlier reports also pointed to closures by major chains: in 2025, one of Moscow’s largest café operators shut down more than 10% of its locations.

Similar trends are visible outside the capital. In other Russian cities with populations over one million, the number of coffee-to-go outlets increased by an average of 3.5% year on year, while the number of traditional cafés dropped by about 13%.

The highest concentration of cafés and grab-and-go coffee points remains in central districts. Presnensky, Tverskoy and Basmanny lead the way. As of January 2026, Tverskoy district had about 120 cafés and 188 coffee-to-go outlets; Presnensky counted 126 cafés and 183 to-go points; Basmanny had 114 cafés and 159 grab-and-go locations.

The rise of coffee to go comes amid higher prices in traditional cafés. In January 2026, the average bill in Moscow cafés reached 501 rubles. The most expensive coffee is found in Vnukovo and the Obruchevsky district, where a cup can cost more than 800 rubles. The lowest prices are typically seen in residential areas such as Pechatniki, Bibirevo, Vostochnoye Degunino, Altufyevsky district and Veshnyaki.

Market experts note that while the number of cafés had been growing steadily in previous years, consumer demand has recently started to weaken. Rising prices have made it harder for cafés to attract new customers. Higher costs are driven by several factors, including more expensive coffee beans and milk, rising wages, increasing rent, and higher electricity costs.

At the same time, competition from retailers is intensifying. Automated coffee machines in grocery stores are gaining popularity. During the first nine months of 2025, sales of ready-to-drink coffee in retail chains surged both in volume and in value, adding further pressure on traditional café formats.

If you’d like, I can also optimize this version for SEO, adapt it for an international media outlet, or shorten it into a brief news piece.

Abu Dhabi Prepares to Welcome “Drinkit” from April

Posted on by Qahwa World

The popular digital café chain announces ambitious expansion plans in the UAE

Abu Dhabi – Qahwa World

Digital café chain Drinkit is set to open its first branch in Abu Dhabi, marking the brand’s entry into the emirate and the next stage of its expansion across the United Arab Emirates. The first café is scheduled to open in April at Al Qana, one of Abu Dhabi’s prominent lifestyle destinations, known for its diverse dining options, informal meeting spaces, and social gatherings. The venue was also awarded the Travelers’ Choice Award for 2025.

After establishing a strong presence in Dubai, Drinkit plans to open at least seven additional branches across the UAE by the end of 2026, bringing the total number of cafés to 15 and doubling its footprint in the local market.

This strategy reflects DrinKit’s goal to offer a high-tech coffee experience to more neighborhoods and make premium coffee accessible to everyone across cities.

The company operates physical cafés that rely on a fully digital model, replacing traditional payment counters with in-store kiosks and a mobile app. Currently, around 90% of orders are completed digitally across all branches, enhancing operational efficiency and providing a consistent experience for customers. This technology-driven model also allows for steady expansion across different markets and locations.

Katerina Borodich, CEO of Drinkit, said: “The UAE has proven to be a strong and thriving market for DrinKit. Our eight branches in Dubai demonstrate the concept’s success in diverse urban environments. We see clear opportunities to continue growing the brand across the country. Our expansion plan through 2026 is carefully considered, focusing on long-term performance and strategic site selection.”

Katerina Borodich, CEO of Drinki

She added: “Our business model has been successfully tested over three years of operations in Dubai. We are proud to say it is a stable model, with an average investment payback period of less than three years depending on location. Interest in DrinKit is growing steadily in business districts, residential areas, and shopping centers, driven by our varied menu, competitive pricing, and easy ordering process.”

  • About Drinkit

Drinkit is a global café chain that follows a digital-first approach. Founded in 2016, it is part of Dodo Brands, a multinational company in the food service sector specializing in developing and franchising quick-service restaurant concepts worldwide.

Since joining Dodo Brands in 2020, Drinkit has expanded to more than 135 cafés across five countries: the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Russia.

Drinkit is part of Dodo Brands’ portfolio alongside Dodo Pizza, one of the world’s largest pizza franchise networks. In 2025, Dodo Brands reported over $1 billion in revenue, with a 23% year-on-year growth, operating more than 1,500 units in 27 countries.

Sage Launches Oracle Dual Boiler Espresso Machine in UAE

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai, UAE — Qahwa World

Sage Appliances®, the global manufacturer of premium kitchen appliances, has announced the launch of the Oracle Dual Boiler, the latest addition to its Oracle espresso machine range. The new model combines dual boiler technology with touchscreen automation, offering users the option to operate the machine in either automatic or manual mode.

The Oracle Dual Boiler is designed for home users seeking consistent espresso preparation with the flexibility to adjust brewing parameters manually. In automatic mode, the machine performs grinding, brewing and milk texturing in a simplified workflow. Manual mode allows users to adjust pre-infusion, blooming, extraction and milk texturing settings.

The machine features a 5.7-inch high-definition touchscreen, the largest display used in a Sage espresso machine to date. The interface provides step-by-step guidance and real-time feedback during coffee preparation. In the UAE, the Oracle Dual Boiler includes built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling software updates and compatibility with the Sage Coffee App for remote machine control.

The Oracle Dual Boiler offers 15 preset beverage options, including espresso, flat white, latte, cappuccino, piccolo, mocha, iced latte and shakerato.

The machine is powered by a triple heating system, comprising a PID-controlled extraction boiler, a dedicated steam boiler and a heated group head. This configuration allows simultaneous espresso extraction and milk texturing while maintaining temperature stability.

The Oracle Dual Boiler also introduces Sage Appliances’ Auto Dial-In System, which automatically monitors espresso extraction and adjusts grind size to improve subsequent shots. The system operates in conjunction with Baratza European Precision burrs, offering 45 grind settings.

  • Key product specifications include:

Triple heating system

Quad-core processor

Auto puck system

Auto Dial-In system

Auto MilQ™ steam wand

Baratza European Precision burrs with 45 grind settings

5.7-inch HD touchscreen

Heated group head

Brew customisation

Stainless steel heated cup tray

Alternative milk settings (soy, almond and oat)

Wi-Fi connectivity

Electronic grind adjustment

Professional 58mm stainless steel portafilter

15 preset beverages

Dedicated hot water spout

Matching Knock Box™ 10

PID temperature control

2.3-litre water tank

The Sage Oracle Dual Boiler is available from 15 December through leading retailers across the UAE and GCC, priced at AED 9,999, and via www.sageappliances.com

About Sage Appliances®

Sage Appliances is a global kitchen appliance brand with over 90 years of history. The company operates under the Sage name in Europe and Breville in other markets. Sage products are sold in more than 70 countries worldwide, focusing on innovation, functional design and consumer-led engineering.

Coffee Prices Climb as Rain Forecasts in Brazil Remain Low

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

Coffee futures rebounded today following early declines, buoyed by weather forecasts signaling limited rainfall in Brazil’s key coffee-producing regions over the coming week. March arabica (KCH26) gained +1.40 points (+0.39%), while March ICE robusta (RMH26) rose +52 points (+1.31%).

Earlier in the session, arabica fell to a 1.5-week low, pressured by a stronger U.S. dollar, as the DXY index reached a six-week high.

Last week, arabica prices surged to a one-month high amid below-average precipitation in Brazil, the world’s largest arabica coffee exporter. Data from Somar Meteorologia showed that Minas Gerais, Brazil’s main arabica-growing state, received just 26.5 mm of rainfall during the week ending January 9 — only 29% of the historical average.

Shrinking inventories on ICE exchanges are also lending support to prices. Arabica stocks tracked by ICE dropped to a 1.75-year low of 398,645 bags on November 20, before climbing to a 2.5-month high of 461,829 bags last Wednesday. Robusta inventories fell to a one-year low of 4,012 lots on December 10 but recovered to a five-week high of 4,278 lots later in December.

However, a strong supply outlook remains a headwind. Brazil’s crop agency Conab raised its 2025 coffee production estimate by 2.4% in December to 56.54 million bags, up from the September projection of 55.20 million bags.

Vietnam, the largest robusta producer, is also expanding its output, which pressures robusta prices. Its 2025 coffee exports jumped 17.5% year-on-year to 1.58 million metric tons, according to the country’s National Statistics Office. Vietnam’s coffee production for 2025/26 is forecast to rise 6% year-on-year to 1.76 MMT (29.4 million bags), marking a four-year high, with the Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association projecting a potential 10% increase if weather conditions remain favorable.

Global coffee supply data show a mixed picture. The International Coffee Organization (ICO) reported November 7 that world coffee exports declined 0.3% year-on-year to 138.658 million bags for the current marketing year (October–September). Meanwhile, the USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service predicted a 2% increase in global coffee production in 2025/26 to 178.848 million bags, driven by a 10.9% jump in robusta output to 83.333 million bags, despite a 4.7% drop in arabica production to 95.515 million bags. The report also projected Brazil’s production would fall 3.1% to 63 million bags, while Vietnam’s output rises 6.2% to a four-year high of 30.8 million bags. Ending stocks are expected to decline 5.4% to 20.148 million bags from 21.307 million bags in 2024/25.

From Milan to Dubai: World Champion Shares His Expertise in Competition Coffee

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

Dubai’s specialty coffee scene witnessed a remarkable moment with an exclusive event titled “What’s Behind a Competition Coffee”, organized by Mokha 1450 Luxury Specialty Coffee in collaboration with Lohas Beans. The event offered an in-depth exploration of the technical and strategic decisions behind competition-grade coffee, bringing together world-class expertise and local enthusiasts.

The highlight of the evening was the presence of Jack Simpson, 2025 World Barista Champion, freshly crowned in Milan, whose appearance drew significant attention from leading baristas, coffee professionals, and aficionados across the region. Simpson was joined by esteemed experts Jhonatan Gasca and Juan Pablo Campos, forming a distinguished panel that guided participants through the subtle complexities of producing world-class competition coffees.

Moving beyond traditional cupping sessions, the event delved into the nuances that make championship coffees exceptional, covering everything from farm-level selection and processing methods to roasting profiles, brewing techniques, and presentation strategies. Attendees had the rare opportunity to taste exclusive limited Papayo lots, demonstrating Mokha 1450’s commitment to quality and innovation.

The program featured three key components: a guided tasting session, a live demonstration of espresso and milk-based beverages by Jack Simpson, and an interactive Q&A session with the panelists, creating a platform for knowledge exchange and dialogue between global champions and the local coffee community.

This event is part of the activities accompanying World of Coffee Dubai 2026, taking place from January 18 to 20, highlighting Dubai’s growing role as a hub for specialty coffee. Under the leadership of Mr. Garfield Kerr, Mokha 1450 continues to advance coffee culture in the UAE by leveraging every opportunity to keep the community informed of the latest developments, while fostering connections between champions, coffee makers, and enthusiasts.

Through initiatives like “What’s Behind a Competition Coffee,” Mokha 1450 strengthens the bridge between global expertise and the local coffee scene, reaffirming its commitment to education, cultural exchange, and the pursuit of excellence in specialty coffee.

Simonelli Group at World of Coffee Dubai with Victoria Arduino and 3TEMP

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

From January 18 to 20, Simonelli Group will be a key player at World of Coffee Dubai (Stand ZN5-4). During the event, the Group will present a comprehensive vision of coffee evolution — from espresso to brewing — through its brands Victoria Arduino and 3TEMP.

  • Victoria Arduino: Where Aesthetics Meets Taste

The Victoria Arduino space at WOC Dubai is designed as an immersive experience, where aesthetics and cutting-edge technology come together to redefine the contemporary espresso ritual.

  • Not to be missed:

Eagle One – Official Espresso Machine of the UAE Barista Competition
Eagle One will stand alongside the best baristas in the region during one of the world’s most prestigious competitions. Iconic, sustainable, and performance-driven, Eagle One represents a new generation of espresso machines, designed to ensure precision, energy efficiency, and excellence in the cup — even at the highest competitive levels.

Victoria Arduino Exclusive Party: L’Atelier Arrives in Dubai
On January 18 at 7:00 PM, Victoria Arduino invites guests to its Experience Lab in Dubai to discover L’Atelier, a new narrative space dedicated to creativity, craftsmanship, and timeless design.
Inspired by the world of luxury ateliers, this project redefines customization, transforming each coffee machine into not only a professional tool, but a unique design piece.
Subscribe here to reserve your spot at the Exclusive Party in Dubai – Victoria Arduino.

Tasting Experiences with Leading Roasters
At Stand ZN5-4, Victoria Arduino will host a series of tasting sessions featuring some of the most important partners in the coffee world. The program includes roasters such as Peet’s, Dukamo, Goldbox, Base Coffee, and Caffeine Lab.
Partners will rotate in a relay of sensory experiences, supported by the Black Eagle Maverick and E1 Prima PRO espresso machines.

Beyond delivering excellence in the cup, Victoria Arduino coffee machines are true design and communication elements, expressing values of aesthetics, precision, and innovation.

  • 3TEMP: Brewing Culture

Simonelli Group’s journey at WOC Dubai continues with 3TEMP, the brand redefining professional brewing. Born from filter coffee culture and designed to offer extraction freedom — hot, cold, or concentrated — 3TEMP introduces boilerless, cloud-connected brewers defined by a sustainable design approach.

At Stand ZN5-4, 3TEMP will host a series of tasting sessions with leading coffee partners, featuring roasters such as Source Coffee, Julith, Benchmark, Joud, Roots by Earth, and Subko.

This year at World of Coffee Dubai, 3TEMP accompanies the journey of the WOC Runners, offering unique tastings and cutting-edge coffee experiences. From hot filter coffee to cold or concentrated brews, every extraction becomes a healthy and functional ingredient — ideal for athletes looking to enhance performance.

The first WOC Runners 2026 event will take place on Monday, January 19 at 6:30 AM (Dubai time) at Salt Kite Beach. The 5-kilometer run, open to coffee lovers from around the world, will follow a scenic out-and-back course along Kite Beach.
To participate, sign up here.

3TEMP empowers a new generation of baristas and consumers, promoting a conscious and contemporary approach to coffee.
It’s not just brewing. It’s Brewing Culture.