Category: News

Brazilian Coffee Ends 2025 with Record Revenues Exceeding $15.6 Billion

Posted on by Qahwa World

São Paulo – Qahwa World

In a detailed economic report reflecting major shifts in global commodity markets, the Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council (Cecafé) announced the conclusion of 2025 with an unprecedented financial performance. Despite ongoing supply chain disruptions and geopolitical volatility, Brazil achieved a historic record in coffee export revenues, reinforcing its position as a leading force in the global agricultural economy.

  • Cecafé: The Reference Authority for Data and Policy

The Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council (Cecafé) is the official body representing coffee exporters in Brazil and is responsible for monitoring coffee trade flows to more than 120 countries worldwide. According to Cecafé’s December 2025 report, these exceptional financial results demonstrate the sector’s ability to adapt to global price fluctuations, supported by strategic investments in quality enhancement and value creation for Brazilian coffee in international markets.

  • Financial Performance Analysis: Value Growth Amid Lower Volumes

Based on data analyzed by Cecafé, Brazil’s coffee export revenues reached $15.586 billion in 2025, marking a 24.1% increase compared with the previous year. This figure represents the highest export revenue level in Brazil’s coffee trade history.

Notably, this record revenue was achieved despite a 20.8% decline in shipment volumes. Brazil exported 40.049 million 60-kg bags in 2025, down from more than 50 million bags in 2024. The increase in revenues was driven by a sharp rise in the average export price, which reached $389.17 per bag, up 56.4% year on year. This pricing dynamic allowed exporters to generate higher returns with lower volumes, supporting crop sustainability and helping preserve domestic stocks affected by adverse climatic conditions.

  • A Reshaped Trade Map: Germany Takes the Lead

The year 2025 marked a significant shift in Brazil’s coffee export destinations. According to Cecafé, the United States fell to second place among Brazil’s largest coffee importers, while Germany emerged as the leading destination.

Germany imported 5.409 million bags, representing a 6.1% increase, while U.S. imports declined sharply by 33.9%, totaling 5.381 million bags. Cecafé attributes this contraction in the U.S. market primarily to the imposition of 50% import tariffs on Brazilian coffee during parts of the year, which reduced the product’s competitiveness and redirected volumes toward European and Asian markets.

In parallel, Japan recorded growth of 19.4%, while China posted a 19.5% increase, highlighting the success of Cecafé’s market diversification strategy and its focus on emerging economic powers in Asia.

  • Differentiated Coffees: Driving Qualitative Growth

Cecafé’s report also highlights the strong performance of the “Differentiated Coffees” segment, which includes coffees certified for high quality standards or sustainable production practices. This segment generated $3.525 billion in revenue, accounting for 22.6% of total export earnings.

Although shipment volumes in this category declined by 15.1%, their total value increased by 39.1%. Márcio Ferreira, President of Cecafé, noted that global consumers are increasingly willing to pay premium prices for coffees that ensure environmental and social sustainability—an area in which Brazil has strengthened its position through advanced agricultural technologies.

  • Logistics Challenges: The Cost of Success

Despite the strong financial results, 2025 was not without challenges. Cecafé reported severe logistical constraints at Brazilian ports, particularly at the Port of Santos. According to the report, 55% of vessels experienced schedule delays, disrupting the shipment of thousands of containers each month.

These delays resulted in operational losses amounting to millions of Brazilian reais, driven by demurrage charges and additional storage costs. Cecafé emphasized that improving port infrastructure and ensuring a steady supply of containers are essential to sustaining record export performance in the coming years.

  • Outlook for 2026: Sustainability and Innovation

Cecafé’s December 2025 report concludes with an optimistic outlook led by Marcos Matos, CEO of the Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council. He stated that the “Cafés do Brasil” brand has become a global benchmark, successfully combining large-scale production with environmental responsibility.

According to the report, Brazil—through Cecafé—not only supplies approximately one-third of global coffee demand, but also leads efforts in agricultural digitalization, labor rights protection, and forest conservation, positioning Brazilian coffee as a reliable and sustainable choice for the future.

  • Conclusion

Generating more than $15.6 billion in export revenues in a single year is not merely a statistical milestone, but a clear indicator of the strength and global standing of Brazilian coffee. It also underscores the central role played by the Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council (Cecafé) in guiding the sector toward new levels of financial and professional achievement.

Coffee Prices in Russia Keep Climbing: How Much Does a Cup Cost Now?

Posted on by Qahwa World

Prices in retail and cafés continue to climb as the market braces for further increases in 2026

Moscow – Qahwa World

Russia’s coffee market experienced a sharp rise in prices throughout 2025, a trend that has become clearly visible to consumers both in retail stores and in cafés. As 2026 begins, prices for instant coffee and coffee beans remain at elevated levels, reinforcing concerns that a daily cup of coffee is becoming an increasingly expensive habit.

  • Sustained Growth Over Three Years

Over the past three years, coffee prices in Russia have followed a steady upward trajectory. According to data from Rosstat, the average price of one kilogram of instant coffee stood at 2,638 rubles in January 2022. By the end of that year, the price had risen by approximately 25%. Although a brief decline was recorded in 2023, it proved short-lived.

From January 2024 onward, prices resumed their upward movement, reaching 3,500 rubles per kilogram by December. In November 2025, instant coffee hit a new record high of 4,152 rubles per kilogram. Overall, instant coffee prices increased by nearly 60% over three years.

Coffee beans followed a more gradual but largely uninterrupted upward path. In January 2022, one kilogram cost 1,136 rubles, rising to 1,490 rubles by the end of that year. Prices remained relatively stable throughout 2023 before entering a new growth phase in 2024. By November 2025, the price of coffee beans reached 2,061 rubles per kilogram—an increase of roughly 80% over three years.

Industry experts note that official statistics reflect average market dynamics, which may underestimate the real financial impact felt by consumers in day-to-day purchases.

  • Key Drivers Behind the Price Increase

At the beginning of 2025, market forecasts suggested coffee prices could rise by 30–40%. In practice, price increases in several segments exceeded those expectations.

Market participants report that over the past two to three years, prices for many popular brands of ground and whole-bean coffee in retail stores have risen by 50–100% compared to 2021 levels.

The primary drivers of this trend include Russia’s near-total reliance on imported coffee, elevated global prices for coffee raw materials, and fluctuations in the ruble exchange rate. Additional pressure has come from higher costs associated with international payments, logistics, and packaging materials, all of which increase production costs before roasting even begins.

  • Impact on Cafés

Rising raw material costs have also affected the foodservice sector. During 2025, prices for coffee-based beverages increased by an average of 15–30% year-on-year. In certain formats—particularly 100% arabica and specialty coffee—the increase reached 35–45%.

In many cases, cafés implemented price increases gradually, introducing several small adjustments over the course of the year rather than a single sharp hike.

At the same time, industry representatives emphasize that profit margins remain limited. The cost of coffee itself accounts for only a small portion of the final price of a cup, while operating expenses—such as rent, wages, and taxes—make up the bulk of costs.

  • Price Outlook for 2026

Forecasting coffee prices for 2026 remains challenging due to multiple external variables, including weather conditions in producing countries, exchange rate movements, and the stability of global supply chains. Potential changes in tax policy could also add further pressure.

Current expectations point to continued price growth, though at a more moderate pace. Under a baseline scenario, prices could rise by 8–15% over the year if currency and logistics conditions remain relatively stable. In the event of renewed volatility, increases could be higher, particularly in higher-quality coffee segments.

Despite rising prices, demand for coffee in Russia remains resilient. Strong consumer attachment to the product has allowed the market to adapt to higher price levels without a significant decline in consumption.

  • A New Phase for the Coffee Market

Experts broadly agree that Russia’s coffee market is entering a new phase. While the period of sharp and sudden price shocks may be easing, a return to previously low price levels appears unlikely in the near term.

Instead, the market is expected to settle into a phase of relative price stabilization at higher levels, with future pricing shaped by currency dynamics, competition, and consumers’ ability to adjust to the evolving market environment.

South Korea’s Coffee Import Bill Hits Record $1.38 Billion in 2025

Posted on by Qahwa World

SEOUL – Qahwa World

South Korea’s coffee import bill reached a record high in 2025, driven by rising global coffee prices and a weakened local currency, according to data released on Sunday.

According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea imported more than 2 trillion won (US$1.38 billion) worth of coffee in 2025, marking the first time in the country’s history that coffee imports have surpassed the 2-trillion-won threshold.

Data from the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation showed that the total value of coffee imports climbed to 2.65 trillion won, representing a 41% increase compared to 2024. In U.S. dollar terms, coffee imports rose 35% year on year to US$1.86 billion, up from US$1.38 billion the previous year.

The sharp increase was largely attributed to a surge in global coffee prices, which reached a record high of more than US$4 per pound in February 2025 before easing to around US$3.5 per pound. The impact of higher prices was compounded by the weakness of the Korean won, which traded near multi-year lows for much of the year, pushing up import costs when calculated in local currency.

Despite the rise in import value, coffee import volumes declined slightly. Total coffee imports fell by 46 tons from the previous year to 215,792 tons in 2025, indicating that higher prices and currency effects—rather than increased volumes—were the primary drivers behind the record import bill.

South Korea remains one of Asia’s most active coffee markets, with sustained consumer demand continuing to support imports amid ongoing volatility in global coffee prices.

Dubai to Host the 2026 UAE National Brewers Cup Championship

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

Dubai will host the 2026 UAE National Brewers Cup Championship from 13 to 15 February 2026 at Karam Coffee in the Al Quoz area, bringing together some of the country’s top competitors in specialty coffee.

The Specialty Coffee Association–UAE Chapter, the event organizer, has set participation requirements for residents: competitors must have lived in the UAE for at least two years, hold a valid UAE residence visa, be a member of the association, and pay a registration fee of AED 1,000.

The association also invited the UAE coffee community to get involved through volunteering or sponsorship. Three sponsorship tiers are available:

Gold: AED 15,000

Silver: AED 10,000

Bronze: AED 5,000

Through this championship, the association aims to strengthen the specialty coffee sector in the UAE and support related educational and research initiatives.

Top Coffee-Producing Countries in 2025

Posted on by Qahwa World

A Full Analytical Reading of the Global Production Landscape in Early 2026

Dubai – Qahwa Word

As January 2026 begins, the global coffee sector is closely monitoring the completion of data for the 2025/2026 season, amid an increasingly complex interaction between climate variability, logistical disruptions, and new environmental regulations. Estimates available at this stage suggest that global coffee production is trending toward approximately 178.8 million 60-kg bags.

These figures do not represent final season results, but rather an early analytical snapshot based on field assessments and reports from international organizations as of early 2026. The focus extends beyond volume alone, highlighting deeper structural shifts that are reshaping global coffee production, trade flows, and varietal balance.

1. Top Ten Coffee-Producing Countries

(Estimates as of January 2026)

Available data confirm the continued dominance of Brazil and Vietnam in global coffee supply, while several African and Latin American origins show notable developments in both volume and crop structure.

Rank Country Production (million bags) Dominant variety Production status – Jan 2026
1 Brazil 64.2 – 65.0 Arabica / Robusta Peak export phase; strong Conilon growth amid Arabica volatility
2 Vietnam 30.8 – 31.0 Robusta Production recovery supported by improved irrigation practices
3 Colombia 14.8 Arabica Stable washed coffee output due to regular rainfall
4 Ethiopia 11.6 Arabica Strong crop supported by long-term tree-renewal programs
5 Indonesia 11.2 Robusta / Arabica Visible recovery restoring competitive positioning
6 Uganda 6.9 Robusta Continued rise as Africa’s leading Robusta supplier
7 India 6.2 Robusta / Arabica Stable production serving both export and domestic markets
8 Honduras 5.5 Arabica Gradual recovery despite rising production and labor costs
9 Peru 4.2 Arabica Expansion in planted area and growing organic orientation
10 Mexico 3.9 Arabica Relative stability aimed at meeting regional demand

2. Land Efficiency and Yield Performance

Early 2026 data highlight a clear divergence in production efficiency among leading coffee origins:

  • Vietnam and Brazil continue to record the highest yields globally, with Vietnam reaching an estimated 2.5–3 tons per hectare, driven by intensive farming models, improved plant material, and higher input use.

  • By contrast, Ethiopia and Colombia, despite their premium quality profiles, maintain lower average yields due to mountainous terrain, fragmented landholdings, and reliance on traditional farming systems. This has become a focal point for research discussions around productivity gains without compromising origin identity or biodiversity.

3. Arabica–Robusta Balance: A Structural Shift

Indicators from January 2026 suggest that Robusta now accounts for nearly 42% of global coffee production, reflecting a structural realignment shaped by multiple converging forces:

  1. Climate resilience: Robusta has demonstrated stronger tolerance to rising temperatures and irregular rainfall compared to climate-sensitive Arabica.

  2. Premium Robusta development: An increasing number of roasters are incorporating higher-quality Robusta into blends to manage costs while preserving cup structure.

  3. Price divergence: Persistently elevated Arabica prices continue to accelerate the market’s gradual rebalancing toward Robusta, particularly in commercial segments.

4. Logistics and Shipping Constraints

At the start of 2026, coffee supply chains remain under pressure from logistical disruptions:

  • Rising freight costs, linked to instability in key maritime corridors, have reduced the competitiveness of Asian-origin coffee in European spot markets.

  • Low global inventories, relative to recent multi-year averages, leave prices highly sensitive to weather events, geopolitical developments, and supply-side news.

5. Regulatory Pressure and Environmental Compliance (EUDR)

With the effective implementation of the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) in 2026, environmental compliance has become a defining factor in global coffee trade:

  • European buyers increasingly require digital traceability systems and precise geospatial coordinates to demonstrate deforestation-free supply chains.

  • Brazil and Vietnam appear comparatively well positioned in terms of technical readiness, while origins dominated by smallholder farming face significant challenges in meeting traceability requirements—potentially redirecting exports toward non-European markets.

Conclusion

The global coffee production landscape in early 2026 reflects a period of transition and anticipation. Competitive advantage is no longer defined solely by production volume, but increasingly by environmental compliance, climate adaptability, and logistical efficiency. As the 2025/2026 harvest reaches completion in the coming months, clearer signals will emerge from a season likely to play a pivotal role in reshaping the global coffee market.

Robots and Coffee: A Real-World Readiness Test

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

Humanoid robots may be able to perform martial arts routines, navigate obstacle courses, and impress audiences with highly choreographed demonstrations. But according to robotics experts, the true measure of progress lies not in spectacle, but in the ability to handle simple, everyday tasks—such as preparing a cup of coffee.

This perspective was at the center of a panel discussion among robotics leaders during the World Economic Forum in Davos, where speakers argued that the industry must move beyond polished demonstrations and focus on real-world usefulness if humanoid robots are to achieve meaningful adoption.

Jake Loosararian, Chief Executive Officer of an infrastructure-focused robotics company, emphasized that deployment—not design—is currently the sector’s biggest challenge. He noted that while public attention has fueled rapid innovation, many humanoid robots remain confined to controlled environments, far from the unpredictable conditions of daily life.

According to Loosararian, the lack of reliable, real-world data limits the ability of robots to operate effectively outside the lab. Building and testing robots as close as possible to their intended working environments is essential, he said, as this provides insights that cannot be replicated through simulations or online datasets. Tasks such as making coffee expose robots to variables like changing surfaces, lighting conditions, liquid handling, and human interaction—details that are critical yet often underestimated.

Daniela Rus, Director of the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, highlighted the gap between laboratory success and real-life performance. While robots can be programmed to fold laundry or load dishwashers, she explained, achieving this reliably in real environments remains extremely complex and costly. Bridging this gap will require advances in perception, sensor technology, and artificial intelligence models capable of adapting to unfamiliar situations.

From an industrial perspective, Shao Tianlan, Chief Executive Officer of a China-based artificial intelligence and robotics firm, pointed to learning as a key obstacle. He argued that for humanoid robots to function effectively in factories and service environments, they must be able to learn directly from humans—through demonstration and observation—much like people teach one another. This approach, he said, is more intuitive and practical than relying solely on pre-programmed instructions.

Despite ambitious predictions from technology companies preparing to scale humanoid robot production, most robots today are still showcased in tightly controlled settings. Some demonstrations even rely on remote human operators rather than full autonomy, underscoring how far the technology still has to go.

In this context, coffee becomes more than a beverage—it becomes a benchmark. Preparing coffee requires precision, coordination, adaptability, and an understanding of tools and materials. It is a deceptively simple task that reveals whether robots are ready to move from staged performances into real kitchens, cafés, and workplaces.

As the industry continues to evolve, the question remains open: can humanoid robots transition from impressive demonstrations to genuine daily assistance?
For now, a cup of coffee may be the most honest test of all.

Coffee Prices Rise as Dollar Weakens

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

Coffee futures ended higher on Friday, with robusta reaching a 1.5-month high, as the U.S. dollar fell to its lowest level in three and a half months. March arabica (KCH26) increased by 0.92%, while March robusta (RMH26) gained 2.88%. The weaker dollar prompted short-covering across commodities, including coffee.

Brazilian coffee exports have declined, supporting prices. Cecafe reported that December’s total green coffee exports fell 18.4% year-on-year to 2.86 million bags. Arabica shipments dropped 10% to 2.6 million bags, while robusta exports plunged 61% to 222,147 bags. Below-average rainfall in Minas Gerais, Brazil’s largest arabica-growing region, also added upward pressure, with Somar Meteorologia reporting only 33.9 mm of rain for the week ending January 16, just 53% of the historical average.

At the same time, inventories monitored by ICE have rebounded, putting some pressure on prices. Arabica stocks rose to a 2.5-month high of 461,829 bags, after reaching a 1.75-year low in November. Robusta inventories recovered to a 1.75-month high of 4,609 lots, following a 1-year low in December.

Global supply trends remain mixed. Brazil’s crop agency Conab raised its estimate for 2025 coffee production by 2.4% to 56.54 million bags. Vietnam, the world’s largest robusta producer, reported a 17.5% year-on-year increase in coffee exports for 2025, reaching 1.58 million metric tons. Its coffee output is projected to rise 6% to 29.4 million bags, marking a four-year high.

Overall, global coffee production is expected to grow, with USDA forecasts projecting a 2% increase in 2025/26 to a record 178.85 million bags. Arabica output is anticipated to fall 4.7% to 95.52 million bags, while robusta production is expected to climb 10.9% to 83.33 million bags. Brazil’s output is forecasted to decline 3.1% to 63 million bags, while Vietnam’s is projected to rise 6.2% to 30.8 million bags. Ending stocks are expected to drop 5.4% to 20.15 million bags.

The coffee market is navigating a mix of forces: a weaker dollar and tight Brazilian exports support prices, while recovering inventories and record Vietnamese production weigh on the market. Traders and industry observers will continue watching weather conditions, export flows, and inventory levels closely as the year progresses.

Colombian Coffee Day Celebrated at Dubai Coffee Museum

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Serkan Oral

The Embassy of Colombia in the United Arab Emirates, in collaboration with the Coffee Museum Dubai, hosted Colombian Coffee Day, welcoming coffee professionals, enthusiasts, and guests to a cultural celebration dedicated to one of the world’s most renowned coffee origins.

The event took place at the Coffee Museum, located in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, and highlighted Colombia’s rich coffee heritage under the theme:
“Honoring Colombian coffee for its signature smoothness and layered sensory richness, a flavor legacy embraced as a global standard of excellence.”

During the ceremony, Khalid Al Mulla, founder and Chief Executive Officer of the Coffee Museum, spoke about the exceptional quality of Colombian coffee, noting that it is often a central reference point in coffee discussions and professional conversations.

H.E. Luis Miguel Merlano Hoyos, Ambassador of Colombia to the United Arab Emirates, also addressed attendees, expressing his appreciation for hosting Colombian Coffee Day at the Coffee Museum and warmly welcoming coffee lovers who gathered to celebrate Colombia’s coffee culture.

Colombian Coffee Day serves as a tribute to the dedication of coffee growers and highlights the Coffee Cultural Landscape of Colombia, which has been recognized as a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage site. Traditional brewing methods were also highlighted during the event, including preparation using the olleta, a traditional pot used to brew coffee as an unfiltered infusion.

Colombia remains one of the world’s leading coffee-producing countries. The coffee sector not only supports thousands of farming families, but also plays a vital role in driving economic development across the country’s coffee-growing regions.

The Coffee Museum Dubai, located at Villa 44 in the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, is a specialized cultural venue founded by coffee expert Khalid Al Mulla. The museum showcases the history and global culture of coffee through antique roasting tools, regional brewing methods—including Arabic and Ethiopian traditions—a dedicated library, and an in-house café. Designed as a refined yet intimate space, the museum offers a relaxed atmosphere with a simple oriental aesthetic, aligned with international standards.

Khalid Al Mulla also serves as the national coordinator of the Specialty Coffee Association UAE chapter.

H.E. Luis Miguel Merlano Hoyos, who assumed office in July 2023, is Colombia’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates. Based in Abu Dhabi, his work focuses on strengthening bilateral relations, economic cooperation, and cultural exchange between Colombia and the UAE.

Colombian Coffee Day is also an occasion on which Colombians celebrate not only the quality of their coffee, but also the founding of the National Federation of Coffee Growers, a cornerstone institution in the country’s coffee history.

Brazil Coffee Export Revenue Hits Record Despite Falling Volumes

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

Brazil’s coffee export revenue reached a historic high of $15.6 billion in 2025, despite a significant decline in shipment volumes, according to the latest report from Cecafé, the Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council.

Released on January 19, the report shows that total coffee exports fell by more than 10 million 60-kilogram bags, dropping from a record 50,584,170 bags in 2024 to 40,049,222 bags in 2025—a decrease of over 20 percent. Even so, the 2025 figure remains higher than exports recorded in any year between 2020 and 2023.

Cecafé President Márco Ferreira attributed the surge in export earnings to steadily rising coffee prices throughout 2025. He noted that higher average monthly prices, combined with continued investment by Brazilian growers in technology, innovation, and quality, helped elevate both the standard and market value of Brazilian coffee.

The report also highlights the impact of United States tariffs, which led to a 55 percent decline in exports to the U.S. between August and November. The tariffs included a 40 percent national emergency levy, introduced on July 30, alongside a 10 percent reciprocal tariff. Both measures were lifted on November 12.

As a result of reduced U.S. demand, Germany emerged as Brazil’s largest coffee importer in 2025, followed by Italy, Japan, and Belgium.

Looking ahead, Ferreira expects Brazilian coffee exports in 2026 to once again exceed 40 million 60-kilogram bags, reinforcing the country’s position as the world’s largest coffee producer. By comparison, the record 2024 harvest generated approximately $12.5 billion in export revenue, while the 2023 crop earned $6.2 billion.

Italy Highlights Culinary Diversity and Sustainability at Gulfood 2026

Posted on by Qahwa World

UNESCO-Recognised Italian Cuisine Anchors Italy’s Presence at the World’s Leading Food Event

Dubai, UAE  – Qahwa World

Italy will take centre stage at Gulfood 2026, the world’s largest food and beverage trade show, running from 26–30 January across two venues: the Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai. The Italian Trade Agency (ITA), in partnership with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will showcase the nation’s culinary heritage and sustainable food practices.

A total of 22 companies will exhibit within the Italian Food Lab, complemented by 311 Italian exhibitors across the Italian Pavilion, reflecting Italy’s strong and diverse presence at the 31st edition of the event.

Italy’s participation is underscored by the recent UNESCO recognition of Italian cuisine, formally titled “Italian cooking between sustainability and biocultural diversity”, which has been inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This makes Italian cuisine the first national culinary tradition worldwide to receive this distinction, recognising it as a living cultural system rooted in agricultural landscapes, biodiversity, seasonal produce, and the intergenerational transmission of knowledge.

At Gulfood 2026, Italy will highlight the cultural, agricultural, and sustainable foundations of its food heritage. The Italian Food Lab will serve as an experiential hub, featuring live cooking demonstrations and gastronomic masterclasses led by Italian chefs based in the UAE and internationally. Visitors will be able to explore Italy’s regional culinary diversity, high-quality ingredients, and production practices that balance tradition with sustainability.

Trade figures underscore Italy’s established market presence in the UAE. In the first eleven months of 2025, Italy exported €416.9 million in food and beverage products to the UAE, following a total export value of €447 million in 2024. Leading categories include beverages (€76.5 million), cereal, flour, and starch-based preparations (€55.8 million), and dairy products (€32 million), demonstrating steady demand across retail, hospitality, and foodservice sectors.

“Italian cuisine goes beyond taste, reflecting a strong bond between people, tradition, and sustainability,” said H.E. Lorenzo Fanara, Ambassador of Italy to the UAE. “Gulfood is a key platform to share this heritage, recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, with partners and consumers across the UAE.”

Valerio Soldani, Italian Trade Commissioner to the UAE and Oman, added: “Italy’s food and beverage exports to the UAE reflect a mature and discerning market. Gulfood 2026 allows us to translate this value into experience, through the Italian Food Lab, masterclasses, and direct engagement, showcasing the cultural depth, diversity, and sustainability that now carry formal international recognition.”

Visitors to Gulfood 2026 are invited to experience the Italian Food Lab and its programme of masterclasses throughout the exhibition, offering an authentic insight into Italy’s rich food and agricultural heritage.

Dubai Coffee Auction 2026 Concludes with Over $70,000 in Sales

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai, UAE – Qahwa World

The Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) concluded the second edition of the “Dubai Coffee Auction,” with total specialty coffee sales exceeding $70,000, reflecting continued global demand for high-quality, traceable coffee.

The auction featured coffee from 13 different producing countries, marking the widest geographic range ever represented in a single coffee auction. Notably, the event included the first international sale of coffee from the continental United States and recorded the second-highest auction price for Bolivian coffee, highlighting strong international competition among buyers.

Held as part of the World of Coffee Dubai 2026, the auction attracted buyers from across the global specialty coffee market, with 1,364 bids submitted. The platform provided producers with a transparent and organized marketplace to reach international buyers directly.

This edition was part of a three-auction program over the Expo’s three days, including the “Coffee Equipment Auction” and the “Microlot Auction,” culminating in the “Exhibitors’ Coffee Auction,” showcasing a diverse range of coffees to an international audience.

DMCC’s Coffee Centre, located in the Jebel Ali Free Zone, offers integrated facilities including storage, processing, roasting, logistics, and training, connecting producers from Latin America, Africa, and Asia with global markets efficiently.

The World of Coffee Dubai 2026 ran from January 18 to 20 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, featuring over 2,100 companies and brands from the global specialty coffee industry.

Peet’s Coffee to Close Several San Francisco Locations

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

Peet’s Coffee is set to close multiple San Francisco locations, including its Polk Street café at 2139 C Polk St., as part of a broader restructuring expected to take effect by the end of January 2026.

A spokesperson for Peet’s confirmed the closures, emphasizing that the company is adjusting its operations to align with long-term growth strategies and current market conditions. Specific details regarding the total number of affected stores or their exact locations were not disclosed.

“These decisions reflect our ongoing commitment to sustainable growth while honoring the quality and heritage that have defined Peet’s for more than 60 years,” the spokesperson said. “We are deeply grateful to our employees and loyal customers and remain focused on innovation and excellence in every cup.”

Peet’s opened its Polk Street location in 1993 and currently operates more than 20 stores throughout San Francisco. Reports indicate that additional locations, including those at 919 Cole St. and 2257 Market St., are also expected to close this month.

The closures coincide with an $18 billion acquisition of Peet’s parent company, JDE Peet’s, by Keurig Dr Pepper, a deal slated to finalize later this year.

This wave of store reductions reflects broader shifts in the coffee industry as chains adapt to evolving market conditions and corporate restructuring plans.