Category: News

Drinkit Set to Launch in Saudi Arabia with Franchise Model

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Duabi – Qahwa World

The popular digital coffee chain “Drinkit” is preparing to enter the Saudi market through a franchise model, as part of an exciting expansion plan to grow its presence in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The goal is to bring Drinkit’s expertly crafted drinks to coffee lovers across the region.

Premium Coffee Experience with Top Quality

Drinkit is dedicated to offering a high-end coffee experience, built on its deep expertise and wide range of products. Beyond specialty coffee, the menu includes a variety of matcha and cocoa drinks, as well as healthy and creative food options. Known for its top-quality products and unique digital service, Drinkit has become one of the fastest-growing coffee chains in the world.

Smart and Easy Ordering

Drinkit stands out with its innovative system, where 90% of orders are placed online through kiosks or a dedicated app. The Drinkit app makes ordering simple, allowing customers to customize their drinks and have them ready in just three minutes. Smart pickup zones with digital screens ensure quick and easy collection, cutting down wait times.

The app also lets customers personalize their drinks, choosing everything from coffee beans to milk type, temperature, and sweetness. It even suggests drinks based on past orders, a feature loved by over 45% of customers, showing how much they value this tailored experience.

Global Growth and Proven Success

Founded in 2016, Drinkit has grown to over 103 locations in countries like the UAE, Russia, Kazakhstan, and the United States after being acquired by Dodo Brands in 2020. The menu boasts over 60 drinks, from specialty coffee to refreshing iced matcha and cocoa, all made with high-quality local ingredients.

Drinkit Set to Launch in Saudi Arabia with Franchise Model

CEO’s Statement

Katrina Bordish, CEO of Drinkit, said: “Entering Saudi Arabia is a big step in our global growth. It shows the rising demand for quick, high-quality coffee. We’re thrilled to bring our drinks and smart technology to Saudi customers, focusing on convenience and excellence.”

She added: “The Saudi coffee market is booming, valued at SAR 5-7 billion in 2024, with over 5% annual growth. Saudis consume more than 80,000 tons of coffee yearly, or about 36 million cups daily, making the Kingdom one of the world’s top coffee markets.”

Vision 2030

Bordish highlighted that cafés make up 16% of Saudi Arabia’s food service market, worth around SAR 17 billion. This growth is backed by government investments of over SAR 1.2 billion under Vision 2030, including plans to plant 5 million coffee trees and increase local production to 10,000 tons by 2030. New factories with a capacity of 27,000 tons are also in the works.

She noted that these efforts show how coffee in Saudi Arabia is evolving from a traditional drink into a thriving industry, attracting investment, creating jobs, and positioning the Kingdom as a key player in the global coffee scene.

Expansion Plans in Saudi Arabia

Bordish shared that Drinkit is in advanced talks with local partners and expects to open its first cafés in Saudi Arabia by late 2025 or early 2026. The plan is to reach 10 locations by the end of 2026.

US rolls back extra duties on Brazilian coffee imports

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Dubai – Qahwa World

The administration in Washington has moved to ease trade pressure on Brazil by withdrawing an additional 40% duty that had been placed on a range of Brazilian food products, including coffee. The decision, issued through an Executive Order dated 20 November 2025, applies to goods entering the US on or after 13 November 2025. The baseline 10% tariff introduced earlier in the year remains active.

Brazil supplies a significant share of the green coffee used by the US market. When the combined import levy reached 50%, shipments between the two countries were severely disrupted. Industry data shared in August 2025 indicated a sharp drop in US purchases of Brazilian coffee during the month the extra charge took effect. Many US roasters faced higher operating costs, and retail coffee prices rose noticeably as companies redirected sourcing to alternative suppliers. Warehouses in Brazil also experienced delays as trading activity slowed.

Representatives of Brazil’s coffee export sector said the heightened tariff regime had effectively halted their ability to ship to the US, noting that clients paused new agreements immediately after the higher duty was introduced.

The trade disruption briefly shifted global buying patterns, with another major European importer receiving more Brazilian shipments during that period. Retail coffee prices in the US climbed significantly, reflecting the sudden supply imbalance.

The White House has begun reversing several import charges in recent weeks as domestic food inflation remains elevated. Earlier in November, the administration announced the removal or reduction of duties on coffee from multiple producing countries, including Vietnam and several South American origins.

Following indications that tariff reductions were forthcoming, the head of a leading US coffee trade association welcomed the policy shift, noting that easing import costs could help stabilize supply chains and reduce financial pressure on coffee drinkers and businesses across the country.

The New Global Coffee Order: Major Transformations Shaping the Industry’s Future

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The coffee industry is witnessing an unprecedented transformation, reshaping itself under pressures that span climate, economics, trade, and consumer behavior. The World Coffee Portal’s recent two-part analytical study, titled “Coffee’s New World Order”, provides a deep dive into these sweeping changes, offering a comprehensive view of how the global coffee system is evolving before our eyes.

Climate Pressures and Production Volatility

Global coffee production is now more vulnerable than ever. In 2025, Brazil, the world’s largest arabica producer, faced severe heatwaves and erratic rainfall, pushing arabica prices to historic highs. Meanwhile, Vietnam, a key robusta supplier, suffered prolonged droughts that impacted yields, raising the cost of instant coffee ingredients to levels unseen in nearly half a century.

These climate challenges are compounding existing market pressures. Futures markets, historically driven by stable inventory practices, are now in backwardation, discouraging stockpiling and amplifying shortages. As a result, the world is seeing unprecedented fluctuations in both commodity prices and availability, affecting roasters, exporters, and consumers alike.

Trade Policies and Global Ripple Effects

Recent trade developments have intensified the industry’s volatility. When the United States imposed significant tariffs on Brazilian coffee, supply chains were forced to adapt quickly. European and Asian markets absorbed redirected volumes, leading Germany to surpass the US as Brazil’s largest export destination. Meanwhile, China has actively expanded imports to secure long-term supply for its growing domestic chains, including large-scale deals by regional players to stock thousands of stores.

These developments illustrate that coffee is no longer a commodity confined to traditional trade patterns. Instead, it is part of a dynamic, multi-polar market, where emerging economies increasingly influence global flows, pricing, and strategies.

Consumer Trends and Emerging Markets

The World Coffee Portal study emphasizes that consumption patterns are shifting globally. Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America are no longer passive markets. Local brands are rapidly innovating, offering products tailored to regional tastes, from fruit-infused coffee drinks to digital-first ordering experiences. These trends challenge legacy Western models of expansion, demonstrating that global dominance in coffee is no longer guaranteed by scale alone.

Specialty Coffee Under Pressure

Specialty coffee, long seen as insulated from commodity pressures, now faces both opportunities and risks. Automation and technological advances can reduce operational costs, but the premium coffee segment must balance quality, exclusivity, and affordability. Experts highlight that consumer expectations remain high; price increases must be justified by superior flavor, traceability, and experience. The premium market’s future will hinge on its ability to navigate these competing demands.

Sustainability and Climate Resilience

With 70% of global coffee produced by smallholders, sustainability is central to industry stability. Climate resilience, yield improvements, and farmer support are critical to safeguarding the coffee supply chain. While development aid has declined, private sector initiatives and collaborative programs—such as G7-backed funds and proposed levies on green coffee—are emerging as essential mechanisms to ensure long-term sustainability.

The End of Cheap Coffee?

The era of inexpensive, untraceable coffee is drawing to a close. Rising costs, climate impacts, and supply chain disruptions are driving prices upward, even as global demand remains robust. Consumers may pay more, but the industry is evolving toward efficiency, transparency, and collaboration, creating a new paradigm for how coffee is grown, traded, and consumed worldwide.

The World Coffee Portal’s study offers a rare and detailed glimpse into this evolving global landscape, providing essential insights for industry leaders, traders, and enthusiasts alike. The global coffee order is changing—and those who adapt quickly will define the next era of the industry.

From Opium to Coffee: The Story of Myanmar’s Farmer Transformation

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Hopong, Myanmar – Qahwa World

In a landmark moment for sustainable development in Myanmar, the Green Gold Cooperative (GGC) has inaugurated its central coffee processing plant in southern Shan State, marking a significant shift for communities that historically relied on opium poppy cultivation.

The facility reflects a decade-long journey during which farmers have transitioned from planting their first coffee seeds to managing a fully autonomous and self-sustaining production process, demonstrating that legal and sustainable livelihoods are achievable even in areas long affected by opium cultivation.

From Poppy Fields to Sustainable Coffee

Myanmar remains the world’s leading producer of illicit opium, generating an estimated USD 518 million annually in rural areas characterized by poverty and insecurity. For over 30 years, Alternative Development programmes have supported communities in replacing illicit crops with sustainable alternatives.

GGC exemplifies this effort. Since 2015, when 530 farmers replaced opium with coffee, the cooperative has grown to include more than 1,000 producers across 48 village committees. Its mission extends beyond improving livelihoods, aiming to establish a sustainable, community-owned business.

In 2019, GGC became Myanmar’s first Fairtrade-certified coffee producers’ organization, allowing farmers to invest Fairtrade premiums in social projects and production improvements. These funds also enabled the purchase of the land where the new processing plant now stands.

From Opium to Coffee: Myanmar Farmers Transform Their Livelihoods

A Modern Facility for Production and Quality

Construction began three years ago with support from Switzerland, enabling GGC to process green coffee beans locally. The final phase, completed with support from the Government of Japan, added office space, roasting and packaging areas, and a fully equipped laboratory for coffee quality analysis.

The new facility allows GGC to process, roast, and package coffee independently, reducing reliance on third parties and unlocking new market opportunities. It also provides a modern space for training, innovation, and quality control, strengthening the cooperative’s competitiveness in international markets.

“This achievement reflects the communities’ commitment to creating real alternatives to illicit economies,” said UNODC Country Manager Yatta Dakowah. “It is a clear example of how sustainable livelihoods can replace poppy cultivation when farmers are empowered and supported.”

Between 2018 and 2024, GGC exported over 1,000 tons of green coffee, generating USD 5.48 million in income and earning recognition as a symbol of quality, sustainability, and inclusion.

From Opium to Coffee: Myanmar Farmers Transform Their Livelihoods

Celebrating Partnership and Progress

On 25 September 2025, over 250 participants attended GGC’s annual general assembly and the inauguration ceremony. The event brought together farmers, government representatives, and international partners, including delegates from Finland and Italy, representatives of JICA, and Shogo Yoshitake, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Japan in Yangon, who symbolically handed over the key to the new facility.

Elina Korhonen, Deputy Head of Mission and Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of Finland, praised GGC’s inclusive governance, noting its gender-balanced board and encouraging further participation of women in leadership roles.

The inauguration underscores how collaborative initiatives and sustainable development projects can transform communities historically dependent on illicit economies into models of legal, community-driven prosperity in Myanmar.

Starbucks aims to reach 1,000 stores in India by 2028

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Starbucks’ global leadership has reaffirmed India’s position as one of the company’s most dynamic international markets, announcing new growth targets and fresh support for the country’s coffee sector.

The company’s Chief Executive, Brian Niccol, said in an interview with CNBC TV18 that India is now among the fastest-growing territories for the brand. The joint venture between the US coffee chain and Tata Consumer Products is expected to reach 500 stores this month, marked by the opening of a second Reserve location in the Delhi NCR area.

Niccol confirmed that the long-term ambition is to expand the network to 1,000 stores by 2028, emphasizing that success depends on pairing the company’s global expertise with a strong local presence. He highlighted that the strategy includes rolling out more premium formats aligned with the wider “Back to Starbucks” roadmap.

Starbucks first entered India in 2012 with a store in Mumbai and established a roasting facility in Karnataka the following year.

Alongside its retail growth plans, Starbucks also announced a new initiative aimed at strengthening India’s coffee value chain. Through the newly launched Farmer Support Partnership, the company’s global procurement and trading arm—Starbucks Coffee Trading Company—will work with growers in major producing regions including Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala. The programme is designed to create technical model farms, promote best agricultural practices, and connect local producers with Starbucks’ global farming network.

The initiative will also support trials of new coffee varietals and collaborate with existing Farmer Support Centers located in countries such as Indonesia, China, and Costa Rica. Niccol said the partnership aims to train 10,000 farmers, combining Starbucks’ agronomy knowledge with Tata Starbucks’ understanding of local conditions.

Tata Consumer Products recently reported that Tata Starbucks returned to like-for-like sales growth for the first time in a year, supported in part by a government reduction in food and beverage taxes. The brand recorded 8% revenue growth in the second quarter ending 30 September 2025.

‘No Contract, No Coffee’: Why Starbucks Workers Are Striking Across the US

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Unionized employees at Starbucks are intensifying a nationwide strike, warning it could become the largest and longest in the company’s history. Workers are urging customers to avoid stores while contract negotiations remain unresolved.

Since November 13, more than 1,000 baristas in over 40 cities have participated in the strike, which began on Starbucks’ “Red Cup Day”—a key moment marking the start of the holiday season. Discussions over the company’s first union contract stalled in recent months, with both Starbucks and the union attributing the deadlock to the other party.

Starbucks Workers United, representing roughly 11,000 employees at more than 550 stores, has also filed numerous unfair labor practice claims with the National Labor Relations Board, alleging that Starbucks has not negotiated in good faith.

Dachi Spoltore, a striking barista from Pittsburgh, emphasized the stakes: “We take pride in our work, but we are tired of being treated as replaceable. Our livelihoods and jobs are on the line. This strike is about securing fair contracts and ensuring our work is valued.”

The unionization effort began in December 2021, when a Buffalo store became the first to vote in favor of union representation. Since then, hundreds of additional stores have joined, making this one of the most prominent labor movements in recent US history. Starbucks has long resisted unionization, arguing that direct employee engagement is the most effective approach.

A Starbucks spokesperson said the strike has not significantly disrupted operations, noting that more than 99% of stores remained open during Red Cup Day, which achieved record sales. The company also highlighted the benefits offered to employees, including average hourly pay exceeding $30.

Starbucks is also navigating wider business pressures, including rising coffee prices, slower consumer demand, declining stock performance, and leadership transitions. Current CEO Brian Niccol has introduced job cuts and store closures as part of a “Back to Starbucks” initiative.

The union reports that most of the 65 locations affected by the strike have had to close temporarily due to staffing shortages. About 92% of union members voted in favor of the open-ended strike. The “No Contract, No Coffee” campaign could expand if progress in contract talks remains stalled.

Political leaders have publicly backed the striking workers. New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and Seattle mayor-elect Katie Wilson both encouraged boycotts, while dozens of US senators and congressional representatives sent letters urging Starbucks to reach an agreement with the union.

Global Coffee Giants Face Slower Growth and Rising Costs

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Leading coffee companies are encountering a slowdown in consumer demand. Poor harvests, trade tariffs, and rising costs have weakened coffee consumption in Western markets, slowing sales growth and putting pressure on company valuations in the $400 billion industry. Expansion into emerging markets like China is seen as the next step, but it will likely be a costly and complex effort.

The modern coffee surge began in the late 1990s, peaking just before the pandemic. Major chains like Starbucks spread rapidly through Western cities, followed by the emergence of numerous specialty coffee shops. Companies such as Nestlé expanded their coffee lines to capitalize on growing demand for a high-margin beverage.

In 2018, Nestlé acquired the rights to sell Starbucks-branded products outside the U.S. for $7 billion. That same year, JAB, owner of JDE Peets, invested $2 billion to acquire a controlling stake in Pret A Manger. Coca-Cola also purchased Costa for $5 billion, describing the chain as a platform to broaden coffee sales from supermarkets to automated vending.

Yet, recent years have seen challenges mount. Coffee prices have surged, making popular drinks like cappuccinos and lattes more expensive for consumers, particularly in inflation-affected regions. In the U.S., ground coffee reached a record $9 per pound, double the price from 2021, and coffee prices increased 9% in the past year, well above overall inflation.

Future production faces risks from extreme weather events—droughts, floods, and frost—in key coffee-growing countries such as Brazil, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Rising labor costs and other operational expenses now make up roughly 90% of the cost of a cup of coffee. Tariffs on countries producing coffee pods, including Switzerland and Brazil, further strain margins, though recent U.S. agreements with Argentina, Ecuador, Guatemala, and El Salvador may ease some pressures.

The sector is seeing major shifts. Starbucks, valued at $100 billion, has faced profit warnings and is closing about 1% of its stores under CEO Brian Niccol. Keurig Dr Pepper’s $18 billion purchase of JDE Peets is designed to separate higher-margin beverage sales from lower-margin coffee operations. Pret A Manger also recorded a significant write-down, and Coca-Cola has considered divesting Costa due to underperformance.

Nestlé, whose at-home coffee products tend to be smaller and lower in caffeine content, appears better positioned against inflation. Still, the bigger challenge is sustaining growth in already crowded markets. In the U.S., Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts operate nearly 30,000 stores combined, while in the U.K., 98 million cups of coffee are consumed daily, with almost one in five people visiting a coffee shop each day.

To find growth, companies are increasingly turning to China and Latin America. Nestlé’s new CEO, Philipp Navratil, plans to introduce products in these regions, and Starbucks recently announced 145 new stores across Latin America and the Caribbean. However, income levels remain modest in these markets, competition is intense, and marketing costs will likely rise, limiting profitability. Starbucks’ experience in China demonstrates the difficulty of competing with local operators and imitations.

Expanding beyond saturated Western markets is logical, but the path forward may mean slower growth and smaller margins for the coffee industry.

CNN: Rome’s Oldest Café Falls Silent After Bitter Legal Battle

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For more than two centuries, the Antico Caffè Greco stood as a cultural landmark on Via dei Condotti, a gathering place for writers, artists, actors and travelers drawn to the historic charm of Rome’s oldest coffee house. But as CNN reported, the iconic café has now fallen quiet after a long and costly legal dispute.

Last month, the celebrated venue closed its doors. Portraits of illustrious visitors — including Buffalo Bill — were taken down, velvet chairs and wooden booths removed, and gilded tableware packed away. A café once frequented by Rome’s 19th-century elite and the glamorous figures of “La Dolce Vita” now stands empty.

The closure followed years of conflict between proprietors Carlo Pellegrini and Flavia Iozzi and their landlord, the Israelite Hospital of Rome. According to CNN, the dispute began in 2017 when the hospital increased the monthly rent from 17,000 euros to 120,000 euros after an 80-year lease expired, citing comparable prices on the luxury-lined street.

Commercial rents throughout central Rome have surged in recent years, pushing out long-standing businesses — a trend intensified during the Covid pandemic. Pellegrini argued that the proposed increase was impossible to meet.

In 2024, CNN reported that the hospital won the final court ruling to remove the café’s tenants and seek a new operator. Until the closure, the walls still held memories of its famous past: Dickens, James, Keats, Welles, Hepburn, Loren — and even a romantic encounter described by Casanova in his memoir.

Despite premium prices, visitors continued to value the chance to drink from cups once used by figures like Picasso and Princess Diana.

Eviction came in October, with assistance from Italy’s military police. The café was sealed, locks were changed, and a “closed for vacation” sign removed.

CNN noted that staff, citing concerns about a leaking pipe, removed artwork and memorabilia worth an estimated 8 million euros before the eviction. These items were later seized by authorities and placed under the protection of Italy’s Culture Ministry.

The hospital stated that revenue from its properties supports healthcare services and said the rent increase was intended to improve patient care.

According to CNN, the hospital’s special commissioner confirmed that the café will reopen after necessary building work, with its historic character preserved under a new owner. Pellegrini, however, has vowed to continue contesting the outcome.

For now, the once-busy landmark is an empty shell on one of Rome’s most prestigious streets. Tourists peer through windows into the silent interior, where lights remain on but no coffee is brewed.

“It is a tragedy that it had to close this way,” longtime customer Manuel Capponi told CNN. “But the city has weathered worse storms. Another café will come — and its prices will likely reflect the higher rent.”

Countdown Begins for World of Coffee Dubai 2026

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60 days to go until the biggest coffee industry event in the Middle East

Dubai  — Qahwa World

DXB LIVE, the integrated event management and experiential agency of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), has announced the return of World of Coffee Dubai for its fifth edition, taking place from 18 to 20 January 2026 at Za’abeel Halls 1, 4, 5, and 6 at DWTC.

Organised by DXB LIVE in collaboration with the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA), the event has rapidly grown into the leading coffee industry exhibition in the Middle East, attracting producers, roasters, traders, and experts from around the globe. The 2026 edition promises to build on this success, further cementing Dubai’s reputation as a global hub for coffee trade, culture, and innovation.

Since its inception, World of Coffee Dubai has quadrupled in size, reflecting the region’s rapidly expanding coffee landscape. International exhibitors now represent approximately 77% of total participants, highlighting the confidence of the global coffee community in Dubai as a key meeting point for business, innovation, and collaboration.

The timing of the event aligns with the strong growth of the UAE’s coffee market, currently valued at over USD 3.2 billion (AED 12 billion) and projected to expand by 8.4% annually, reaching USD 4.5 billion (AED 16.5 billion) by 2029. Across the MENA region, the coffee market is expected to surpass USD 11 billion (AED 40 billion) within the same period. This growth is driven by rising demand for specialty coffee, evolving consumer preferences, and sustained investments in quality, sustainability, and technology—all of which will be reflected in the enhanced 2026 edition of the exhibition.

Khalid Al Hammadi, Executive Vice President of DXB LIVE, commented: “This exhibition embodies the UAE’s vision to be a global hub for specialty coffee, bridging producing regions and fast-growing markets. With participation expanding each year, World of Coffee Dubai has become an international platform uniting leading experts, brands, and innovators—reflecting Dubai’s spirit of innovation and reaffirming its pivotal role in shaping the future of the coffee industry both regionally and globally.”

Yannis Apostolopoulos, CEO of the Specialty Coffee Association, added: “World of Coffee Dubai has become one of the key events where the global coffee community comes together under one roof. Each new edition strengthens its position as an exceptional international showcase, thanks to the outstanding calibre of participants who help define the future of specialty coffee.”

Khalid Al Mulla, CEO of the SCA UAE Chapter, highlighted the event’s educational dimension: “What distinguishes World of Coffee Dubai is its commitment to learning and knowledge exchange. It’s more than a marketplace—it’s a place where ideas are shared, skills are refined, and partnerships are built, creating a sustainable and thriving ecosystem for the coffee industry.”

The 2026 edition will feature the most diverse and inclusive program to date, including three national coffee championships—the UAE National Barista Championship, UAE National Cup Tasters Championship, and UAE National Roasting Championship—alongside the Best Coffee Design Awards, the Best New Product Competition, and two exclusive coffee auctions showcasing some of the world’s rarest beans.

World of Coffee Dubai continues to celebrate coffee culture, foster innovation, and connect tradition with progress. Exhibitors can now secure their spaces, and early-bird tickets for visitors are available through the official website: dubai.worldofcoffee.org

.With just 60 days to go, the countdown is officially on—coffee enthusiasts, professionals, and industry leaders from across the globe are preparing for three days of innovation, competitions, networking, and world-class knowledge sharing in the heart of Dubai.

Vietnam’s Coffee Exports Could Surpass 8 Billion USD in 2025

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Vietnam’s Ministry of Agriculture and Environment reported that in October 2025, the country’s coffee exports reached 71.9 thousand tons, valued at 403.5 million USD.

Over the first ten months of the year, Vietnam’s total coffee exports amounted to 1.3 million tons, worth 7.41 billion USD, marking a historic record with a 61.8% increase in value compared to the previous year. The average export price reached 5,653 USD per ton, up 42.5% from last year. Some markets showed particularly strong growth, notably Mexico, where export value increased 34.7 times.

The Vietnam Coffee and Cocoa Association notes that coffee exports in 2025 could exceed 8 billion USD, achieving the target originally planned for 2030 much earlier. Three key factors behind this breakthrough are:

Improved product quality

Increased share of deep processing

Market expansion aligned with long-term strategy

The association also points out that before 2020, low prices forced many farmers to reduce planting areas, limiting supply. At the same time, businesses actively invested in sustainable production chains, improved product quality, and complied with international standards. With supply shortages and rising demand, coffee prices surged, leading to record export value.

Free trade agreements, particularly with the European Union (EU), also encouraged businesses and farmers to adopt standards with lower emissions and higher product quality.

The results of 2025 demonstrate that Vietnam’s coffee industry has developed a responsible production ecosystem — from raw material to processing, strengthening the global position of Vietnamese coffee and laying the foundation for sustainable growth in the coming years.

China Keeps Maximum Lead Limit for Coffee Unchanged Until 2026

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Beijing – Qahwa World

In its recently revised national food safety standard, China has maintained the maximum allowable limit for lead in both green and roasted coffee beans at 0.5 mg/kg, a level that will remain in effect when the new regulation comes into force in September 2026.

The decision is part of the broader “National Food Safety Standard on Maximum Levels of Contaminants in Foods (GB 2762-2025),” jointly released by China’s National Health Commission (NHC) and the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) on September 25, 2025.

While the updated standard introduces several revisions—including adjustments to nitrite limits in packaged drinking water and the addition of new categories like edible bird’s nest—the lead threshold for coffee beans remains consistent with the previous 2022 standard. This provides continuity for international coffee exporters and domestic stakeholders who rely on the Chinese market.

The standard specifies that the lead limit applies to the edible part of the product. For coffee, this means the beans as consumed or processed, ensuring that safety assessments are based on what is ultimately ingested by consumers.

The finalized GB 2762-2025 will officially replace the current GB 2762-2022 on September 2, 2026, giving producers, exporters, and regulators over a year to adapt to the updated requirements.

Stakeholders are encouraged to review the full standard to assess its comprehensive impact on their operations. An unofficial English translation has been provided by the USDA Foreign Agricultural Service in its recent GAIN report.

MOKHA 1450’S LATEST INNOVATION IS A CULTURAL COFFEE EXPERIENCE AT ANDAZ DUBAI THE PALM

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POP-UP OPENS NOVEMBER 23RD ON THE MEZZANINE LEVEL

Dubai — Qahwa World

Starting November 23rd, coffee enthusiasts and creative minds alike are in for a treat as Mokha 1450, Dubai’s acclaimed luxury specialty coffee brand, brings its signature craft and experiential coffee innovations to Andaz Dubai The Palm with an exclusive pop-up experience.

Located within the hotel’s Co-Working Lounge on the Mezzanine Level, the pop-up invites guests to work, connect, and unwind while indulging in Mokha 1450’s bespoke single origin coffees. Designed as a vibrant community space, the venue blends productivity with creativity, offering the perfect backdrop for those who enjoy working in an inspiring and creative atmosphere with great coffee and even better company.

Celebrated for its dedication to authentic sourcing and storytelling, Mokha 1450 curates exceptional single-origin coffees from select regions across the globe. At Andaz, this passion comes to life through a bespoke sensory experience that merges the UAE’s unique coffee culture, aroma, artistry, and design.

Mokha 1450 is named after the ancient Middle Eastern port, the birthplace of the world’s first coffee trade in in the middle of the fifteenth century. The brand is renowned for preserving rare coffee varietals, partnering directly with women owned and operated coffee farmers and cooperatives across the world, and ensuring ethical, sustainable, and traceable sourcing. With a commitment to storytelling and cultural heritage, Mokha 1450 has become one of the region’s, as well as the world’s most respected specialty coffee pioneers, celebrated for its innovations, meticulous roasting profiles, exclusive microlots, and deep-rooted mission to honor coffee’s historical culture and origins.

“Welcoming Mokha 1450 aligns perfectly with the Andaz brand ethos,” says Moritz Frings, General Manager of Andaz Dubai The Palm. “Our brand is deeply rooted in culture and self-expression — each Andaz hotel is an imaginative interpretation of its location, a living reflection of local design, flavors, and lifestyle. Their passion for quality and authenticity aligns beautifully with our vision of offering experiences that are local, creative, and full of personality. This collaboration is about more than coffee — it’s about culture, connection, and craft.”

“Andaz Dubai the Palm is an iconic five-star hotel that is beloved in the world of hospitality for its eclectic blending of luxury, community spirit, and a vibrant, personalized guest experiences,” says Garfield Kerr, CEO of Mokha 1450 Luxury Specialty Coffee Dubai. “The bespoke nature of the hotel’s offerings, wherever they are located sets it apart from its peers and is the reason visitors to Dubai gravitate to Andaz Dubai the Palm in large numbers that are well above the normal occupancy rates in Dubai. For these reasons we very much look forward to working together to showcase Dubai’s rich and unique coffee culture that is now leading the world of Specialty Coffee, to both visitors to Dubai and locals alike.”

Mokha 1450 Launches Cultural Coffee Experience at Andaz Dubai

During the daytime, the Co-Working Lounge will serve as a lively hub for productivity and connection — a place where guests and residents can work, network, or simply enjoy a perfectly brewed coffee that is prepared by a Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) certified professional barista in a relaxed yet creative setting. As the evening sets in, the atmosphere transforms, with Mokha 1450 introducing a selection of coffee-based as well as non coffee mocktails crafted to deliver the same depth and complexity as their single origin coffees. These innovative creations give the space a laid-back lounge feel, inviting guests to unwind, socialize, and wrap up their day over unique 0% mixology and coffee-inspired concoctions.

Guests can look forward to limited-edition coffees, signature cold infusions, and interactive tasting sessions led by Mokha 1450’s expert baristas, all within an intimate, design-led setting that embodies both brands’ shared dedication to creativity and community.

Whether you’re starting your morning with a smooth flat white, taking a break between meetings, or winding down with a hand-brewed pour-over or mocktail, Mokha 1450 at Andaz Dubai The Palm offers an inspired escape that blends taste with experience.

Location: Andaz Co-Working Lounge, Mezzanine Level, Andaz Dubai The Palm

Opening Date: 23rd November 2025

Hours: 9 A.M.–7P.M. Daily

OTHER MOKHA 1450 LOCATIONS:

MOKHA 1450 COFFEE BOUTIQUE

Boutique No. 8, Aswaaq Center, Al Badaa, Al Wasl Road, Dubai, UAE

+971 4 321 6455

MOKHA 1450 COFFEE LOUNGE

Golden Mile, Galleria 8, Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, UAE

+971 4 425 4067

MOKHA 1450 COFFEE PRIORISTS

Emirates Towers, Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE

+971 58 583 7674

NEW: MOKHA 1450 x A NORMAL DAY BISTRO

A Normal Day Bistro, Dar Al Wasl, 2D Street, Al Wasl, Dubai, UAE

Instagram: @anormaldaybistro

NEW: MOKHA 1450 x THREE BY EVA

Three by Eva, Villa 53 – Al Wasl Street – 23B St, Dubai, UAE

Instagram: @threebyeva

NEW: MOKHA 1450 x MODORA

Modora, Umm Suqeim Street, Al Barsha Second, Dubai, UAE

Instagram: @modorahome

ABOUT MOKHA 1450

Mokha 1450 is a UAE-based luxury specialty coffee brand known for ethically sourcing coffee primarily from some of the world’s finest women-owned and operated coffee farms. With a focus on sustainability, empowerment of women in the coffee industry, and delivering unmatched quality, Mokha 1450 continues to redefine the coffee experience for discerning clientele. Visit us at The Palm Jumeirah, Al Wasl Road, Emirates Towers, or any of our newest locations and pop ups across the UAE to explore the Heart of Coffee.

Website: www.mokha1450.com

Instagram: @Mokha1450

Contact: Ph- 971 4 321 6455; Email- [email protected]