Category: News

Coffee Prices Continue to Rise in Russia, with a Further Increase Expected in 2026

Posted on by Qahwa World

Moscow – Qahwa World

Coffee prices in Russia continue to rise alongside growing consumer spending on this daily beverage, which has become a symbol of modern lifestyle across the country. According to the financial platform Vyberu.ru, about one-third of Russians spend between 3,000 and 5,000 rubles per month on takeaway coffee. Around 11% of respondents buy coffee every day, 3% purchase it several times daily, while 27% do so three to five times a week. Nearly 30% of respondents said they don’t buy takeaway coffee at all.

The survey also revealed that 42% of consumers feel that coffee has little impact on their monthly budgets, while 26% say the growing prices have become a noticeable financial burden. According to Rosstat, the Russian Federal Statistics Service, the average price of a kilogram of instant coffee surpassed 4,000 rubles in September 2025, marking the highest level in the country’s history.

Market analysts predict that prices will continue to rise, with an additional 20–25% increase expected in 2026. Dmitry Gushchin, CEO of a Russian coffee production company, explained that the next wave of price growth will be driven mainly by currency fluctuations and new tax policies, rather than by global market changes. He added that the recent trade tensions reignited by U.S. President Donald Trump have also affected global coffee flows and tariffs, contributing to the anticipated rise.

“We expect coffee prices to increase by about a quarter in 2026. Even if New York and London exchange prices remain stable, currency swings and trade barriers will play a key role,” said Gushchin in an interview with Gazeta.ru.

He warned that new import tariffs in the U.S., the world’s largest coffee consumer, could reduce global demand and indirectly push up prices in Russia, especially if the ruble weakens against the dollar. Currently, 150 grams of instant coffee costs about 580 rubles, 250 grams of ground coffee about 656 rubles, and the same amount of roasted beans nearly 800 rubles.

Sergey Rumyantsev, founder of One Price Coffee, confirmed that the price surge began last year and reached its sharpest level in the past five decades. He emphasized that the current rise is less about global market fluctuations and more about domestic inflation and new tax measures.

Despite these pressures, experts agree that Russians are unlikely to abandon their daily coffee rituals. For many, coffee remains a source of comfort and focus — a small luxury that provides both energy and emotional satisfaction. As coffee culture continues to grow, analysts believe that in 2026, Russians will not only maintain their consumption levels but also increase their spending in line with global trends.

Peter Akingbade Crowned Champion of the UAE National Cup Tasters Championship 2025

Posted on by Qahwa World

Abu Dhabi – Qahwa World

Peter Akingbade, representing Barista Seed To Cup, has been crowned the Champion of the UAE National Cup Tasters Championship 2025, after an exceptional performance that demonstrated outstanding precision in distinguishing coffee flavors and identifying subtle differences among various cups.

Pratama Rakhmatullah from the Specialty Coffee Association of Indonesia claimed second place, while Sherryl Inocencio Napit, founder of The Ore Coffee Roastery, secured third place.

The award ceremony was held at the conclusion of the championship in the presence of Khalid Al Mulla, President of the Specialty Coffee Association of the UAE, who honored the winners and presented the trophies, alongside Saeed Al Baloushi, a board member of the association, and several representatives of local and international coffee roasters and cafés.

The competition took place over three consecutive days as part of the Global Food Week at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), with the participation of 84 competitors representing the country’s most skilled coffee professionals, baristas, and tasters — in what was one of the most intense and technically demanding editions to date.

In a statement to Qahwa World, Saeed Al Baloushi said, “This year’s competition showcased an exceptional level of professionalism and focus. Participants demonstrated remarkable sensory skills in evaluating coffee based on flavor, consistency, and aroma. Winning the title requires not only experience but also precise sensory control and mental focus — qualities that the champion mastered perfectly.”

Al Baloushi added that the winner will represent the United Arab Emirates at the World Cup Tasters Championship 2026, scheduled to take place in Thailand in May, noting that this achievement reflects the UAE’s growing prominence in the global specialty coffee community.

Trump Faces Bipartisan Backlash Over Coffee Tariffs

Posted on by Qahwa World

Washington, D.C. – Qahwa World

A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers is urging President Donald Trump to exempt coffee imports from new reciprocal tariffs that have driven up consumer prices nationwide.

Representatives Ro Khanna (D-CA) and Don Bacon (R-NE) sent a joint letter to the White House requesting that coffee be added to the list of goods excluded under Executive Order 14257, arguing that tariffs on a commodity the U.S. scarcely produces only hurt consumers.

“We respectfully request your administration exempt coffee from reciprocal tariff measures that are drastically increasing its price,” the lawmakers wrote. “Given that our nation consumes around 400 million cups per day, this is one modest but meaningful way to help the American people.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, coffee prices in the U.S. rose 20.9% year-over-year in August 2025. The National Coffee Association reports that roughly 99% of all coffee consumed in the country is imported, mainly from Latin America and Africa.

Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariffs aim to level global trade terms, but coffee — not listed among exempt goods — has seen costs rise sharply. Khanna and Bacon note that Hawaii and Puerto Rico produce only small specialty quantities, representing less than 1% of domestic consumption.

“Tariffs on coffee do not protect domestic businesses and interests—they only raise costs and amount to an additional tax on American consumers,” the letter said. “It is not practical to tariff a product that our nation does not meaningfully produce.”

The lawmakers warned that higher import costs are forcing small coffee shops and hospitality businesses to raise prices or close altogether. Khanna, whose district covers Silicon Valley, said he regularly hears from café owners struggling to stay afloat.

The two legislators also recently introduced the “No Coffee Tax Act”, seeking to repeal coffee-related tariffs entirely. Bacon, who will retire from Congress next year, called the policy “a punishment to Americans,” adding, “There is no American alternative to coffee — why tariff something we can’t grow?”

A White House spokesman, Kush Desai, responded that the President had already included coffee among goods eligible for tariff-free treatment under certain trade deals, and blamed global supply disruptions in producing regions for recent price hikes.

Despite that clarification, the bipartisan pressure reflects growing unease over the wider economic impact of Trump’s tariff agenda — from agricultural exports to daily consumer goods such as coffee, a staple for two-thirds of American adults.

Starbucks to Hire Thousands of New Managers by 2026

Posted on by Qahwa World

Seattle – Qahwa World

Starbucks has unveiled a large-scale hiring initiative to appoint full-time Assistant Store Managers (ASMs) in all of its company-operated stores across the United States and Canada by the end of 2026. The plan represents one of the most significant structural workforce expansions in the company’s recent history.

At present, only about 20 % of the 11,400 company-owned Starbucks outlets in North America have an ASM. Most of these roles have been part-time and experience relatively high turnover. Moving forward, Starbucks intends to assign a full-time ASM to every location, creating roughly 9,000 new positions across its network.

The company began piloting the full-time version of this role in mid-2025 at select stores in California, Illinois, and Texas. During that trial, 62 full-time ASMs were appointed — 90 % of them promoted from within. Starbucks now plans to maintain that internal-promotion rate as it scales up the initiative, aiming for 90 % of all retail leadership roles to be filled by existing employees by 2028.

According to Sara Kelly, Starbucks’ Chief Partner Officer, the ASM position will help store managers devote more time to coaching teams and elevating the customer experience — a key objective of the company’s “Back to Starbucks” plan.
“When we have strong, stable leaders throughout every shift, everything improves — from partner satisfaction to customer connection and overall store performance,” Kelly said in the company’s statement.

The new full-time ASMs will assist store managers with day-to-day operations such as staff scheduling, inventory control, and store coordination. Starbucks expects the added managerial stability to enhance workflow efficiency and strengthen in-store culture.

This hiring campaign coincides with CEO Brian Niccol’s broader effort to revitalize Starbucks’ brand identity and restore the “coffeehouse atmosphere” that helped make the company famous. Under his leadership, the chain has been phasing out stores focused purely on mobile orders and pickup, which Niccol described as “overly transactional.”

In July 2025, Starbucks announced plans to shut down all pickup-only locations in the U.S. by year-end. Then, in September, Niccol revealed that hundreds of underperforming stores across North America would close because they were not suitable for remodeling within the “Back to Starbucks” framework.

Introduced in October 2024, the strategy focuses on bringing warmth and comfort back to the brand’s physical spaces. Newly redesigned stores in New York and Southern California — featuring softer lighting, cozy seating, vibrant artwork, and ceramic serveware — have shown early signs of higher customer traffic and longer visits. Encouraged by those results, Starbucks plans to refurbish around 1,000 U.S. outlets, about 10 % of its company-owned stores, by July 2026.

The announcement also follows Starbucks’ recent financial update. For the third quarter ending 29 June 2025, the company reported U.S. revenue of $6.45 billion — up 1 % year-over-year — despite a 2 % decline in comparable-store sales. The coffee chain is scheduled to release its fourth-quarter and full-year earnings on 29 October 2025.

The hiring surge marks a notable contrast to the store closures outlined earlier in the year. While trimming less viable locations, Starbucks is simultaneously investing in people and training to reinforce its long-term operational foundation. Executives say the move reflects confidence in the brand’s future and a belief that improving leadership at every level will ultimately drive better results for both employees and customers.

New Study: Coffee May Help Reduce the Risk of Frailty with Age

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

A recent study published in the European Journal of Nutrition has revealed that drinking between four to six cups of coffee a day may be associated with a lower risk of frailty among older adults — suggesting that this beloved beverage could play a greater role in maintaining health as we age.

According to the study, coffee has for centuries been linked to its distinctive aroma and ability to boost alertness. Today, however, researchers affirm that its impact goes beyond that — potentially helping to strengthen the body as it grows older.

Based on data from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam, which followed more than 1,100 individuals aged 55 and above for seven years, the research found that those who regularly drank between four and six cups of coffee per day were less likely to be classified as frail than those who drank two cups or fewer.

The researchers measured frailty using the Fried Frailty Phenotype, which evaluates five major indicators: unintentional weight loss, fatigue, reduced muscle strength, slow walking speed, and low physical activity.

The analyses showed that:

Those who drank more than four cups daily had about a 60% lower likelihood of being frail compared to those who drank fewer than two cups.

Those who consumed between two and four cups daily also showed a reduced long-term risk of frailty.

A clear decrease was observed in cases of muscle weakness and unintended weight loss among regular coffee drinkers.

Although the study does not prove that coffee directly causes lower frailty rates, it provides strong evidence of a protective link that merits further scientific investigation.

Why Coffee Might Help?

Scientists believe the secret lies in coffee’s rich composition of bioactive compounds. Coffee contains polyphenols, antioxidants, and caffeine, which help combat inflammation and oxidative stress — two key processes that accelerate ageing and weaken muscles and tissues.

Coffee also supports heart and vascular health, improves metabolism, and boosts physical activity, making it a potential factor in maintaining physical resilience and delaying age-related decline.

The Importance of Caution

Experts emphasize that these findings are observational and do not provide definitive proof of a cause-and-effect relationship between coffee consumption and reduced frailty risk. Other lifestyle or dietary factors could influence the results.

The researchers also noted that a “cup” in the study was defined as 125 milliliters, smaller than the typical serving size in many countries. Therefore, moderation is advised, and coffee intake should not exceed 400 milligrams of caffeine per day — equivalent to three to five cups — as recommended by the European Food Safety Authority.

The effects of coffee may vary depending on individual health conditions and caffeine tolerance. It is therefore advisable to consult a doctor before significantly increasing daily intake, especially for those with sleep disorders, heart problems, or anxiety.

This study adds a new chapter to the long and storied history of coffee. From the rituals of Sufi monks in Yemen to the cafés of Europe and the Arab world, coffee has long symbolized cultural and spiritual connection. Today, it seems to offer yet another dimension — the potential to support healthy ageing.

The researchers concluded that moderate coffee consumption is associated with improved physical health and a lower risk of frailty among older adults, reinforcing coffee’s position as a drink that unites both pleasure and benefit. Coffee, it seems, is not only a source of warmth and flavor — it may also be a companion to good health and a path toward an active, independent old age.

Intense Competition at the 2025 UAE National Cup Tasters Championship

Posted on by Qahwa World

Abu Dhabi – Qahwa World

The 2025 UAE National Cup Tasters Championship continued for the second consecutive day as part of Global Food Week, held at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC). The event brought together 84 experts, including some of the country’s finest baristas, tasters, and coffee professionals representing leading cafés and roasteries across the UAE. The competition witnessed fierce rivalry and sharp fluctuations in contestant rankings based on performance.

Organized by the Specialty Coffee Association of the UAE (SCA UAE), the championship is one of the country’s most prominent coffee competitions, bringing together top professionals and coffee enthusiasts to test their ability to identify flavors and subtle distinctions among different coffee profiles, in line with international standards set by World Coffee Events.

Saeed Al Balushi, Board Member of the Specialty Coffee Association of the UAE, said that the competition is far from easy, noting that participants undergo rigorous sensory tests to evaluate coffee based on flavor, aroma, and consistency, with the goal of determining the most accurate and professional taster.

He added that winning the title is no simple task; even highly skilled participants must demonstrate exceptional professionalism and deep expertise in coffee tasting and sensory analysis. The challenge lies in identifying the best cup among 16 coffees sourced from different countries, with varying roast levels and processing methods — a task that demands extraordinary precision and focus.

Al Balushi emphasized that victory requires not only knowledge and experience but also strong emotional control, heightened sensory awareness, and total concentration, without distractions that could affect performance.

He concluded by confirming that the championship winner, to be announced tomorrow at the closing ceremony, will represent the UAE at the World Cup Tasters Championship, scheduled to take place in Thailand in May 2026.

Coca-Cola Reassesses Its $5 Billion Coffee Investment

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

Coca-Cola is reconsidering its coffee strategy after its $5.1 billion acquisition of Costa Coffee failed to deliver the expected results.

CEO James Quincey admitted during the company’s recent earnings call that the “investment hypothesis didn’t work out as we expected.” The beverage giant had hoped Costa would drive significant growth beyond its traditional retail outlets, but that expansion has not materialized.

Despite the setback, Quincey emphasized that coffee remains a “super attractive category,” noting that Coca-Cola continues to invest in Costa’s UK operations and in expanding automated coffee machines under the Costa brand. However, he acknowledged that the business “hasn’t yet created the multiplier effect we were looking for.”

Coca-Cola is currently “reflecting” on how to position its coffee business moving forward. Reports from Reuters in August indicated that the company may be exploring a potential sale of Costa Coffee, though Quincey did not comment on that possibility.

Coca-Cola’s stock rose about 4% on Tuesday following its announcement that net sales increased by 5% to $12.46 billion in the third quarter.

The company’s coffee ventures also include experiments with Coca-Cola Coffee, a beverage blending the brand’s classic soda with coffee extract.

Starbucks Unveils AI Barista That Predicts Coffee Orders Before Customers Arrive

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

Starbucks is integrating artificial intelligence into its daily operations as part of a broader plan to enhance efficiency and customer experience. CEO Brian Niccol confirmed the company’s AI-driven direction during Salesforce’s Dreamforce 2025 event in San Francisco, according to Fortune.

Niccol explained that Starbucks is developing internal technologies designed to help baristas prepare drinks in real time — and potentially predict customers’ orders before they even place them. While the company is still in the learning and experimentation phase, Niccol emphasized that AI is already helping Starbucks pursue its ambition of becoming “the world’s great customer service company again.”

The “Green Dot Assist”

One of the company’s most advanced tools so far is called Green Dot Assist, described as a “barista assistant.” Piloted in June and now rolled out to additional stores, it operates as a chatbot-like system that supports store leaders in day-to-day operations — including guidance on drink preparation, troubleshooting equipment issues, and managing workflow.

A Starbucks spokesperson told TODAY.com that the tool is intended to assist employees rather than replace them, helping make their work smoother and more efficient.

Predictive Coffee Ordering

Niccol also noted that the Starbucks app remains central to the company’s AI strategy. He outlined a future scenario where customers might not even need to open the app — instead, they could simply say, “Hey, I need my Starbucks order. I’ll be there in 10 minutes,” and the AI system would have the drink ready upon arrival.

Despite these advancements, Niccol clarified that Starbucks is “not near” the stage of using a fully robotic workforce. The company, he said, remains committed to a “real craft” experience by having more human partners in stores to serve customers personally rather than relying on automation.

The Broader AI Movement in Coffee

Starbucks is not alone in exploring AI integration. At Hudson Yards in New York City, an AI-powered robotic barista named Jarvis is already preparing drinks for customers — even engaging with them via gestures and conversation before requesting a tip.

As AI technology continues to evolve, coffee chains around the world are experimenting with automation to strike a balance between innovation and preserving the artistry that defines the coffee experience.

CQI Launches Global Survey to Shape the Future of Coffee Quality

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

The Coffee Quality Institute (CQI) has announced the launch of its Global Priorities Assessment Survey, an open invitation to coffee professionals worldwide to help shape the organization’s future direction. The survey seeks insights from across the coffee value chain to identify the most pressing challenges and the most promising opportunities facing the global coffee sector today.

This new initiative follows CQI’s recent transition of the Q Program to the Specialty Coffee Association (SCA) earlier this month — a milestone that marks the beginning of a new chapter for the institute. As CQI redefines its mission for the years ahead, it is turning to the very community it serves to guide its next steps.

“CQI is entering a new phase in its work, and we would like to ask for your help in identifying the most pressing challenges and most promising opportunities we face as a sector,” the organization stated in its official announcement.

A Collaborative Effort for the Coffee Community

The Global Priorities Assessment Survey invites producers, traders, roasters, educators, donors, and project partners to evaluate various aspects of CQI’s work — including its technical expertise, educational offerings, credibility, affordability, and project outcomes. Participants are also encouraged to share their perspectives on how CQI can continue improving the quality of coffee globally and supporting the livelihoods of those who produce it.

Through this initiative, CQI aims to gain a deeper understanding of community priorities and use the results to inform future educational programs, research initiatives, and international partnerships. The collected insights will serve as a roadmap for how CQI continues pursuing its mission of improving coffee quality and the lives of those who make it possible.

Available in Nine Languages

To ensure inclusivity, the survey is available in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Swahili, and Indonesian, enabling broad participation from coffee professionals around the world.

Questions in the survey cover topics such as:

The quality and accessibility of CQI’s education programs

Affordability and value of CQI courses

The organization’s credibility and trustworthiness

The quality of its project work overseas

How CQI could better serve businesses and producers

Respondents can also provide open feedback on what they like most about CQI, what the organization could do more or less of, and what areas have the most room for improvement.

Shaping the Next Chapter

The CQI Global Priorities Assessment Survey will remain open until October 31, 2025, and all members of the global coffee community are encouraged to participate. The results will help guide CQI’s strategic planning and long-term development as it continues to promote excellence, transparency, and sustainability across the coffee sector.

By contributing to this global consultation, participants will help define the priorities that shape CQI’s next decade of work — ensuring that the organization’s efforts reflect the real challenges and ambitions of the worldwide coffee community.

Call to Action:
Take the CQI Global Priorities Assessment Survey before October 31, 2025, and share your perspective to help shape the future of coffee quality.

Click here 

 

The Barista League Launches 2026 Season, Redefining Coffee Competitions Worldwide

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

The Barista League has announced its groundbreaking 2026 Season, introducing a completely new competition format that reimagines what a coffee championship can be. The new concept, built around three central pillars — Concept, Service, and Product — marks a radical departure from traditional competitions that prioritize technical precision. Instead, it challenges baristas to craft and deliver experiential coffee concepts that merge creativity, storytelling, and service excellence.

According to The Barista League 2026 Rules, baristas are described as “the gatekeepers to the coffee experience.” Their role goes beyond brewing — they are responsible for translating the stories, culture, and craftsmanship behind coffee into memorable experiences for consumers.

A New Era for Coffee Competitions

In the restructured scoring system, Concept and Service together account for 62% of the total score, while Product represents 38%. This shift places greater emphasis on innovation, communication, and guest experience. Competitors will design complete experiential concepts that guide audiences through a sensory journey, using the stage, sound, and lighting of The Barista League to bring their ideas to life.

“We want to see bold, creative service concepts that push the boundaries of what a coffee experience can be,” said Steven Moloney, founder of The Barista League. “This stage is a platform for baristas to use in the most innovative and impactful ways they can imagine.”

Watchable, Interactive, and Global

The 2026 Season is designed to be dynamic and engaging for both in-person and online audiences. Judges and competitors will be mic’d up, performances will be displayed on large screens, and the events will include live commentary, interviews, and real-time scoring. Every event will also be live-streamed and available for replay, making the competition accessible to coffee enthusiasts worldwide.

A Platform for Innovation and Leadership

Staying true to its mission, The Barista League continues to highlight creativity, inclusivity, and leadership within the global coffee community. With minimal barriers to entry, the competition focuses on imagination and collaboration rather than expensive tools or technical setups.

“We are looking for baristas who want to push the boundaries of service, rethink what a coffee experience can be, and use this stage to shape the future of the industry,” the 2026 rules state.

Moloney added, “Despite enormous changes in the industry, the competition landscape has not developed significantly over the past 10 years. We want to create a platform for the future leaders of our industry to stand up and show us where we are going next.”

Global Tour Across Six Continents

The 2026 season will feature six events spanning six continents, each hosting six barista teams chosen by regional selection committees:

The Barista League — 2026 Locations & Dates
Continent City Date
Europe Prague 28 March 2026
Latin America Mexico City 8 May 2026
Asia Tokyo 11 June 2026
North America Atlanta 3 September 2026
Africa Johannesburg 3 October 2026
Pacific Brisbane 13 November 2026

For more information, visit thebaristaleague.com
.

Jack Simpson Wins 2025 World Barista Championship in Milan

Posted on by Qahwa World

Milan – Qahwa World

The global coffee community witnessed a new milestone in excellence as Jack Simpson of Australia was crowned the 2025 World Barista Champion at HostMilano in Italy, marking the culmination of five days of intense performances, creativity, and mastery in coffee craftsmanship.

Organized under the World Coffee Championships umbrella, the event celebrated its 25th year by bringing together 51 national champions from across the world, each representing their country’s unique coffee identity and innovation.

After four rigorous rounds — including preliminary, semi-final, and final stages — the judges announced the top six baristas whose artistry and precision stood out on the world stage.

🏆 Final Rankings – World Barista Championship 2025:

Jack Simpson (Australia) – Axil Coffee – 643.0 points

Simon SunLei (China) – Marus Coffee – 628.0 points

Ben Put (Canada) – Monogram Coffee – 592.5 points

Jason Loo (Malaysia) – Contour – 588.5 points

Hiroki Ito (Japan) – Sarutahiko Coffee – 566.0 points

Christopher Sahyoun Hoff (Denmark) – April – 412.0 points

Jack Simpson Crowned 2025 World Barista Champion in Milan

Throughout the competition, baristas showcased not only their technical skills but also their ability to tell stories through coffee — emphasizing sustainability, producer relationships, and sensory innovation. Each espresso served represented years of dedication to quality, community, and the evolving culture of specialty coffee.

Jack Simpson’s victory, representing Axil Coffee Roasters, cements Australia’s legacy as one of the world’s leading specialty coffee nations. His routine impressed judges with a balanced combination of flavor clarity, storytelling, and technical precision.

The 2025 World Barista Championship was powered by the Qualified Sponsors: Espresso Machine Sponsor; Grinder Sponsor Victoria Arduino; and Water Filtration Sponsor BWT water+more — who continue to support excellence and innovation within the barista profession.

As the curtains closed at HostMilano, the WBC reaffirmed its role as the world’s premier stage for barista talent, shaping how coffee is experienced across cultures and continents.

2025 uae aeropress championship returns this november with a new theme celebrating “qahwa qulture”

Posted on by Qahwa World

Dubai – Qahwa World

The UAE’s most anticipated and inclusive coffee competition is back – and promises to be better than ever.  The 2025 UAE AeroPress Championship returns for its ninth edition, bringing together competitors, café owners, industry professionals, and coffee lovers from across the Emirates in what is now considered one of the most exciting and dynamic coffee events in the region.

Building on the momentum of last year’s record-breaking success – which saw the UAE host the largest coffee competition in the world by number of competitors – the 2025 edition will celebrate the unique and evolving coffee culture of the Emirates under the theme: “A Celebration of Qahwa Qulture in the Emirates.”

This year’s theme pays tribute to the UAE’s deep-rooted coffee heritage – from traditional Arabic Qahwa brewed in a dallah to the rise of specialty coffee and modern methods like the AeroPress.  The event will highlight how these traditions now coexist and shape one of the most vibrant and innovative coffee cultures in the world.

The event’s host, Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC, said: “The global coffee industry generates more than USD 200 billion each year, spanning production, trade, culture, and consumption, and supports the livelihoods of approximately 25 million farmers. As a longstanding champion of the sector, I have witnessed first-hand the opportunities it creates for producers and consumers alike. As the industry continues to expand and transform, the UAE AeroPress Championship is not only a celebration of brewing excellence; it is a platform for cultural expression and global connection. Hosting the championship at DMCC’s Almas Tower, with support from the DMCC Coffee Centre, which processed more than 7,400 metric tonnes of coffee in 2024 and has recently expanded its capacity to provide even greater market access for our members, reflects our continued commitment to advancing the sector and strengthens Dubai’s position as a global hub for coffee heritage, trade, and innovation.”

The organizer of the event and CEO of Mokha 1450, Garfield Kerr, said: “Dubai and the UAE writ large has become one of the leading specialty coffee markets and coffee destinations in the world, and I do not think this happened by chance. The long history of coffee in the UAE means that coffee is not just a daily dose of caffeine to get you through the day, but a cultural cornerstone that elevates and adds a sense of measure to a normal day.  Furthermore, coffee is used to imbue importance and ceremony to significant events and social gatherings.  Each household has a special recipe for “Qahwa” or “coffee”, that is closely guarded, passed down for generations, and is still referenced for the daily preparation of coffee. For this reason, there is always a very strong level of enthusiasm, passion, as well as innovation at the UAE AeroPress Championship. Accordingly, this year’s iteration, will place the cultural significance of Qahwa in the UAE on full display.”

EVENT FORMAT & DATES

For 2025, the Championship will again feature two Regional Championships followed by the National Championship, all hosted at the DMCC Almas Conference Centre, Almas Tower, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai.

  • REGION ONE CHAMPIONSHIP
    November 6th, 2025 – 6pm onwards
    Featuring: Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain
  • REGION TWO CHAMPIONSHIP
    November 7th, 2025 – 6pm onwards
    Featuring: Dubai, Ajman, and Fujairah
  • 2025 NATIONAL AEROPRESS CHAMPIONSHIP
    November 8th, 2025 – 6pm onwards
    Featuring: 21 finalists – the top three from each Emirate

Each regional round will see 36 competitors per Emirate, highlighting the growing interest and talent across the country.

The national champion will earn the honour of representing the UAE at the 2025 World AeroPress Championship, which takes place December 5th and 6th, in Seoul, South Korea.

A GATHERING FOR THE ENTIRE COFFEE COMMUNITY – AND IT’S FREE TO ATTEND

More than just a competition, the UAE AeroPress Championship is a celebration of community, craftsmanship, and culture.  This open and inclusive event welcomes everyone – from professional baristas to hobbyist brewers, café owners, coffee brands, and curious spectators.

Attendees will be immersed in a vibrant atmosphere filled with activations, specialty coffee tastings, AeroPress giveaways, and engaging community programming. It’s the perfect place to discover emerging coffee trends, connect with local roasters, and witness coffee excellence in action.

ABOUT THE COMPETITION

The World AeroPress Championship is the most accessible and widespread coffee competition globally, with over 175 events across more than 60 countries and 5,000+ participants annually.  The format is simple, fun, and fast-paced, providing a relaxed environment where creativity and technique shine.

All competitors brew using the AeroPress with the same coffee provided by the official coffee sponsor, ensuring a level playing field that truly tests brewing skill and ingenuity.

WHAT IS AN AEROPRESS?

The AeroPress is a compact and affordable manual coffee brewing device that uses a combination of pressure and immersion to create unique coffee profiles.  Invented by Alan Adler, its flexibility and ease of use have made it a favourite among baristas and home brewers alike.  The first AeroPress Championship was held in 2008 and has since grown into a global phenomenon.

SPONSORS

GOLD

– Aiya

– Polpanorte

– CMI

– Bon’cafe

– Oatley

– Lohas

  SILVER

– Stree F&B

– KGN

– Raw Coffee Company

– Coffee Museum

– Karam

 

  BRONZE

– Steens

– Brewing Gadgets

– Victoria Arduino

MEDIA PARTNER

– Qahwaworld