Category: News

Dubai, August 4, 2025 – (Qahwa World) – In a move that brings specialty coffee to new heights, Peet’s Coffee has entered into a strategic collaboration with a major U.S. airline, ensuring its signature brew will now be served on all flights operated by Southwest Airlines.

This development marks the first time Peet’s has partnered with a national carrier of this scale. With Southwest’s fleet of over 800 aircraft connecting more than 100 destinations across the U.S., Puerto Rico, Mexico, and the Caribbean, the partnership significantly expands Peet’s in-flight presence.

Peet’s Coffee President and CEO, Eric Lauterbach, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, highlighting its potential to create meaningful moments for travelers. “This partnership isn’t just about scale—it’s about sharing the Peet’s experience with millions of people at 30,000 feet.”

The partnership extends beyond the cabin. Peet’s coffee is already available in 25 airports frequented by Southwest passengers, including major hubs like Denver, Houston, and Phoenix.

For Southwest Airlines, the move aligns with ongoing efforts to elevate the in-flight experience. Tony Roach, Executive Vice President of Customer & Brand, emphasized that thoughtful touches like quality coffee contribute to passenger comfort and satisfaction. “We’re committed to enhancing every stage of the journey, and a well-crafted cup of coffee is a key part of that promise.”

Starting August 13, passengers will be able to enjoy the “Off the Grid” blend on board—a medium roast featuring carefully sourced beans from Colombia and El Salvador.

This partnership symbolizes a growing trend in the airline industry to bring artisanal food and beverage offerings to travelers seeking more personalized experiences in the skies.

Dubai – 4 August 2025 (Qahwa World) – A cappuccino might be a simple pleasure, but in some cities, it comes at a luxury price. According to Deutsche Bank’s 2025 “Mapping the World’s Prices” report, the cost of this popular coffee drink varies dramatically across the globe.

Based on average cappuccino prices sourced from Numbeo and converted into US dollars, the report shows that Zurich and Copenhagen are tied for the highest average price: $6.77 per cup. In contrast, coffee lovers in Cairo or Rome can enjoy their favorite brew for less than $2.

Top 10 Most Expensive Cities for a Cappuccino in 2025:

1. Zurich, Switzerland – $6.77

2. Copenhagen, Denmark – $6.77

3. New York, USA – $5.95

4. Abu Dhabi, UAE – $5.84

5. Edinburgh, United Kingdom – $5.28

6. Helsinki, Finland – $5.13

7. Stockholm, Sweden – $5.10

8. Hong Kong – $5.09

9. Doha, Qatar – $5.08

10. Vienna, Austria – $4.96

These high prices are often linked to the cost of living, labor, taxes, and even café culture. In Zurich and Copenhagen, for instance, strong wages and expensive rents contribute to the premium. In Abu Dhabi, upscale coffee shops and luxury offerings—including gold-infused drinks—play a role.

Cities Where Cappuccinos Are Surprisingly Affordable

On the other side of the spectrum, Cairo, Egypt offers the world’s most budget-friendly cappuccino at just $1.57. Rome, Italy, known for its deep-rooted espresso culture, follows with an average price of $1.79. Other wallet-friendly cities include:

• Delhi, India – $2.07

• Milan, Italy – $2.15

• Mumbai, India – $2.58

Lower coffee prices in these cities are often a result of local sourcing, lower operational costs, and a cultural emphasis on accessibility.

Why Prices Differ Around the World

The variation in cappuccino prices comes down to several factors:

• Cost of living – Higher wages and living standards increase café operating expenses.

• Real estate and rent – Coffee shops in major cities pay premium rents, especially in tourist districts.

• Taxes and imports – In cities that rely on imported coffee or dairy, prices rise accordingly.

• Café type – Chain coffee shops or cafés in high-end neighborhoods often charge more than local favorites.

Smart Tips for Coffee Drinkers

If you’re traveling and want to enjoy good coffee without overspending:

• Try locally owned cafés instead of tourist-oriented ones.

• If you’re in a high-cost city like Zurich, brew at home when possible.

• Use apps like Numbeo to check average local prices.

• Consider traveling to affordable coffee cities like Rome or Cairo, where the experience is rich but the cost is not.

As global café culture continues to evolve, the price of a cappuccino remains a telling indicator of a city’s economy—and its relationship with coffee.

Beijing – August 3, 2025 (Qahwa World) – China has approved 183 new Brazilian companies to export coffee to its markets, in a move widely seen as a strategic shift in the global trade map—especially as it follows the United States’ recent announcement of a 50% tariff on Brazilian coffee and several other imports, effective August 6.

The Chinese decision, announced by the Chinese Embassy in Brazil, came into effect on July 30 and grants the new export licenses a validity of five years—a valuable opportunity for Brazilian exporters impacted by the recent U.S. trade policy.

The United States is the largest importer of Brazilian coffee, purchasing around 8 million 60-kg bags annually, representing roughly one-third of U.S. coffee consumption, with a total value of nearly $4.4 billion in the 12 months ending June 2025.

However, the new U.S. tariffs have pushed Brazil—the world’s top coffee producer—to seek alternative markets. China stepped in swiftly, seizing the geopolitical moment to enhance its role as a major importer of agricultural commodities and diversify its sources, especially in the rapidly growing domestic coffee sector.

In June alone, Brazil exported approximately 440,034 bags to the U.S., compared to only 56,000 bags to China, according to data from the Brazilian Coffee Exporters Council (Cecafé). This significant gap underscores the potential for China to expand its imports and strengthen its domestic coffee culture.

According to experts, the impact of this move goes beyond the bilateral ties between Beijing and Brasília. It reflects a new global reality marked by the restructuring of supply chains amid rising trade tensions.

For Brazil, diversifying export markets is no longer optional—it is an economic necessity. China, in particular, is showing growing interest in specialty coffee, fueled by the rise of coffee culture among young people in major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.

Companies like Starbucks China and Luckin Coffee are fueling this demand, presenting a major opportunity for Brazilian farmers and exporters—especially those engaged in sustainable production chains and offering traceable, high-quality crops.

The five-year validity of the new export licenses offers Brazilian farmers and traders a measure of stability amid market fluctuations. It also enhances their ability to plan upcoming harvests and redirect investments to meet Chinese market demands.

The Chinese decision may ease the shock of the U.S. tariffs and could mark the beginning of a fundamental shift in the global coffee trade, with the potential for large volumes of Brazilian coffee to head east instead of west.

This move is far from being a mere bureaucratic adjustment—it is a clear signal that China is emerging as a major player in the global coffee market, especially amid growing protectionist policies in the West.

While many still question China’s capacity to absorb such large volumes of Brazilian coffee, industry experts believe the future may be Asian—driven by the rise of China’s middle class and a consumer taste increasingly leaning toward specialty coffee.

Wesley Chapel – August 3, 2025 (Qahwa World) – Coffee enthusiasts in Wesley Chapel can look forward to a new and culturally rich café experience with the upcoming opening of Haraz Coffee House at 1722 Bruce B. Downs Blvd., in the Shoppes at New Tampa plaza, next to Fine Ink Studios. A sign at the location reads “Brewing Soon,” sparking curiosity and anticipation among locals.

Founded in Detroit in 2021 by Hamzah Nasser, Haraz Coffee is rooted in a mission to share Yemen’s legendary coffee heritage with the world. The brand prides itself on sourcing premium Yemeni beans and preserving traditional coffee-making methods to offer what it describes as “bold, authentic flavors of Yemen in every cup.”

Since its launch, the chain has rapidly expanded to 31 locations across 13 U.S. states, with 185 additional outlets reportedly in development. The Wesley Chapel location will become Florida’s second, following an existing branch in Orlando.

The Haraz menu features a diverse selection of coffee and beverages that reflect both international and Middle Eastern tastes. Options range from classic espresso drinks such as lattes and cappuccinos to traditional preparations like Turkish and Saudi coffee. Unique offerings include spiced drinks infused with cardamom, ginger, or saffron, alongside non-coffee items like matcha, green tea, and hot chocolate.

Guests can also indulge in house-made desserts such as milk cakes, cheesecake, and cinnamon rolls. Additionally, Haraz sells branded merchandise, coffeemakers, and bulk coffee, catering to both casual drinkers and at-home brewers.

While the official opening date for the Wesley Chapel location remains unconfirmed, local anticipation is high. A representative from the Orlando branch confirmed that the new shop is managed by a separate franchisee and could not provide further details on the launch timeline.

For updates, follow local news or visit HarazCoffeeHouse.com.

Coffee prices in Russia are expected to rise in 2026 — anywhere from 5% to 40%, depending on global market developments. Economist Lyuza Baiguzina attributes this projected increase to extreme weather conditions in producing countries, rising inflation, and shifting consumer demand.

Moscow – August 2, 2025 (Qahwa World) – Russian consumers should brace for another spike in coffee prices in 2026, warns Lyuza Baiguzina, Candidate of Economic Sciences and Associate Professor at IMES, in an interview with Gazeta.Ru. According to her, even in the most optimistic case, a price increase is inevitable.

Baiguzina points to several contributing factors:

• Drought and extreme weather in key producing countries like Brazil and Vietnam,

• Global inflation, increasing production and transportation costs,

• Changing consumption patterns, with coffee becoming more of a lifestyle product.

Forecasted Scenarios for 2026:

• Optimistic (5–10%) – if weather conditions stabilize and supply chains normalize.

• Moderate (10–20%) – if current negative trends persist without worsening.

• Pessimistic (20–40% or more) – if droughts, inflation, and disruptions continue or intensify.

According to the analytics platform Kontur.Market, coffee prices in Russian stores already rose by 27% over the past year, with a 150g package now averaging 379 rubles. Despite this, demand increased by 4%, showing strong consumer attachment to coffee.

Earlier in 2025, reports indicated that Arabica coffee could rise by another 40% by year-end, due to a weakening ruble, logistical delays, and droughts in Brazil — the world’s largest coffee exporter.

In mid-September 2024, global coffee prices reached a 13-year high, exceeding $2.68 per pound ($5.9 per kilogram). The spike was caused by extreme heat and low rainfall in Brazil, damaging harvests and tightening global supply.

What Lies Ahead for Russia’s Coffee Market?

Experts agree that weather conditions in producing countries will continue to play a decisive role. However, another rising factor is cultural: more Russians are viewing coffee not just as a beverage, but as a lifestyle symbol — potentially increasing long-term demand.

Meanwhile, despite global uncertainties, Indonesian coffee exports to Russia surged nearly tenfold between January and May 2025, totaling $33.4 million in trade value — indicating growing diversification in sourcing.

August 2, 2025 – Qahwa World – Coffee futures fell significantly on Friday, driven by reduced concerns over supply disruptions and promising harvest updates from major producing countries.

September arabica coffee (KCU25) dropped by 3.92% (-11.60 points), settling at a three-week low, while September robusta coffee (RMU25) declined by 2.09% (-71 points). The bearish trend was fueled by speculation that former U.S. President Donald Trump might exempt Brazilian coffee from potential import tariffs. Brazil’s Cecafe and the U.S.-based National Coffee Association have reportedly entered discussions with U.S. trade authorities to secure exemptions for coffee exports. U.S. Commerce Secretary Lutnick hinted earlier this week that products not manufactured domestically may be excluded from new tariff measures.

Brazil’s ongoing coffee harvest has been a key factor in the market downturn. Cooxupe, Brazil’s largest coffee cooperative and export group, reported that 67% of its harvest was completed as of July 25. Separately, Safras & Mercado estimated the national 2025/26 harvest at 84% completion by July 23—well ahead of the five-year average of 77%. The robusta harvest was 96% complete, while arabica stood at 76%.

Recent rainfall in Brazil has eased drought concerns. Somar Meteorologia reported that Minas Gerais—Brazil’s primary arabica-growing region—received 3.5 mm of rainfall during the week ending July 26, more than 200% above the seasonal average.

Coffee prices have been trending downward over the last three months due to expectations of ample supply. On June 25, the USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS) projected a 0.5% year-on-year increase in Brazil’s 2025/26 coffee output to 65 million bags. Vietnam, the world’s top robusta producer, is expected to see a 6.9% increase to 31 million bags, the highest in four years.

Globally, the USDA forecasts that total coffee production in 2025/26 will rise by 2.5% to a record 178.68 million bags. Robusta production is set to grow by 7.9% to 81.66 million bags, while arabica output is expected to fall by 1.7% to 97.02 million bags. Ending stocks are projected to increase by 4.9% to 22.82 million bags.

Vietnam’s 2023/24 coffee production declined by 20% year-on-year due to drought, the smallest crop in four years. Total exports also dropped by 17.1% to 1.35 million metric tons. However, the Vietnam National Statistics Office reported a 4.1% year-on-year increase in coffee exports during the first half of 2025, totaling 943,000 metric tons.

While updated forecasts eliminated rainfall from the near-term outlook for Vietnam’s coffee regions, providing some support for robusta prices, ICE Europe data shows speculative funds increased their short positions in robusta futures to 5,854 contracts by July 29—the largest short position in two years—raising the potential for a short-covering rally.

ICE-monitored arabica inventories fell to a 5.5-month low of 761,453 bags on Friday, a factor supportive of arabica prices. On the other hand, ICE robusta inventories rose to a 12-month high of 7,029 lots, adding further pressure to robusta markets.

Brazil’s June green coffee exports declined 31% year-on-year to 2.3 million bags. Arabica exports fell 27% to 1.8 million bags, and robusta exports dropped 42% to 476,334 bags, according to Cecafe. These figures signal potential tightening ahead, despite the current downward trend.

Despite the USDA’s forecast for record global production, consultancy Volcafe projects an arabica coffee deficit of 8.5 million bags for the 2025/26 season—up from 5.5 million the previous year—marking the fifth consecutive year of arabica supply shortfalls.

While speculative activity and favorable weather in Brazil are pressuring prices, concerns over Vietnam’s weather and long-term arabica deficits may temper the bearish momentum in the weeks ahead.

Kipkelion West – August 2, 2025 (Qahwa World) – Kenyan specialty coffee exporter Sumseron Coffee has officially opened pre-orders for its upcoming 2026 harvest of traceable SL28 lots, cultivated between 1900–2000 meters above sea level across multiple high-potential origins in Kenya. The offering includes over 15 tons of fully washed, high-cupping coffee produced under regenerative farming practices and community-led sourcing models, including women-run cooperatives.

“We don’t just export coffee; we export stories — of resilience, identity, and excellence,” said John Seroney, founder of Sumseron Coffee.

A Multi-Origin Offering with Distinct Profiles

The 2026 release includes a curated portfolio of SL28, SL34, Batian, and Ruiru 11 varieties. All lots undergo full-washing and are sun-dried on raised beds, with cupping scores ranging from 87.25 to 88.75. Full traceability is available for each lot.

Key Producing Regions:

• Kaplelgot Coffee Estate – Kipkelion West, Kericho County
  Managed by the Seroney family, this high-elevation estate grows SL28 on volcanic soil. The resulting cups are classic Kenyan: blackcurrant, citrus, floral.

• Kipkelion Women in Coffee – Kericho County
  A network of women smallholders cultivating SL28 and SL34. With training and direct market access, their coffees reflect resilience and remarkable quality.

• Kimama Estate & Cheptais Cooperative – Mount Elgon, Bungoma County
  Located on Mount Elgon’s misty slopes, these producers grow SL28 and Batian, yielding coffees with berry sweetness and tea-like finishes.

• Sirwo Coffee Estates – Trans Nzoia County
  Near the Cherangany Hills, Sirwo grows SL28 and Ruiru 11 using regenerative soil methods, producing cups with winey acidity and silky body.

• West Pokot Cooperative – West Pokot County
  This emerging region offers vibrant lots with tropical fruit notes, red florals, and crisp acidity. Sumseron is investing in its development to unlock long-term value.

Cup Profile Summary:

• Varieties: SL28, SL34, Batian, Ruiru 11

• Altitude: 1900–2000 MASL

• Processing: Fully washed, sun-dried on raised beds

• Cupping Scores: 87.25 to 88.75

• Flavor Notes: Blackcurrant, citrus, red berries, florals, silky body, tea-like finish

• Sustainability: Women-led, regenerative, and community-based

• Traceability: Full lot-level transparency

Pre-Orders Open for Global Roasters and Importers

Sumseron Coffee is now accepting orders from roasters, green coffee buyers, and importers ahead of the 2026 shipping window. Coffee is available in 60kg GrainPro-lined bags, shipped FOB Mombasa or as part of consolidated East African lots.

“We’re committed to building sourcing relationships based on transparency, consistency, and long-term impact,” added Seroney.

📦 Available Quantity: 15+ tons
📨 Contact: [email protected]
🌐 Website: www.sumseroncoffee.com

Dubai – August 2, 2025 (Qahwa World) –At the 21st session of the Circular Economy Working Group in Coffee, Natalia Fernandes Carr, ESG Manager at Cooxupé, presented an overview of how Latin America’s largest coffee cooperative is integrating circular economy and sustainability principles across its operations.

Speaking alongside representatives from Kenya and Brazil, Carr highlighted Cooxupé’s holistic approach to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices — from regenerative agriculture and waste reuse to farmer training and ecosystem preservation.

Founded in 1932, Cooxupé (Cooperativa Regional de Cafeicultores em Guaxupé) represents thousands of smallholder coffee farmers across multiple Brazilian states. In recent years, the cooperative has expanded its sustainability commitments to include climate adaptation, reduced dependency on chemical inputs, and a full embrace of circular economy practices at the farm level.

During the session, Carr emphasized several key strategies being implemented:

• Supporting farmers in adopting bio-inputs and reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers and pesticides

• Promoting reuse of coffee husks and spent grounds as mulch and compost within farm systems

• Investing in on-farm training programs for regenerative agriculture and climate-smart land use

• Integrating monitoring tools to track environmental performance (water use, soil quality, biodiversity)

• Collaborating with public and private partners to fund and scale sustainable initiatives

She explained that circularity at Cooxupé is not treated as a side project or marketing tool — it is embedded into the cooperative’s core business model, with a focus on long-term resilience and shared value creation.

“We view sustainability not as a cost, but as an opportunity to create stronger farms, healthier ecosystems, and better markets,” said Carr.

The cooperative also plays a key role in data collection and reporting, supporting ESG transparency across its supply chain, and helping member farmers comply with growing sustainability regulations and export requirements.

Carr’s remarks came as part of a broader Working Group session hosted by the Center for Circular Economy in Coffee (C4CEC), in coordination with the Coffee Guide Network and the International Trade Centre (ITC). The July 2025 session focused on regenerative agriculture and circular innovation across producing countries, with Cooxupé’s example serving as a model of how cooperative infrastructure can scale climate action.

August 2, 2025 – (Qahwa World) – Luiza Mantiça Kreimeier, Technical Advisor at the Brazilian National Coffee Council (CNC), shared insights into one of Brazil’s most ambitious regenerative agriculture initiatives — the Café Produtor de Água program — during the 21st session of the Circular Economy Working Group, hosted by the Center for Circular Economy in Coffee (C4CEC) and the Coffee Guide Network.

Kreimeier’s presentation focused on how the program is helping to restore degraded land, protect water resources, and strengthen the resilience of coffee-growing regions across Brazil. Her session formed part of a broader panel on regenerative agriculture, which included field-based experiences from Kenya and Brazil.

The Café Produtor de Água initiative, whose name translates to “Water-Producing Coffee Farmer,” promotes practical environmental actions designed to revitalize watersheds and ensure long-term water availability for rural and urban areas alike. According to Kreimeier, the program also contributes to increased farmer income and climate resilience through integrated, land-based interventions.

Among the measures adopted within the program:

• Contour planting and terrace construction to improve water infiltration and reduce erosion

• Tree planting and reforestation of degraded areas, particularly along rivers and springs

• Fencing of water sources to protect recharge zones

• Planting green manure crops between coffee rows to increase organic matter

• Training of farmers and machinery operators on soil and water conservation

• Monitoring of rainfall and terrace water levels

One of the program’s distinguishing features is its Environmental Services Payment (PSA) model, which compensates farmers financially for adopting practices that generate ecological benefits — including improved water flow, biodiversity restoration, and reduced chemical inputs.

“This isn’t just about environmental protection,” Kreimeier said. “It’s about improving rural livelihoods through sustainability.”

In addition to environmental outcomes, the program includes infrastructure improvements like reshaping rural roads with elevated areas to slow runoff and prevent erosion. Farmers are also trained to use tools such as rain gauges and water-level markers to monitor seasonal changes and adapt their practices accordingly.

The program supports Brazil’s broader national strategy for circular economy and environmental resilience. Kreimeier noted that Brazil now produces 27 million tons of coffee husk waste annually, underscoring the urgent need for integrated waste reuse policies. Agriculture has been identified as a key priority sector under Brazil’s National Circular Economy Plan (PLANEC 2025–2034) and the National Circular Economy Strategy (ENEC).

In closing, she invited global partners to learn from and collaborate with the program, which she described as “a living laboratory for climate-smart coffee.”

Her contribution came alongside insights from Kenyan farmer David Waweru and ESG specialist Natalia Fernandes Carr of Cooxupé Cooperative, forming a multi-regional snapshot of regenerative practices that are being piloted — and scaled — across the Global South.

Dubai – August 2, 2025 (Qahwa World) – Kenyan farmer David Lenny Waweru, owner of Ruwawa Farm, shared his practical experience in regenerative agriculture during the 21st session of the Working Group on Circular Economy in Coffee, organized by the Center for Circular Economy in Coffee (C4CEC) in coordination with the Coffee Guide Network and the International Trade Centre (ITC).

Waweru’s presentation was part of a broader discussion focused entirely on regenerative agriculture. He participated as one of the farmers involved in the Kenya Circular Coffee Pilot Project, which aims to restore soil fertility through simple, low-cost agricultural practices adapted to smallholder farmers.

In his remarks, Waweru explained how his journey toward regenerative farming began after years of facing soil degradation, declining yields, and erratic rainfall. Through the pilot project, he implemented several practices, including using coffee husks as organic mulch to retain soil moisture and reduce weed growth, composting coffee and farm waste to improve organic content and biological activity in the soil, planting cover crops to fix nitrogen and prevent erosion, constructing small rainwater harvesting pits and basic terraces to allow water infiltration rather than runoff, and integrating trees within the coffee plots to enhance shade and biodiversity.

He noted that these practices started showing results within a single farming season. “The smell of the soil changed,” he said. “Life returned — from earthworms to deeper color and increased fertility.”

In addition to the direct impact on his land, Waweru spoke about the change he began observing among neighboring farmers. Many started visiting his farm, asking questions, and gradually adopting some of the same techniques. “When they saw I wasn’t using chemical fertilizers but still had strong, healthy trees, they got curious,” he said. “Now we’re exchanging compost recipes.”

He emphasized the importance of collaborative learning among farmers, seeing knowledge sharing as a key enabler for spreading regenerative practices without needing large-scale external interventions.

Despite the progress, Waweru acknowledged several ongoing challenges, particularly the need for more manual labor to carry out these practices, and the lack of clear market incentives for farmers who apply regenerative methods.

Nonetheless, he stressed that his vision is guided by long-term thinking. “If I care for the land today, it will feed us and our children for decades. But if we deplete it, we’ll only take what we have now — and lose the future.”

He also expressed his ambition to expand his work by engaging local youth, documenting practices digitally, and collaborating with broader farming networks to share the experience.

Waweru’s contribution offered a compelling example of how smallholder farmers can lead sustainable transitions from the ground up, using knowledge, creativity, and community support. His story was one of several real-world case studies shared during the July session, alongside experiences from Brazil and other coffee-producing regions.

A new gourmet sanctuary opens at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh

Riyadh – August 1, 2025 (Qahwa World) – In a pioneering step toward redefining the fine dining landscape in Saudi Arabia, Café Boulud at Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh has unveiled the Kingdom’s first-ever Cheese and Non-Alcoholic Wine Library. This innovative concept offers a curated, rotating selection of over 60 artisanal cheeses, premium cold cuts, and a refined range of non-alcoholic wines, curated by Philippe Caillouet, a Meilleur Ouvrier de France in service craftsmanship and Riyadh’s first French cheesemonger.

Each cheese is carefully selected to suit Saudi tastes and imported exclusively through Four Seasons channels. From hand-pressed Camembert to long-aged wheels with bold flavor profiles, every piece is aged to perfection and paired with thoughtfully chosen charcuterie and gourmet condiments.

Complementing the cheese collection is a sophisticated range of non-alcoholic wines tailored for the growing demand for upscale halal dining. Highlights include:

• Bella – A premium Italian sparkling wine from Iris Vigneti, crafted through a patented method that preserves aromas of green apple, mint, and basil. Unpasteurized and fresh, Bella offers a refined perlage ideal for gourmet pairings.

• Lussory – A Spanish brand known for its halal-certified Merlot, Chardonnay, and Airen-based whites. Produced using a patented de-alcoholization technique, these wines maintain their authentic grape character while being low in calories, vegan-friendly, and free from additives.

The Cheese and Wine Library is more than a tasting room—it is an immersive culinary journey. Guests are invited to explore personalized pairings under the guidance of Philippe Caillouet, who brings the finesse of a sommelier and the passion of a mentor. The full experience can be enjoyed in the elegant setting of Café Boulud, with select cheeses and charcuterie also available for takeaway.

Weekly Masterclass Series

Beginning September 2, 2025, Café Boulud will host a Cheese and Wine Pairing Masterclass every Tuesday evening, led by Philippe Caillouet.

• When: Tuesdays | 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM (through the end of the year)

• Experience: A guided tasting of five curated cheeses, expertly paired with condiments and a specially designed non-alcoholic wine program

• Price: SAR 225 per guest

Whether you’re a seasoned connoisseur or simply curious, the Cheese and Non-Alcoholic Wine Library promises a refined journey through taste, culture, and craftsmanship—anchored in quality and elevated by a master’s touch.